Taking a snapshot of your computer screen, known as a screenshot or screen capture, is a fundamental skill for Windows users. Whether you need to share information, create tutorials, or simply save what’s on your screen, Windows offers several built-in methods to capture your screen. The most common and readily available method utilizes the Print Screen key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to print screen on Windows, covering different techniques and options to suit your needs.
Understanding the Print Screen Key and Its Function
The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScn, PrntScr, or similar variations on your keyboard, is designed to capture your screen display. When you press the Print Screen key, Windows takes a snapshot of your screen and copies it to the clipboard. Think of the clipboard as a temporary storage area in your computer’s memory. From there, you can paste the screenshot into various applications for viewing, editing, or sharing.
Windows allows you to capture different parts of your screen using the Print Screen key in combination with other keys:
- Entire Screen Capture: Capture everything visible on your monitor(s).
- Active Windows Capture: Capture all currently open and active application windows.
- Single Active Window Capture: Capture only the window you are currently working in.
Let’s explore where to find the Print Screen key and how to use it effectively in different Windows versions.
Locating the Print Screen Key on Your Keyboard
The location of the Print Screen key can vary slightly depending on whether you are using a desktop or laptop keyboard.
Desktop Keyboards
On most desktop keyboards, the Print Screen key is typically found in the upper right corner, often near the function keys (F1-F12) and the number pad. Look for labels such as Print Screen, PrtScn, PrntScr, PrtSc, PrntScrn, or similar abbreviations. The key might be labeled differently depending on the keyboard manufacturer and model.
Laptop Keyboards
On laptop keyboards, the Print Screen key is also usually located within the Function key row (F1-F12). Often, laptop keyboards utilize a combination of keys to access the Print Screen function. You will likely need to press the Fn (Function) key in conjunction with another key, commonly F10 or Insert, which is designated as the Print Screen key.
Some laptops feature capacitive Function Key rows, where the function keys are illuminated and can switch between different functions. On these keyboards, you might need to press the Fn key to illuminate the Print Screen function before pressing the designated PrtScn key combination. Refer to your laptop’s user manual for precise instructions if you are unsure.
Note: Certain compact keyboards, like the Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo model KM3322W, may not have a dedicated Print Screen button. In such cases, you might need to use the Fn + Insert key combination to perform the print screen function.
Figure 1: Illustration of the print screen key on a Dell KM5221W wireless keyboard
Dell KM5221W wireless keyboard print screen key location
Figure 2: Illustration of the print screen key on a Dell Precision 5550 mobile workstation keyboard
Dell KM5221W wireless keyboard print screen key location
Figure 3: Illustration of a laptop with a capacitive Function Key row
Print Screen Methods in Windows 11 and Windows 10
The basic Print Screen function operates similarly across recent Windows operating systems, including Windows 11 and Windows 10. Here’s how to use the Print Screen key to capture different types of screenshots:
1. Capture the Entire Screen
To capture a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically save it as a file:
- Press the Windows logo key + PrtScn key simultaneously.
On Windows tablets without a physical keyboard:
- Press the Windows logo button + volume down button at the same time.
When you use these combinations, your screen might briefly dim, indicating that a screenshot has been taken. The screenshot is automatically saved as a PNG file in the Screenshots folder within your Pictures library. You can access it by navigating to Pictures > Screenshots in File Explorer.
2. Capture All Active Windows
To capture all currently active windows and copy the screenshot to the clipboard:
- Simply press the PrtScn key.
This method captures all open windows as a single image and places it on your clipboard. You won’t see any visual confirmation, but the screenshot is ready to be pasted.
3. Capture a Single Active Window
To capture only the currently active window and copy it to the clipboard:
- Click on the window you want to capture to make it the active window.
- Press the Alt + PrtScn keys together.
This will capture only the selected window and copy it to your clipboard, excluding any other open windows or the taskbar.
Pasting and Utilizing Your Screenshots
After capturing a screenshot using any of the Print Screen methods (except for the Windows key + PrtScn method, which saves directly to a file), the image is stored on your clipboard. To use or edit the screenshot, you need to paste it into an application.
Common applications for pasting and working with screenshots include:
- Microsoft Paint: A basic image editor included with Windows.
- Paint 3D: A more advanced version of Paint, also included in Windows.
- Adobe Photoshop: A professional-grade image editing software (requires purchase).
- Microsoft Word, Email Clients, Messaging Apps: You can paste screenshots directly into documents, emails, and chat windows.
To paste your screenshot:
- Open your desired application.
- Create a new document or open an existing one if applicable.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + V (paste) or right-click and select “Paste” from the context menu.
The screenshot will be inserted into your document or image editor, allowing you to view, edit, save, or share it as needed.
Advanced Screenshot Options: Using the Snipping Tool
For more versatile screenshot options, Windows offers the Snipping Tool. This built-in utility provides more control over your screen captures, allowing you to capture specific regions, free-form selections, or window selections, with options for delayed captures and annotations. You can search for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar to launch it.
Learn more about using the Snipping Tool in Windows
By mastering the Print Screen key and exploring tools like the Snipping Tool, you can efficiently capture and utilize screenshots for various purposes in Windows, enhancing your productivity and communication.
