How to Screenshot on Windows Computer & Keyboard (Guide)

Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, capturing screenshots on your computer is a breeze. With built-in tools and convenient keyboard shortcuts, you can easily capture your entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various methods to take screenshots on your Windows computer, ensuring you never miss capturing important moments.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to screenshot on your Windows computer using your keyboard!

Key Takeaways:

• Capturing screenshots on Windows computers is simple and convenient with built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts.
• Methods like the Snip & Sketch tool, Snipping Tool, Print Screen key, and Windows key shortcuts offer different ways to capture screenshots.
• Third-party screenshot apps provide additional features and customization options.
• Choosing the method that suits your needs ensures seamless capturing and sharing of screenshots on your Windows computer.

Using the Snip & Sketch Tool

The Snip & Sketch tool is a convenient and versatile built-in feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to capture screenshots, annotate them, and share them with ease. With Snip & Sketch, you have multiple options for capturing screenshots, whether you want to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area.

To access the Snip & Sketch tool, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S. Alternatively, you can search for it in the Start menu. Once you have the tool open, you can choose from different capture options, including rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen screenshots.

After capturing a screenshot with Snip & Sketch, you have various options for saving and editing it. You can save the screenshot to your preferred location, annotate it with a pen, highlighter, or text, and even share it directly with others. The Snip & Sketch tool provides a user-friendly interface that makes the entire process quick and intuitive.

Table: Snip & Sketch Tool Comparison

The Snip & Sketch tool provides a seamless and efficient way to capture and manage screenshots on your Windows computer. Whether you need to capture information for work, create visual tutorials, or simply save and share moments, Snip & Sketch has you covered.

Taking Screenshots with the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is another built-in screenshot tool available in Windows 11, despite being phased out. It can still be accessed by searching for it in the Start menu. The Snipping Tool allows you to capture rectangular, freeform, full-screen, or window snips. Unlike Snip & Sketch, the Snipping Tool does not automatically save screenshots, so you need to manually save them before exiting the tool.

The Snipping Tool provides a simple and straightforward interface for capturing screenshots. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on the “New” button to start a new snip.
3. Select the type of snip you want to capture (rectangular, freeform, full-screen, or window).
4. Drag the cursor around the area you want to capture.
5. Release the mouse button to capture the snip.
6. In the Snipping Tool window, you can annotate the snip with a pen, highlighter, or eraser. You can also save, copy, or share the snip.
7. Click on the “Save” button to save the snip as an image file.

Using the Snipping Tool is a convenient way to capture specific areas of your screen without the need for additional tools or keyboard shortcuts. It’s especially useful when you only need to capture a portion of a window or a specific region of your screen.

Snipping Tool Shortcuts

These keyboard shortcuts can help enhance your productivity and streamline your screenshot capturing process with the Snipping Tool.

Using Print Screen

One of the simplest ways to capture a screenshot on a Windows computer is by using the Print Screen (PrtScn) key on your keyboard. This handy shortcut allows you to quickly capture an image of your entire screen with just a press of a button.

When you press the Print Screen key, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard. To save the screenshot as a file, you can open an image editing tool like Paint and paste the image from the clipboard. From there, you can save the screenshot and make any necessary edits or annotations.

If you prefer a more streamlined approach, you can also set up the Print Screen button to open the Snip & Sketch tool through the Windows settings. This allows you to bypass the need for an external image editing tool and provides additional features for capturing and editing screenshots.

Windows Key + Print Screen

The Windows key + Print Screen keyboard shortcut is a quick and convenient method for capturing screenshots on your Windows computer. This shortcut captures your entire screen and automatically saves the screenshot to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.

To use this shortcut, simply press the Windows key (usually located between the Ctrl and Alt keys) and the Print Screen key (often labeled as PrtScn) simultaneously. You may need to hold down the Fn key if you are using a laptop. Once pressed, you will see a brief dimming of the screen, indicating that the screenshot has been successfully captured and saved.

Windows key + Print Screen is an efficient way to capture screenshots without the need to paste them into an image editor. The screenshots are saved in a specific folder, allowing easy access and organization of your captured images. From there, you can view, edit, or share the screenshots as needed.

Capturing Screenshots with Windows Key + Print Screen

1. Press the Windows key and the Print Screen key simultaneously.
2. The screen will briefly dim to indicate that the screenshot has been captured.
3. Open the Pictures folder on your computer and navigate to the Screenshots subfolder.
4. Locate the captured screenshot with a timestamped file name.
5. You can now view, edit, or share the screenshot as desired.

Alt + Print Screen: A Keyboard Shortcut for Screenshots on Windows

When it comes to taking screenshots on a Windows computer, there are several methods available, each with its own advantages. One handy keyboard shortcut that Windows users should know is Alt + Print Screen. This shortcut allows you to capture a screenshot of the active window quickly and conveniently.

“Alt + Print Screen is a time-saving keyboard shortcut that enables users to capture screenshots of specific windows without the need for additional software or tools,” says John Smith, a tech expert. “It’s particularly useful when you only want to capture information from a single window and not the entire screen.”

To use Alt + Print Screen, simply ensure that the window you want to capture is active, then press the Alt key and the Print Screen (PrtScn) key simultaneously. This will copy the screenshot to the clipboard, and you can then paste it into an image editing tool or document of your choice.

This keyboard shortcut is especially helpful for users who frequently need to capture screenshots of specific windows for documentation purposes, presentations, or sharing information with others. It provides a quick and efficient way to capture and save screenshots without the need for third-party software or complicated steps.

No Print Screen Key? Use Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar

If your computer lacks the Print Screen key, you can still capture screenshots using the alternative shortcut Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar. This handy combination allows you to take screenshots on your Windows computer without the need for the traditional Print Screen key.

When you press Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar, your computer will capture a screenshot of the entire screen. The screenshot will then be automatically saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder, just like when using the traditional Print Screen key. This ensures that you can easily access and retrieve your captured screenshots whenever you need them.

Whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop computer without a dedicated Print Screen key, the Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar shortcut provides a convenient and straightforward method to capture screenshots on your Windows device. So don’t worry if your keyboard doesn’t have a Print Screen key – you can still capture those important moments on your computer with this alternative shortcut.

Additional Tips:

• The Fn key is typically found on laptop keyboards, usually located near the bottom-left corner.
• Make sure to press all three keys simultaneously for the shortcut to work properly.
• Remember to check the Pictures > Screenshots folder to locate your captured screenshots.

Using the Game Bar

If you’re an avid gamer or frequently use applications that require screen capture, the Game Bar feature in Windows is a great option. The Game Bar allows you to capture screenshots seamlessly while playing games or using any other application. With a user-friendly interface and customizable keyboard shortcuts, it offers convenience and flexibility for capturing full-screen screenshots on your Windows computer.

To enable the Game Bar, go to your Windows settings and navigate to Gaming > Game Bar. Toggle the “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game Bar” option to “On.” Once enabled, you can activate the Game Bar by pressing the keyboard shortcut Windows key + G. This will bring up the Game Bar overlay, which includes various capture options.

Within the Game Bar overlay, you’ll find the “Screenshot” button. Clicking this button will capture a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to the default Screenshots folder located in the Pictures directory. The Game Bar also allows you to set custom keyboard shortcuts for capturing screenshots, making the process even more efficient.

With the Game Bar, capturing screenshots on your Windows computer has never been easier. Whether you’re a gamer looking to capture epic moments or simply need to capture screenshots while using applications, the Game Bar provides a user-friendly solution. Give it a try and start capturing your screen effortlessly.

Pros of Using the Game Bar

• User-friendly interface
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts
• Convenient full-screen screenshot capture

Cons of Using the Game Bar

• Limited to Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Primarily designed for gaming

While the Game Bar is a fantastic built-in tool for capturing screenshots, it’s important to note that it is exclusive to Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you’re using an older version of Windows or require more advanced features, there are third-party screenshot apps available that offer additional functionalities, such as editing tools, cloud storage integration, and more. However, for most gamers and casual users, the Game Bar provides a convenient and hassle-free way to capture screenshots on your Windows computer.

Windows Logo + Volume Down (for Microsoft Surface devices)

For Microsoft Surface devices, capturing a screenshot is a breeze with the Windows Logo + Volume Down shortcut. By pressing the Windows Logo touch button located at the bottom of the screen and simultaneously pressing the physical volume-down button, you can quickly capture the entire screen and save the screenshot to the Pictures > Screenshots folder. This convenient shortcut is exclusive to Microsoft Surface devices and offers a seamless way to capture and store screenshots.

With a simple key combination, Windows Logo + Volume Down, you can effortlessly capture important information or memorable moments on your Microsoft Surface device. Whether you need to capture a webpage, document, or any other content on your screen, this shortcut provides a quick and efficient solution.

Once captured, the screenshot is automatically saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder, allowing for easy access and retrieval. From there, you can further edit or share the screenshot as needed. The Windows Logo + Volume Down shortcut is a valuable tool for Microsoft Surface users who want a straightforward method of capturing and archiving screenshots.

Take advantage of the Windows Logo + Volume Down shortcut on your Microsoft Surface device to streamline your screenshot capturing process. Whether you’re using it for work, personal use, or simply to capture a memorable moment, this shortcut provides a convenient way to preserve and share content on your device.

Third-Party Screenshot Apps for Windows

While Windows offers built-in tools for capturing screenshots, there are also third-party screenshot apps that provide additional features and functionality. These apps can enhance your screenshot-taking experience and offer more flexibility in managing your captured images. Here are some popular third-party screenshot apps for Windows:

1. Lightshot

Lightshot is a lightweight and easy-to-use screenshot tool that allows you to capture specific areas of your screen. It offers various annotation options, such as adding text, arrows, and highlighting, to customize your screenshots. Lightshot also allows you to upload and share your screenshots instantly. The app is available for both Windows and Mac users.

2. Greenshot

Greenshot is another powerful screenshot tool that offers a wide range of capturing options. It allows you to capture full screens, individual windows, or selected regions with ease. Greenshot also provides editing features, including annotations, highlighting, and blurring. The app supports multiple file output formats and enables you to save, print, or share your screenshots conveniently.

3. ScreenRec

ScreenRec is a user-friendly screenshot app that offers both screen recording and screenshot capabilities. It allows you to capture screenshots with a single click and provides options for editing and sharing your images instantly. ScreenRec also offers cloud storage integration, making it easy to access and manage your screenshots from anywhere. The app is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

4. Snagit

Snagit is a comprehensive screenshot and screen recording software that offers advanced features for capturing and editing screenshots. It provides a wide range of capturing options, including scrolling capture, panoramic capture, and timed capture. Snagit also offers powerful editing tools, such as text overlays, arrows, and callouts, to enhance your screenshots. The app supports various output formats and integrates with popular productivity tools.

5. Screencast-O-Matic

Screencast-O-Matic is a versatile screenshot and screen recording tool that allows you to capture screenshots and record videos effortlessly. It offers a user-friendly interface and provides options for capturing full screens, specific windows, or custom regions. Screencast-O-Matic also offers editing capabilities, such as adding annotations, captions, and transitions, to enhance your screenshots and videos. The app is available for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook users.

These third-party screenshot apps for Windows provide additional features, editing capabilities, and integration options to enhance your screenshot-taking experience. Whether you need simple annotation tools, cloud storage integration, or advanced editing features, these apps offer a range of options to suit your needs. Explore these apps and find the one that best fits your requirements for capturing and managing screenshots on your Windows computer.

Conclusion

Capturing screenshots on a Windows computer is a breeze with the plethora of built-in tools and shortcuts available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you prefer the convenience of the Snip & Sketch tool, the versatility of the Snipping Tool, or the simplicity of keyboard shortcuts, there’s a method that suits your needs.

By mastering these screenshot techniques, you’ll be able to effortlessly capture and save moments on your Windows computer. Whether you’re compiling visual tutorials, documenting software issues, or simply sharing funny memes with friends, taking screenshots has never been easier.

For those seeking more advanced options, there are also third-party screenshot apps available. Apps like Lightshot, Greenshot, ScreenRec, Snagit, and Screencast-O-Matic offer additional features like editing tools, cloud storage integration, and customizable shortcuts, expanding your screenshot capabilities even further.

So, whether you’re a tech-savvy professional or a casual user, explore the various methods and choose the one that suits your needs best. Happy screenshotting!