Screenshots are an essential tool for various purposes, including presentations, technical troubleshooting, and more. However, many people are not aware of the different ways to take screenshots in Windows and may end up using third-party software or taking photos of their computer screens. In this article, we will explore seven methods of taking screenshots in Windows, step by step.
Before we delve into the different methods of taking screenshots in Windows, it is essential to understand the two types of screenshots: full and partial. A full screenshot captures everything currently visible on your screen, while a partial screenshot captures only a portion of the screen. With this in mind, let’s explore the seven methods of taking screenshots in Windows.
Method 1: Using the Print Screen Key
This method is the simplest and most commonly used method for taking full screenshots. Here are the steps to follow:
- Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
- Press the Print Screen key, which is usually located at the top right of most keyboards.
- The screenshot will be saved to your clipboard.
- Open an image editing software or document and paste the screenshot using “Ctrl + V” or “right-click + paste.”
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use
- Works on all versions of Windows
Cons:
- Cannot capture specific areas of the screen
- Does not allow for editing of the screenshot
Method 2: Using the Alt + Print Screen Keys
This method captures only the active window, making it perfect for multitasking. Here are the steps to follow:
- Click on the window you want to capture to make it active.
- Press the “Alt + Print Screen” keys.
- The screenshot will be saved to your clipboard.
- Open an image editing software or document and paste the screenshot using “Ctrl + V” or “right-click + paste.”
Pros:
- Captures the active window only (Specific Window)
- Works on all versions of Windows
Cons:
- Cannot capture specific areas of the screen
- Does not allow for editing of the screenshot
Method 3: Using the Windows Key + Print Screen Keys
This method captures a full screenshot and saves it directly to your computer’s “Pictures” folder. Here are the steps to follow:
- Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
- Press the “Windows key + Print Screen” keys simultaneously.
- The screenshot will be saved to the “Screenshots” folder within the “Pictures” folder on your computer.
- Open the folder and find your screenshot.
Pros:
- Captures the entire screen quickly and easily
- Saves the screenshot automatically to your Pictures folder
Cons:
- Cannot capture specific areas of the screen
- Does not allow for editing of the screenshot
Method 4: Using the Snipping Tool
This method is perfect for capturing partial screenshots. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the “Snipping Tool” by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
- Click on “New” in the Snipping Tool menu.
- Select the area of the screen you want to capture using the tool.
- The screenshot will be displayed in the Snipping Tool editor.
- Save the screenshot by clicking on “File” and then “Save As.”
Pros:
- Allows you to capture specific areas of the screen
- Provides basic editing tools such as highlighting, pen, and eraser
Cons:
- Not available on all versions of Windows
- Limited editing features compared to other methods
Method 5: Using Snip & Sketch
This method is an improved version of the Snipping Tool and allows you to take screenshots and edit them. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the “Snip & Sketch” app by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
- Click on “New” in the Snip & Sketch
- Select the type of screenshot you want to capture: rectangular, free-form, full-screen, or window.
- After selecting the type, the screen will grey out, and you can select the area you want to capture.
- The screenshot will be displayed in the Snip & Sketch editor.
- Edit the screenshot using the tools provided, such as highlighting, cropping, and drawing.
- Save the screenshot by clicking on “File” and then “Save As.”
Alternatiovely,
- Press “Windows key + Shift + S” on your keyboard.
- The screen will gray out, and you can select the area you want to capture.
- The screenshot will be displayed in the Snip & Sketch editor.
- Edit the screenshot using the tools provided, such as highlighting, cropping, and drawing.
- Save the screenshot by clicking on “File” and then “Save As.”
Pros:
- Allows you to capture specific areas of the screen
- Provides quick access to the Snip & Sketch editor for editing and annotation
Cons:
- Only available on Windows 10 & Window 11
- Requires an additional step to open the Snip & Sketch editor
Method 6: Using the Game Bar
This method is for capturing screenshots while playing games or running full-screen applications. Here are the steps to follow:
- Launch the game or full-screen application you want to capture.
- Press “Windows key + G” to open the Game Bar.
- Click on the “Screenshot” button on the Game Bar or press the “Windows key + Alt + PrtScn” keys.
- The screenshot will be saved to your “Videos” folder in a subfolder called “Captures.”
Pros:
- Allows you to capture screenshots while playing games or running full-screen applications
- Quick and easy to use
Cons:
- Only available on Windows 10 & Window 11
- Cannot capture specific areas of the screen
Method 7: Using Third-Party Software
If none of the above methods works for you, you can use third-party software such as Greenshot, Lightshot, or ShareX. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download and install the third-party software of your choice.
- Launch the software and follow the instructions provided to take a screenshot.
- Save the screenshot using the software’s editor or your preferred image editing software.
Pros:
- Provides advanced editing tools and features
- Can capture specific areas of the screen
- Can be customized to suit your needs
Cons:
- Requires additional software installation and setup
- Some software may not be free
In conclusion, taking screenshots in Windows is essential for various purposes, and there are several methods to achieve it. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can take full and partial screenshots using the print screen key, alt + print screen key, Windows key + print screen key, Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, Game Bar, or third-party software. With these tools at your disposal, you can easily capture and share screenshots for your needs.
FAQs
- Can I take screenshots on Windows using my smartphone?
No, you cannot take screenshots on Windows using your smartphone. You can only take screenshots using the methods provided in this article. - Can I change the default save location for my screenshots in Windows?
Yes, you can change the default save location for your screenshots in Windows. Follow these steps: Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved > Screenshots. - Can I use these methods to take screenshots on a Mac?
No, these methods are specific to Windows. Mac users can use the built-in screenshot tool by pressing “Command + Shift + 3” for full screenshots and “Command + Shift + 4” for partial screenshots. - How do I take a screenshot of a specific area of my screen?
You can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch methods provided in this article to capture specific areas of your screen. - Are there any free third-party software options for taking screenshots in Windows?
Yes, there are several free third-party software options for taking screenshots in Windows, such as Greenshot, Lightshot, and ShareX.
