Taking screenshots is an essential skill for anyone using a computer, whether for personal or professional use. It can be helpful for capturing important information, creating tutorials, or documenting software issues.
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How to Screenshot on Windows
In this article, we will guide you through the different ways to take a screenshot on Windows.
Using the Print Screen Key
The easiest and most basic way to take a screenshot on Windows is to use the Print Screen key (PrtScn). This key captures the entire screen and saves it to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into an image editing program, such as Paint or Photoshop. To take a screenshot using the Print Screen key;
- Press the Print Screen key on your keyboard. It may be abbreviated as “PrtScn” or “PrtSc” and is usually located in the top row of keys, near the function keys.
- Open an image editing program, such as Paint or Photoshop.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot from the clipboard into the program.
- Save the screenshot as an image file (such as JPEG or PNG)
Using the Windows + Print Screen Keys
Windows 10 and later versions have a built-in screenshot tool that allows you to capture and save screenshots directly without the need for an image editing program. To use this tool;
- Press the Windows key + Print Screen key (Windows key + PrtScn) on your keyboard. You will see the screen dim for a moment, indicating that the screenshot has been taken.
- Open the File Explorer
- Navigate to the Pictures > Screenshots folder. You should see the screenshot file there.
Using the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to capture and save screenshots in different shapes, such as rectangular, freeform, or window snip. To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar.
- Click on the Snipping Tool app to open it.
- Click on the “New” button to start a new snip.
- Select the type of snip you want to take (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen) by clicking on the corresponding button.
- Use your mouse to select the area you want to capture (if you chose a rectangular or freeform snip) or click on the window you want to capture (if you chose a window snip).
The captured screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool window. You can edit it, save it, or copy it to the clipboard using the corresponding buttons.
Using Windows + Shift + S
Starting with Windows 10 version, you can use the Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut to capture a screenshot of a specific area of your screen. This method allows you to select the area you want to capture and save it to the clipboard without using an image editing program. To use this method;
- Press the Windows key + Shift + S on your keyboard.
- The screen will dim, and the Snip & Sketch tool will appear at the top of the screen.
- Use your mouse to select the area you want to capture. You can choose between rectangular, freeform, or window snip by clicking on the corresponding button.
- The captured screenshot will be saved to the clipboard. You can paste it into an image editing program, such as Paint or Photoshop, or directly into an email or document by pressing Ctrl + V
How do I take a screenshot of a specific area of the screen?
You can use the Snipping Tool or the Windows + Shift + S shortcut to capture a specific area of the screen. With the Snipping Tool, click on the “New” button and select the type of snip you want (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen). With Windows + Shift + S, select the area you want to capture using your mouse.
How do I take a screenshot of the login screen?
You cannot take a screenshot of the login screen on Windows, as the print screen function is disabled. However, you can use a third-party tool, such as Snagit, to capture the login screen.
SEE ALSO: How to Screen Record on iPhone