Peakline Software · Security Analysis

Is Lightshot Safe?
What You Need to Know in 2026

Lightshot has been flagged for serious privacy vulnerabilities. Here's what's happening and what alternatives exist.

Published March 2026 · Independent analysis

Key Findings
  • Lightshot screenshots uploaded to prntscr.com are publicly accessible via sequential URLs
  • The extension has not been updated since July 2024
  • Multiple universities have blocked it for cybersecurity reasons

The Privacy Problem

Lightshot's optional upload feature sends screenshots to prntscr.com, where they're assigned sequential, publicly-accessible URLs. Anyone who can guess or enumerate these URLs can view screenshots that may contain sensitive information.

This vulnerability was reported by WIRED and has been independently verified by security researchers. Screenshots containing personal data, financial information, and private communications have been found accessible through simple URL enumeration.

Source: WIRED, "The Lightshot screenshot app is a privacy nightmare"

The Broken Screenshots Problem

Since the v7.0.1 update in July 2024, many Windows 11 and macOS users report that Lightshot saves blank or white images instead of actual screenshots. The developer has not released a fix in over 20 months.

This issue appears consistently in recent user reviews and support forums, with no official response from the development team.

Permission Concerns

Lightshot requests broad permissions including access to all websites you visit. Many users are unaware of what these permissions allow.

Screenshot Extension Comparison

Feature ClearShot Lightshot GoFullPage
Area selection Yes Broken (blank) Full page only
Annotation tools Arrows, text, shapes, freehand Arrows, text, shapes Premium only
Data stays local Always local Uploads to public URL Local
Account required No Optional For premium
Permissions 2 (activeTab + scripting) All websites activeTab
Last updated March 2026 July 2024 Active
Extension size 54 KB ~500 KB ~200 KB

Try ClearShot: Privacy-First Screenshots

Area select, annotate, save locally. No upload, no account, no tracking. Only 2 permissions.

Install from Chrome Web Store Free · No account required · 54 KB

Other Alternatives Worth Considering

  • GoFullPage — Best for full-page screenshots. Different use case (captures entire scrollable page, not a selected area). Free with premium annotation tools.
  • ShareX — Powerful desktop screenshot tool (Windows only). Not a Chrome extension, but excellent for power users who need desktop-level capture.
  • Windows Snipping Tool — Built into Windows. Good for quick captures but lacks in-browser annotation.
  • FireShot — Full-page focused Chrome extension. Mature tool with good reviews.

What to Look for in a Screenshot Extension

  • Minimal permissions — Extensions that request "access to all websites" can read your browsing data. Look for activeTab (per-click access only).
  • Local storage — Screenshots should save to your device, not upload to external servers by default.
  • Active maintenance — Check the "last updated" date on the Chrome Web Store. Abandoned extensions accumulate security vulnerabilities.
  • No account required — A screenshot tool shouldn't need your email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Lightshot screenshots blank?
Since the July 2024 update (v7.0.1), Lightshot's capture mechanism has been broken on Windows 11 and some macOS versions. Screenshots save as blank white images. The developer has not released a fix.
Can anyone see my Lightshot screenshots?
If you've used Lightshot's upload feature (sharing via prntscr.com), your screenshots may be publicly accessible. The URLs follow a predictable pattern that can be enumerated.
What's the safest screenshot extension for Chrome?
Look for extensions that: (1) use only activeTab permission, (2) save screenshots locally by default, (3) don't require an account, and (4) are actively maintained.