A Comprehensive Guide on How to Screenshot on Windows

How to Screenshot on Windows

Taking screenshots on a Windows computer is a fundamental task that many users require. It could be to capture a portion of the screen to share with someone, save an important message or image, or just keep a record of what you’re working on. Windows provides several ways to take screenshots, and in this blog post, we’ll show you each of these methods so you can choose the best way to capture your screen.

Method 1: Using the Print Screen Key

The simplest method to take a screenshot on Windows computer is by using the Print Screen key, which is usually abbreviated as “PrtScn” or “PrtSc” and is located on the top row of your keyboard, near the function keys. To use it:

1. Locate the Print Screen key on your keyboard.
2. Select the part of the screen you want to capture.
3. Press the Print Screen key.
4. Open an image editing software, such as Paint, GIMP, or Adobe Photoshop.
5. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot into the program.
6. Save the screenshot to your desired location.

Note that the Print Screen key captures a screenshot of the entire screen, so if you only want to screen capture a portion of it, you’ll need to crop the image later in the image editing software.

Method 2: Using the Windows Snipping Tool

For more control over the captured image, the Windows Snipping Tool is an excellent option. This tool enables you to select a specific part of the screen to capture, instead of capturing the entire screen. To use the Snipping Tool:

1. Open the Windows Snipping Tool by typing “Snipping Tool” in the search bar on your taskbar and selecting the tool from the results.
2. Click the “New” button to initiate a new snip.
3. Choose the type of snip you want to take, such as free-form snips, rectangular snips, window snips, or full-screen snips.
4. Select the portion of the screen you want to capture by clicking and dragging your mouse or using the touchpad or trackpad to select the area.
5. The snipped image will appear in the Snipping Tool window. You can save the screenshot by clicking the “File” menu and selecting “Save As.”

Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts, Windows provides several options for taking screenshots without using the mouse. Some popular options include:

1. Windows Key + Print Screen Key: This keyboard shortcut captures a screenshot of your entire screen and saves the file on your computer. The screenshot will be saved in the “Pictures” folder, in a subfolder called “Screenshots.”
2. Windows Key + Shift + S: This keyboard shortcut opens the Snipping Tool, allowing you to select a portion of the screen to capture.
3. Alt + Print Screen Key: This keyboard shortcut captures a screenshot of the active window and copies it to your clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into an image editing program and save it.

In addition to these methods, there are also third-party screenshot tools available that provide advanced features such as annotation and editing, adding watermarks, and even screen recording. Some popular third-party screenshot tools are Lightshot, Greenshot, and Nimbus Screenshot.

In conclusion, taking screenshots on a Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11 and other windows computer is a quick and effortless process that can be done in several ways. Whether you prefer using the built-in tools or third-party tools, there are plenty of options available to capture and save screenshots that meet your needs. Whether you’re a keyboard shortcut fan or prefer using a touchpad or trackpad, there’s a method for everyone.

It’s worth mentioning that if you’re a MacOS user, you can also take screenshots using keyboard shortcuts, the Preview app, or the Touch Bar on newer MacBook Pro models. For example, on MacOS Mojave and later, you can press and hold the Shift + Command + 5 keys to access the screenshot options. You can also use the pointer to select a portion of the screen to capture, or you can capture a thumbnail of an open window. The captured screenshot will be saved to the clipboard, and you can paste it into an image editing program or save it as a file.

In conclusion, taking screenshots on a Windows or MacOS computer is a crucial task that can be done in several ways. Whether you need to capture a full screen or a portion of it, there are options available to capture and save the screenshots you need. So, remember these methods, and choose the one that works best for you the next time you need to take a screenshot.