How to Screenshot on Windows

Taking a screenshot is a useful skill that allows you to capture and save images of your computer screen. Whether you want to share an interesting moment from a video, capture an error message for technical support, or save an important document, knowing how to take a screenshot in Windows can come in handy. Windows provides several built-in methods to capture screenshots, and in this guide, we will explore different techniques to help you easily capture and save screenshots on your Windows computer.

Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen (PrtScn) key is a simple and effective way to capture screenshots in Windows. It captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into an image editing software or any other application.

To capture a screenshot using the Print Screen key, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Print Screen (PrtScn) key on your keyboard. It is usually located in the top-right corner, labeled as “PrtScn” or “Print Screen.”
2. Make sure the content you want to capture is visible on your screen.
3. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key. This will capture a screenshot of the entire screen and save it to the clipboard.
4. Open an image editing software, such as Paint, Photoshop, or Microsoft Word.
5. Paste the screenshot into the software by pressing “Ctrl + V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste.”
6. Save the screenshot in your desired format and location by selecting “File” > “Save” or using the respective keyboard shortcuts.

Congratulations! You have successfully captured a screenshot using the Print Screen key. This method is ideal for capturing the entire screen, but if you only want to capture a specific window or region, continue reading to learn more.

Capturing a Specific Window with Alt + Print Screen

Sometimes, you may only need to capture a specific window instead of the entire screen. Using the Alt + Print Screen key combination allows you to capture a screenshot of the active window, making it a convenient method for focusing on specific content.

To capture a screenshot of a specific window using Alt + Print Screen, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the window you want to capture is active and visible on your screen.
2. Press the Alt + Print Screen key combination simultaneously. This will capture a screenshot of the active window and save it to the clipboard.
3. Open an image editing software or any other application where you want to save the screenshot.
4. Paste the screenshot into the software by pressing “Ctrl + V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste.”
5. Save the screenshot in your desired format and location by selecting “File” > “Save” or using the respective keyboard shortcuts.

Great job! You have successfully captured a screenshot of a specific window using the Alt + Print Screen key combination. If you want to capture a specific region of the screen, continue reading to discover another useful method.

Using the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot utility available in Windows that provides more advanced options for capturing screenshots. It allows you to capture specific regions of the screen and provides annotation tools to enhance your screenshots.

To capture a screenshot using the Snipping Tool, follow these steps:

1. Open the Snipping Tool by typing “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar and selecting the app from the search results.
2. Once the Snipping Tool is open, click on “New” to start a new snip.
3. Your screen will fade, and the cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag the crosshair to select the region you want to capture.
4. Release the mouse button to capture the selected region. The captured screenshot will open in the Snipping Tool’s editor.
5. Use the annotation tools in the Snipping Tool’s editor to add text, highlight areas, or draw on the screenshot, if desired.
6. Save the screenshot by selecting “File” > “Save As” or using the respective keyboard shortcuts. Choose your desired format and location to save the screenshot.

Well done! You have successfully captured a screenshot using the Snipping Tool. This method provides more flexibility and options compared to the previous methods. If you’re looking for even more advanced screenshot capabilities, continue reading to learn about the Snip & Sketch tool.

Using the Snip & Sketch Tool

Windows 10 introduced the Snip & Sketch tool as an improved replacement for the Snipping Tool. It offers additional features and a more streamlined interface for capturing and editing screenshots.

To capture a screenshot using the Snip & Sketch tool, follow these steps:

1. Open the Snip & Sketch tool by pressing the “Windows key + Shift + S” keyboard shortcut. This will bring up a small toolbar at the top of your screen.
2. Click on the desired snipping option in the toolbar. You can choose from rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snips.
3. After selecting the snipping option, your screen will fade, and the cursor will change to a crosshair or a transparent overlay, depending on your selection.
4. Click and drag the cursor or overlay to capture the desired region. The captured screenshot will appear as a notification in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
5. Click on the notification to open the screenshot in the Snip & Sketch editor.
6. Use the editing tools in the Snip & Sketch editor to annotate, crop, or modify the screenshot as needed.
7. Save the screenshot by selecting “File” > “Save As” or using the respective keyboard shortcuts. Choose your desired format and location to save the screenshot.

Well done! You have successfully captured a screenshot using the Snip & Sketch tool. This method offers a modern and feature-rich experience for taking and editing screenshots. However, if you prefer using third-party tools for capturing screenshots, continue reading to explore some popular options.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools

While Windows provides built-in tools for capturing screenshots, there are also numerous third-party applications available that offer additional features and customization options. These tools often provide more advanced editing capabilities, screenshot delay timers, and convenient sharing options.

Here are a few popular third-party screenshot tools you can consider:

1. Greenshot: Greenshot is a free and open-source screenshot tool that offers a wide range of features, including capturing full screens, specific windows, or regions. It also provides annotation tools and supports various image formats.
2. Lightshot: Lightshot is a lightweight and easy-to-use screenshot tool. It allows you to capture custom areas, provides simple annotation tools, and offers convenient sharing options to quickly share your screenshots.
3. Snagit: Snagit is a powerful screenshot and screen recording software. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including capturing screenshots, recording videos, and advanced editing tools. Snagit is a paid tool but provides a free trial.

Remember to explore and choose a third-party tool that suits your needs and preferences. These tools can enhance your screenshot-taking experience with additional features and customization options.

Using Windows Game Bar

If you’re a gamer or want to capture screenshots while playing games or using multimedia applications, Windows Game Bar can be a convenient option. Windows Game Bar is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that allows you to capture screenshots and record gameplay.

To capture a screenshot using Windows Game Bar, follow these steps:

1. Open the application or game you want to capture.
2. Press the “Windows key + G” to open the Windows Game Bar.
3. In the Windows Game Bar overlay, click on the camera icon to capture a screenshot.
4. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your designated screenshots folder, usually located in “Pictures” > “Screenshots.”

Windows Game Bar is primarily designed for gamers, but it can be used to capture screenshots of any application or content running on your computer.