Screenshots are a handy way to capture and save what’s displayed on your computer screen. Whether you want to capture a funny moment in a video, save an important document, or share a software bug with tech support, knowing how to take screenshots can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we will walk you through the simple steps for taking screenshots on Windows 10 and Windows 11, the latest operating systems from Microsoft.
The Print Screen (PrtScn) Key:
The Print Screen key is a common method to capture screenshots on Windows. Pressing the PrtScn key copies the entire screen to the clipboard, which you can then paste into an image editing program or document. On some keyboards, you might need to press the Fn key along with PrtScn for it to work. Once you’ve captured the screen, open an image editor like Paint, Word, or Photoshop, and paste the screenshot (Ctrl+V). From there, you can save the image in your desired format.
Capturing the Active Window:
If you only want to capture the active window instead of the entire screen, you can use the Alt+PrtScn key combination. Pressing these keys together will capture the currently active window and copy it to the clipboard. Similar to the previous method, open an image editor and paste the screenshot to save it.
Windows Key + Print Screen:
Windows 10 and Windows 11 introduced a new shortcut that captures the entire screen and automatically saves it as an image file. Simply press the Windows key and the Print Screen key together. Your screen will briefly dim to indicate that the screenshot has been captured and saved. The image file will be saved in the “Screenshots” folder within the “Pictures” directory.
Using the Snipping Tool:
Windows 10 includes a built-in tool called the Snipping Tool that allows you to capture specific areas of your screen. You can access it by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu. Once opened, click on “New” to start a new snip. You can choose from options like Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip to capture the desired area. After capturing the snip, you can save it or make annotations using the available tools.
Snip & Sketch on Windows 10 and Windows 11:
Windows 10 and Windows 11 also offer an enhanced screenshot tool called Snip & Sketch. To open Snip & Sketch, press the Windows key + Shift + S. This action will allow you to capture a specific area of the screen and copy it to the clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editor or save it directly. Snip & Sketch also has additional features like a delayed capture and basic annotation tools.
Windows Key + Shift + S on Windows 11:
Windows 11 introduced a new screenshot feature similar to Snip & Sketch but with more capabilities. Pressing the Windows key + Shift + S will bring up the “Screen snip” toolbar. From there, you can select the desired snip type, such as Rectangular Snip, Freeform Snip, Window Snip, or Fullscreen Snip. After capturing the snip, it will be copied to the clipboard, and you can paste it into an image editor or any other application.
Gaming Bar:
If you’re a gamer on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can use the built-in Gaming Bar to capture screenshots during gameplay. Press the Windows key + G to open the Gaming Bar, and then click on the camera icon to capture a screenshot. You can find your captured screenshots in the “Captures” folder within the “Videos” directory.
Third-Party Screenshot Tools:
Apart from the built-in options, there are also numerous third-party screenshot tools available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. These tools offer additional features like advanced editing options, automatic saving, cloud integration, and more. Some popular third-party tools include Snagit, Greenshot, Lightshot, and ShareX. You can download and install these tools to enhance your screenshot-taking experience.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is a simple process, and you can choose the method that suits your needs. Whether you prefer using the Print Screen key, built-in tools like Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, or third-party applications, capturing screenshots has never been easier. With these simple steps, you can quickly capture and save important information, share funny moments, or troubleshoot technical issues with ease.
FAQ
Is there a built-in tool for capturing specific areas of the screen?
Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool on Windows 10 or Snip & Sketch on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How do I access Snip & Sketch on Windows 11?
Press the Windows key + Shift + S.
Where are the screenshots saved on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Screenshots taken using the Windows key + Print Screen are saved in the “Screenshots” folder within the “Pictures” directory.
Are there third-party screenshot tools available for Windows?
Yes, popular third-party tools include Snagit, Greenshot, Lightshot, and ShareX.