If you need to capture what’s on your screen in Windows 10, you’re in luck. Whether you want to save a funny chat, document an error message, or share something visually, Windows 10 offers a range of built-in tools to take screenshots, also commonly known as screen prints. From simple keyboard shortcuts to more feature-rich applications, mastering screenshots in Windows 10 is easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through all the methods to capture your screen on Windows 10, ensuring you can quickly and effectively grab exactly what you need.
Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Button
The quickest and most basic way to take a screenshot of your entire screen is by using the Print Screen (PrtScn) button. Usually located on the top right of your keyboard, pressing this button will copy an image of your entire display to your clipboard.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
To save this screenshot, you’ll need to paste it into an image editing program or any application that supports images, such as:
- Paint: A basic image editor included with Windows.
- Paint 3D: A more advanced version of Paint, also pre-installed on Windows 10.
- Microsoft Word: For embedding screenshots in documents.
- Image Editors: Any third-party image editor like Photoshop or GIMP.
Simply open your chosen program and use the Ctrl + V shortcut or the “Paste” option to insert the screenshot. From there, you can save the image in your desired format (like PNG, JPG) and location.
Automatically Saving Screenshots with Windows Key + Print Screen
For a faster way to save your screenshots directly as files, use the Windows key + PrtScn shortcut. Pressing these two keys simultaneously will not only capture your entire screen but also automatically save it as a PNG file in the Screenshots folder within your Pictures library.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
When you use this shortcut, your screen will briefly dim, indicating that a screenshot has been taken and saved. This method is ideal for quickly capturing and archiving screenshots without needing to paste them into another program first.
Capturing Only the Active Window with Alt + Print Screen
If you only need to capture the currently active window – the window you are currently working in – the Alt + PrtScn shortcut is your go-to option. By pressing Alt and PrtScn together, Windows will capture only the active window and copy it to your clipboard.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
Similar to the standard Print Screen method, you will need to paste this screenshot into an image editor or application to save it permanently. This is useful when you want to focus on a specific application window without capturing your entire desktop.
Using Snip & Sketch for Flexible Screenshots
Windows 10 includes a powerful tool called Snip & Sketch, which offers more flexibility and annotation options for your screenshots. To launch Snip & Sketch, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Shift + S.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
When activated, your screen will dim, and a small menu will appear at the top, offering four snipping modes:
- Rectangular Snip: Drag your cursor to create a rectangle around the area you want to capture.
- Freeform Snip: Draw a freehand shape around the desired area.
- Window Snip: Click on a specific window to capture the entire window.
- Full-screen Snip: Captures your entire screen, similar to the Print Screen button.
After taking a snip using any of these modes, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard, and a notification appears in the bottom-right corner. Clicking this notification opens the Snip & Sketch application, where you can:
- Annotate: Use pens, pencils, highlighters, and erasers to draw on or mark up your screenshot.
- Crop: Adjust the boundaries of your screenshot.
- Save: Save the edited screenshot to your computer.
- Share: Directly share your screenshot.
Snip & Sketch is perfect for when you need to quickly annotate or customize your screenshots before saving or sharing them.
The Snipping Tool: A Classic Screenshot Utility
While Snip & Sketch is the newer, recommended tool, Windows 10 also includes the Snipping Tool, a classic screenshot utility that provides similar functionality. You can find it by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
The Snipping Tool offers modes similar to Snip & Sketch, including:
- Free-form Snip
- Rectangular Snip
- Window Snip
- Full-screen Snip
Additionally, the Snipping Tool has a Delay option, allowing you to set a timer (from 1 to 5 seconds) before the screenshot is taken. This is useful for capturing menus or actions that disappear when you interact with the screen. Once captured, the screenshot opens in the Snipping Tool window, where you can annotate, save, or share it.
Capturing Screenshots with the Game Bar
The Game Bar, primarily designed for gamers, also includes a screenshot feature that can be used in most Windows applications. To open the Game Bar, press Windows Key + G.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
In the Game Bar overlay, locate the Capture widget (it looks like a camera icon). Clicking the camera icon within the Capture widget will take a screenshot of your current active window.
Screenshots taken with the Game Bar are automatically saved as PNG files in the Captures folder within your Videos library. The Game Bar is a convenient option if you already use it for gaming or prefer using overlays for quick access to features.
Screenshot on Microsoft Surface Devices: Power + Volume Up
For users of Microsoft Surface devices, there’s an alternative hardware shortcut to take screenshots. Press and hold the Power button and simultaneously press the Volume Up button.
Print Screen Key Location on Keyboard
The screen will briefly dim, and the screenshot will be saved to the Screenshots folder within your Pictures library. This method is particularly handy on Surface tablets or devices where keyboard shortcuts might be less convenient.
Exploring Third-Party Screenshot Applications
While Windows 10’s built-in tools are quite comprehensive, numerous third-party screenshot applications offer even more advanced features. These apps can provide functionalities like:
- Scrolling screenshots: Capturing entire webpages or long documents that extend beyond the visible screen.
- Cloud uploading: Automatically uploading screenshots to cloud services for easy sharing.
- Advanced annotation tools: More sophisticated editing and annotation options.
- Customizable workflows: Setting up personalized shortcuts and actions for screenshot taking.
Popular third-party screenshot tools include Lightshot, Greenshot, and ShareX, each offering unique features and benefits. If you find the built-in tools limiting, exploring these options can significantly enhance your screenshotting workflow.
Taking screenshots in Windows 10 is a fundamental skill, and with these diverse methods, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer quick keyboard shortcuts or feature-rich applications, Windows 10 has you covered for all your screen capture needs.
