I. Introduction
Taking screenshots can be incredibly useful, whether you’re documenting an issue with your computer or saving an important image for later use. Windows makes it easy to take screenshots with a variety of built-in options and third-party tools.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about taking screenshots on your Windows device. From Snipping Tool to Game Bar to Snip & Sketch, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions for each method.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide to Screenshot in Windows
There are several built-in options for taking screenshots in Windows. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each:
1. How to take a screenshot with Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot tool that comes with Windows. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the Snipping Tool by typing “Snipping Tool” into the Start Menu search bar.
- Click “New” to start a new snip.
- Select the area of your screen you want to capture.
- Choose the type of snip you want to take (Free-form, Rectangular, Window, Full-screen).
- Save or copy the snip as needed.
2. How to take a screenshot with Print Screen
The Print Screen key is a quick and easy way to take a screenshot of your entire screen.
- Press the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard.
- Open an image editor (like Paint) and press “Ctrl + V” to paste the screenshot.
- Save the screenshot as needed.
3. How to take a screenshot with Win + PrtScn
Windows 8 and Windows 10 introduced a new way to take screenshots using the Win + PrtScn keys.
- Press the “Windows Key + PrtScn” keys on your keyboard.
- The screen will briefly dim, indicating that the screenshot has been taken and saved to your computer.
- Open an image editor (like Paint) and press “Ctrl + V” to paste the screenshot.
- Save the screenshot as needed.
III. The Ultimate Guide to Screenshot in Windows
If you’re looking for more options for taking screenshots in Windows, there are several built-in and third-party tools available. Here are seven additional ways to take a screenshot:
1. How to take a screenshot with Game Bar
If you’re a gamer, you might already be using the Game Bar to record gameplay. However, you can also use it to take screenshots. Here’s how:
- Open the app or game you want to take a screenshot of.
- Press “Win + G” to open the Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon to take a screenshot.
- Choose where you want to save the screenshot (Xbox app or computer).
2. How to take a screenshot with Snip & Sketch
Snip & Sketch is a newer screenshot tool that replaces the Snipping Tool in Windows 10. Here’s how to use it:
- Press “Win + Shift + S” to open Snip & Sketch.
- Select the area of your screen you want to capture.
- Copy the snip by clicking “Copy” or save it by clicking “Save As”.
3. How to take a screenshot with a third-party tool – Snagit
Snagit is a third-party tool that offers advanced screenshot and screen recording options. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Snagit.
- Open Snagit and select the capture option you want (image, video, scrolling).
- Capture the screen as needed and edit the screenshot as desired.
- Save the screenshot as needed.
4. How to take a screenshot with a Microsoft Surface device
Microsoft Surface devices have a unique way of taking screenshots. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the “Power” and “Volume Up” buttons at the same time.
- The screen will briefly dim, indicating that the screenshot has been taken and saved.
- Find the screenshot in the “Screenshots” folder on your Surface device.
5. How to take a screenshot with OneNote
If you use OneNote, you can take screenshots directly within the app. Here’s how:
- Open OneNote.
- Click “Insert” at the top of the screen.
- Select “Screen Clipping”.
- Select the area of your screen you want to capture.
- Copy the snip or save it as needed.
6. How to take a screenshot with the Windows Ink Workspace
If you have a device with a touchscreen and a stylus, you can use the Windows Ink Workspace to take screenshots. Here’s how:
- Open the Windows Ink Workspace by clicking the pen icon in the taskbar.
- Click “Screen Sketch”.
- Select the area of your screen you want to capture.
- Copy the snip by clicking “Copy” or save it by clicking “Save As”.
7. How to take a screenshot with a keyboard shortcut
There are several keyboard shortcuts you can use to take a screenshot in Windows:
- Win + PrtScn: Takes a screenshot and saves it to the Pictures/Screenshots directory
- Windows Key + H: Takes a screenshot and opens the Share toolbar
- Windows Key + Print Screen: Takes a screenshot and saves it to the Pictures/Screenshots directory
IV. How to Screenshot on Windows: 7 Easy Methods
If you’re looking for the most straightforward ways to take a screenshot on Windows, here are seven options:
1. How to take a screenshot with Snip & Sketch
Press “Win + Shift + S” to open Snip & Sketch.
2. How to take a screenshot with Print Screen
Press the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard.
3. How to take a screenshot with Game Bar
Press “Win + G” to open the Game Bar.
4. How to take a screenshot with Windows Key + Print Screen
Press “Windows Key + Print Screen” on your keyboard.
5. How to take a screenshot with Snipping Tool
Type “Snipping Tool” into the Start Menu search bar.
6. How to take a screenshot with Windows Key + H
Press “Windows Key + H” on your keyboard.
7. How to take a screenshot with a third-party tool – Lightshot
Download and install Lightshot and use the built-in shortcut keys (Print Screen or Ctrl + Shift + D) to capture a screenshot.
V. How to Take a Screenshot on Your Windows Laptop
If you’re using a Windows laptop, here are seven ways to take a screenshot:
1. How to take a screenshot with Snip & Sketch
Press “Win + Shift + S” to open Snip & Sketch.
2. How to take a screenshot with Print Screen
Press the “Print Screen” key on your keyboard.
3. How to take a screenshot with Game Bar
Press “Win + G” to open the Game Bar.
4. How to take a screenshot with Windows Key + Print Screen
Press “Windows Key + Print Screen” on your keyboard.
5. How to take a screenshot with Snipping Tool
Type “Snipping Tool” into the Start Menu search bar.