How to Screenshot on Windows – Step-by-Step Guide

Taking a screenshot is one of the simplest yet most useful actions you can perform on a computer. Whether you want to save an important confirmation page, share a funny social media post, or create a tutorial, Windows offers multiple ways to capture your screen.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to screenshot on Windows using different built-in tools and shortcuts, as well as some advanced tips and third-party options to make the process even easier.

1. Why Take Screenshots on Windows?

Screenshots are a quick way to:

• Save proof of an online transaction
• Capture errors for technical support
• Document information from websites
• Share your screen with friends or colleagues
• Create visual tutorials

Fortunately, Windows provides several built-in methods to capture your screen without installing additional software.

2. Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen key is the most basic way to take a screenshot in Windows.

Steps:

1. Locate the PrtScn (or Print Screen) key on your keyboard.
2. Press it once to copy the entire screen to the clipboard.
3. Open a program like Paint, Word, or Photoshop, then press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
4. Save the file in your desired format.

Note: This method does not save the screenshot automatically—you must paste it into an application first.

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3. Saving a Screenshot Directly to Your Computer

If you want to save the screenshot without pasting it manually:

Steps:

1. Press Windows key + PrtScn together.
2. Your screen will dim briefly, indicating a screenshot has been taken.
3. The image will be saved automatically in Pictures → Screenshots.

This method is faster and avoids the extra step of pasting into another program.

4. Capturing Only the Active Window

If you have multiple windows open but want to capture just one:

Steps:

1. Click on the window you want to capture.
2. Press Alt + PrtScn.
3. Paste the screenshot into Paint, Word, or another app with Ctrl + V, then save.

This is useful when you don’t want to share your entire desktop.

5. Using the Snipping Tool (Windows 7 and Later)

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application that allows more precise screenshots.

Steps:

1. Press the Start button and search for Snipping Tool.
2. Open the app.
3. Click New and drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture.
4. Save the screenshot in your preferred location.

You can choose from different snip modes:

• Free-form Snip – Draw a custom shape
• Rectangular Snip – Capture a rectangle
• Window Snip – Capture a window
• Full-screen Snip – Capture the entire display

6. Using the Snip & Sketch Tool (Windows 10 and Later)

Windows introduced Snip & Sketch as an improved version of Snipping Tool.

Shortcut: Windows key + Shift + S

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
3. Choose a snip mode (Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen).
4. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard and also appears in a notification.
5. Click the notification to open the Snip & Sketch editor, where you can annotate and save.

7. Using the Xbox Game Bar (For Gaming Screenshots)

Gamers can use the Xbox Game Bar to capture screenshots during gameplay.

Shortcut: Windows key + Alt + PrtScn

Steps:

1. Open the game you want to capture.
2. Press Windows + Alt + PrtScn.
3. The screenshot will be saved automatically in Videos → Captures.

You can also press Windows + G to open the Game Bar interface and click the camera icon.

8. Taking Screenshots on Multiple Monitors

If you have more than one monitor, the regular PrtScn or Windows + PrtScn shortcut will capture all screens at once.
To capture a specific monitor only, you can:

• Use Snip & Sketch to manually select the area
• Use third-party tools like Lightshot or Greenshot for more control

9. Copying Screenshots to the Clipboard

Sometimes you may want to paste the screenshot directly into an email or chat without saving it.

Steps:

• Press PrtScn (entire screen) or Alt + PrtScn (active window)
• Paste into the desired app using Ctrl + V

This is handy for quick sharing without creating files.

10. Changing the Default Screenshot Save Location

By default, Windows + PrtScn saves images in Pictures → Screenshots.
If you want a different location:

1. Go to the Pictures → Screenshots folder.
2. Right-click and select Properties.
3. Under the Location tab, click Move to choose a new folder.

11. Troubleshooting Screenshot Problems

If your screenshot shortcuts are not working:

• Check your keyboard – Some keyboards require holding Fn along with PrtScn.
• Update Windows – Outdated systems may have bugs.
• Check shortcut settings – Ensure Snip & Sketch shortcuts are enabled in Settings → Ease of Access → Keyboard.
• Disable conflicting software – Some apps override the Print Screen key.

12. Recommended Third-Party Screenshot Tools

While Windows tools are powerful, some users prefer more features:

• Lightshot – Simple and quick sharing
• Greenshot – Great for annotations
• ShareX – Free and advanced capture options
• Snagit – Professional editing tools

Conclusion

Knowing how to screenshot on Windows is an essential skill for students, professionals, gamers, and casual users. From the classic Print Screen key to modern tools like Snip & Sketch, Windows offers multiple methods to capture exactly what you need. With these shortcuts and techniques, you can easily take, save, and share screenshots in just a few clicks.

FAQs – How to Screenshot on Windows

1. How do I take a screenshot on Windows without the Print Screen button?
You can use Windows + Shift + S for Snip & Sketch or Windows + G for Xbox Game Bar.

2. Where are screenshots saved on Windows?
By default, Windows + PrtScn saves them in Pictures → Screenshots.

3. How do I take a screenshot of just one window?
Press Alt + PrtScn, then paste it into Paint or another app.

4. Can I take a scrolling screenshot in Windows?
Not natively—use third-party tools like ShareX or Snagit for scrolling captures.

5. Why is my PrtScn key not working?
Check if you need to press Fn + PrtScn on your keyboard or if another program is using the shortcut.

6. How do I take a screenshot and save it automatically?
Press Windows + PrtScn—it will save directly to your Screenshots folder.

7. Is there a way to annotate screenshots in Windows?
Yes, open your screenshot in Snip & Sketch to draw, highlight, or add text before saving.

How to screenshot on Windows:
To take a screenshot on Windows, press PrtScn to copy the whole screen to your clipboard, or Windows + PrtScn to save it directly to your Pictures → Screenshots folder. Use Alt + PrtScn for the active window or Windows + Shift + S to open Snip & Sketch for custom selections. Screenshots can then be saved, edited, or shared instantly.