Taking a snapshot of your computer screen, also known as a screenshot or screen capture, is a fundamental skill for any Windows 10 user. Whether you need to share information, document steps, or simply save what’s on your screen, Windows 10 offers a built-in feature using the Print Screen key. This action automatically copies the screen image to your clipboard, ready to be used. Let’s explore how to effectively use the Print Screen function on your Windows 10 device.
Understanding the Print Screen Key
What is the Print Screen Key?
The Print Screen key is a dedicated button on your keyboard that allows you to capture a visual copy of your display. In Windows 10, this key, often labeled as PrtScr, PrintScreen, or similar variations, acts as a gateway to taking screenshots. Depending on how you use it, you can capture:
- The entire screen: Captures everything visible on your monitor(s).
- All active windows: Captures all windows that are currently open and running.
- The current active window: Captures only the window you are currently working in or have selected.
Once captured, this “screen print” is temporarily stored in your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into various applications for further use.
Where to Find 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 computer.
On desktop keyboards, you’ll typically find the Print Screen key in the upper right area, often near the function keys and the scroll lock key. Keep an eye out for labels such as PrintScreen, PrtScrn, PrntScr, PrtScn, PrtScr, PrtSc, or PrtScr. For simplicity, we’ll use PrtScr to refer to all these variations.
Illustration of the print screen key on Dell Precision 5550 mobile workstation keyboard
Figure 1: Locate the Print Screen key, often labeled as PrtScr, in the upper right area of your desktop keyboard.
For laptop keyboards, the Print Screen key is commonly found within the Function key row (F1, F2, F3…). You might need to press the Fn (Function) key in combination with a Function key, often F10, to activate the Print Screen function.
Illustration of the print screen key on Dell Precision 5550 mobile workstation keyboard
Figure 2: On laptops, the Print Screen key is often integrated with the Function keys; you might need to use the Fn key.
Some laptops with capacitive Function Key rows may require pressing the Fn key to toggle the function keys to their standard functions, which will then allow you to use the PrtScr key with the methods described below. Always consult your laptop’s user manual for specific details if you are unsure.
Screen Printing Techniques on Windows 10
Windows 10 offers several ways to use the Print Screen key to capture exactly what you need.
Capturing the Entire Screen on Windows 10
To capture a screenshot of your entire display, including all open windows and applications, press the Windows logo key + PrtScr key simultaneously. If you are using a tablet, press the Windows logo button and the volume down button at the same time.
After pressing these keys, your screen might briefly dim, indicating that the screenshot has been taken. The screen capture is automatically saved as a file in the Screenshots folder, which is located within your Pictures folder.
Capturing All Active Windows
If you want to capture all currently active windows, but not necessarily the entire screen background, simply press the PrtScr key by itself.
This action will copy an image of all your active windows to the clipboard. You won’t see a visual cue on screen, but the screenshot is ready to be pasted.
Capturing a Single Active Window
To capture only the specific window you are currently working in, make sure that window is active (selected), and then press the Alt + PrtScr keys together.
This method is useful when you only need to capture the content of one application window without capturing the entire screen or other open windows. The screenshot of the active window will be copied to your clipboard.
Using Your Screen Print: Pasting and Editing
Once you have captured your desired screen image using any of the Print Screen methods above, the next step is to use or edit it. The screenshot is in your clipboard, which is a temporary storage area. To make use of it, you need to paste it into an application.
For basic use, you can paste the screenshot directly into applications like:
- Microsoft Word or other document editors: Insert the screenshot as an image into your document.
- Email messages: Paste the screenshot directly into the body of your email.
- Instant messaging applications: Share screenshots quickly in chats.
For editing your screenshot, you’ll need to paste it into an image editing program such as:
- Paint (built-in Windows application): A simple tool for basic cropping, resizing, and annotations.
- Paint 3D (also built-in): Offers more advanced editing features.
- Adobe Photoshop or other professional image editors: For more sophisticated editing and manipulation.
To paste your screenshot, open your chosen application and press Ctrl + V (hold down the Control key and press the V key). This will paste the screen print from your clipboard into the application as a new image document, ready for you to use as needed.
For more advanced screen capture options, Windows 10 also includes the Snipping Tool and the Snip & Sketch tool, which offer more flexibility and features for capturing and annotating screenshots. However, for quick and simple screen prints, the Print Screen key remains a highly efficient and readily available method on Windows 10.
