Capturing what’s on your screen, known as taking a screenshot or screen capture, is a fundamental skill for any Windows 10 user. Whether you need to share information, create tutorials, or simply save a visual record of your work, the Print Screen key is your go-to tool. In Windows, taking a screenshot is straightforward, and it automatically copies the screen capture to your clipboard. You can utilize the Print Screen key alone or in combination with other keys to capture:
- Your entire screen display
- All currently active windows
- Only the window you are currently working in
Once captured, you can then paste the screenshot into various applications, such as documents, emails, or image editing software like Paint, to save, edit, or share it. Let’s explore how to effectively use the Print Screen function in Windows 10.
Understanding the Print Screen Key and Its Location
The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScr or similar variations like PrintScreen, PrntScrn, PrntScr, PrtScn, or PrtSc, is typically found in the upper right area of most keyboards, especially on desktop setups.
For Desktop Keyboards: Look towards the upper right corner of your keyboard. You’ll usually find it near the Function keys (F12, etc.) and the Scroll Lock and Pause Break keys.
Note: It’s worth noting that some compact keyboards, such as the Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo KM3322W, may require using the Fn (Function) key in combination with another key, like Insert, to perform the print screen function. Always refer to your keyboard’s manual if you’re unsure.
For Laptop Keyboards: On laptops, the Print Screen key is commonly integrated into the Function key row (F1 to F12). You’ll likely need to press the Fn key along with the designated Function key (often F10 or another F-key labeled PrtScr) to initiate a screen capture.
Laptops with illuminated Function Key rows (capacitive) might require you to press the Fn key first to switch the function keys to their secondary functions, which will then illuminate the Print Screen function. After illumination, you can use the PrtScr key as described below. Consult your laptop’s user manual for specific details if you have a capacitive function row.
Note: Some laptop models might not have a dedicated Print Screen key at all. In these cases, you can often access the Print Screen functionality by pressing and holding the Fn key and then pressing the Insert key simultaneously.
Figure 1: Location of the Print Screen Key on a Desktop Keyboard
Close-up of the Print Screen key on a Dell desktop keyboard, highlighting its location for Windows 10 users.
Figure 2: Print Screen Key on a Laptop Keyboard
Close-up of the Print Screen key on a Dell desktop keyboard, highlighting its location for Windows 10 users.
Figure 3: Laptop with Capacitive Function Keys
Now that you know where to find the Print Screen key, let’s look at the different ways you can use it in Windows 10.
Methods to Print Screen in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers several shortcuts using the Print Screen key to capture different parts of your screen:
1. Capture the Entire Screen
To capture a screenshot of everything visible on your monitor(s):
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Press the Windows logo key + PrtScr key together.
For Windows tablets without a physical keyboard:
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Press the Windows logo button + the volume down button simultaneously.
When you use these shortcuts, your entire screen will be captured, and the screenshot will be automatically saved as a PNG file in the Screenshots folder within your Pictures library.
2. Capture All Active Windows
If you have multiple windows open and want to capture all of them as they appear on your screen:
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Press the PrtScr key.
This action will take a snapshot of your entire desktop, including all open windows, and copy it to your clipboard. You’ll then need to paste it into an application like Paint to view or save it.
3. Capture a Single Active Window
To capture only the specific window you are currently working in (the active window):
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Select the window you wish to capture by clicking on its title bar.
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Press the Alt + PrtScr keys together.
This will capture only the selected window and copy it to your clipboard, ready to be pasted.
Pasting and Utilizing Your Windows 10 Screenshot
After capturing your desired screenshot using any of the methods above, the image is temporarily stored on your clipboard. To use or save it, you need to paste it into an application.
To paste your screenshot:
- Open an image editor such as Microsoft Paint (pre-installed on Windows), Paint 3D, Photoshop, or any other image editing software you prefer. You can also paste it into applications like Microsoft Word, email clients, or messaging apps that support image pasting.
- In the application, use the Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut. This will paste the screenshot into the document or image editor as a new image.
From there, you can edit, annotate, save in different formats (like JPEG, PNG, etc.), or share your screenshot as needed.
For More Advanced Captures:
While the Print Screen key is excellent for quick captures, Windows 10 also provides the Snipping Tool and the Snip & Sketch tool for more advanced screenshot options, such as capturing free-form selections, window snips, and timed delays. These tools offer more flexibility and annotation features. You can search for “Snipping Tool” or “Snip & Sketch” in your Windows search bar to access them.
In conclusion, mastering the Print Screen key in Windows 10 is a simple yet powerful way to capture and share information visually. Whether you need to capture your entire screen, active windows, or a single window, Windows 10 provides easy-to-use methods to get the job done efficiently.
