Taking a screenshot on your PC is a simple task, and there are several keyboard shortcuts that can customize the process. These shortcuts offer options to automatically save the image to a folder or capture only a portion of your screen. Best of all, this can be done easily in Windows without needing to install any additional programs.
7 Ways to Take a Screenshot on Your PC
The following tips are applicable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11:
- Print Screen Key
- Alt + Print Screen Shortcut
- Windows Key + Print Screen Shortcut
- Windows Key + Shift + S Shortcut
- Ctrl + P Shortcut for PDF Creation
- Windows Snipping Tool
- Xbox Game Bar
1. Print Screen Key (PrtScn)
The most basic method involves simply pressing the Print Screen (or PrtScn) key on your keyboard. However, it’s important to note that this command only copies the screenshot to your clipboard. You’ll still need to save the image using an additional application, like Paint. Here’s how:
- Press the PrtScn key to capture a screenshot of your entire screen.
- Open the Start Menu.
- Search for “Paint” and click to open it.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
- Select “File” and then click “Save”.
Since the image is saved to your clipboard, you can directly paste it into other apps and editors, such as WhatsApp and Canva. If the PrtScn button doesn’t seem to work, try locating the Fn key and pressing both Fn + PrtScn simultaneously.
2. Alt + Print Screen Shortcut
The Alt + Print Screen command captures a screenshot of the active window (the window you last clicked on), ignoring the Windows Taskbar at the bottom.
The screenshot is saved to your clipboard and can be pasted into an image editing software or another application (like WhatsApp):
- Press Alt + PrtScn.
- Open an image editor or WhatsApp.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste.
- Save or send the image.
3. Windows Key + Print Screen Shortcut
By pressing Windows Key + Print Screen, the system captures the entire screen and automatically saves the file in the “Pictures” folder. This is a useful option to bypass using editing applications:
- Press Windows Key + PrtScn.
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to the “Pictures” folder.
- Look for the “Screenshots” folder.
- Your image will be there.
4. Windows Key + Shift + S Shortcut
The Windows Key + Shift + S shortcut is the most versatile option because it allows you to capture a specific portion of your screen (by drawing the capture area with your mouse) or the entire screen. This tool displays a small menu at the top where you can choose the type of screenshot, and the result is copied to your clipboard:
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S.
- Choose between Rectangular Snip, Freeform Snip, Window Snip, or Fullscreen Snip from the menu at the top of your screen.
- Drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture.
- Access the screenshot from your clipboard.
You can also click on the Windows notification that appears to edit the image in the Snipping Tool app.
5. Ctrl + P Shortcut to Create a PDF
The Ctrl + P shortcut is typically used to print, but it can also save a PC screen as a PDF file. This feature is particularly useful for capturing an entire webpage, for example:
- Open the screen you want to capture and press Ctrl + P.
- In the print menu, select “Save as PDF” as your printer destination.
- Click “Save”.
- Choose a destination folder to save the PDF.
6. Windows Snipping Tool
Windows also has a built-in program called Snipping Tool that offers free-form screen capture and window-specific screenshots, among other features.
To use this tool, follow these steps:
- Open the Start Menu.
- Type “Snipping Tool”.
- Open the application.
- Click the “New” button to start a capture.
At this point, Windows will activate the capture menu, similar to using the Windows Key + Shift + S shortcut.
7. Xbox Game Bar
Windows includes a tool called Xbox Game Bar for recording your PC screen and also taking screenshots. The captured content is saved on your computer and can be shared across other apps:
- Open the Xbox Game Bar using the shortcut Windows Key + G.
- Locate the “Capture” tab.
- Click the camera icon.
- View your screenshot.
What Happens When You Screenshot on Dual Monitors?
When you press the PrtScn key, the system captures a screenshot of both screens if you are using dual monitors. To capture a screenshot of only the active screen, click on the window you want to capture and press Alt + PrtScn.
To select a specific region across multiple monitors, you would still use the Windows Key + Shift + S command.
How to Screenshot on macOS
macOS has its own set of shortcuts for taking screenshots. One shortcut captures the entire screen, and another saves only a selected portion of the screen using your mouse. Learn more about macOS screenshots.
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