Taking a screenshot, also known as a screen capture, is a fundamental skill for any Windows 10 user. Whether you need to share information quickly, document an error message, or simply save something you see on your screen, knowing How To Print Screen With Windows 10 is essential. The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScn, offers a straightforward way to capture your screen and save it as an image. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively use the Print Screen function in Windows 10.
Understanding the Print Screen Key and Its Function
The Print Screen key is a standard key found on most keyboards and is designed to capture a snapshot of your display. When you press the Print Screen key, Windows takes a picture of your screen and temporarily stores it on your clipboard. Think of the clipboard as an invisible storage space for copied data. From there, you can paste the screenshot into various applications to save, edit, or share it.
You might find the Print Screen key labeled in different ways depending on your keyboard manufacturer. Common variations include PrintScreen, PrtScn, PrntScr, PrntScrn, or similar abbreviations. Regardless of the specific label, they all serve the same primary function: to initiate the screen capture process.
Locating the Print Screen Key on Your Keyboard
The location of the Print Screen key can vary slightly based on whether you are using a desktop or laptop computer.
Desktop Keyboards: On a standard desktop keyboard, the Print Screen key is typically located in the upper right section of the keyboard, often near the function keys (F1-F12) and the navigation keys (like Page Up, Page Down). Look for the label “PrtScn” or a similar variation in this area.
Laptop Keyboards: Laptop keyboards often have a more compact design, and the Print Screen key might be integrated with the function keys. In many cases, you’ll find “PrtScn” printed on one of the F-keys, often F10, F11, or F12. To activate the Print Screen function, you might need to press and hold the Fn (Function) key simultaneously with the designated PrtScn key. This is because laptop keyboards often use the function keys for multiple purposes, and the Fn key acts as a modifier to access the secondary function, which in this case, is Print Screen.
Illustration of the print screen key on Dell KM5221W wireless keyboard
Figure 1: The Print Screen key highlighted on a Dell KM5221W wireless keyboard, typically found in the upper right corner.
Illustration of the print screen key on Dell KM5221W wireless keyboard
Figure 2: Example of the Print Screen key on a Dell Precision 5550 mobile workstation laptop keyboard, integrated with the function keys.
Some compact keyboards, especially on certain laptop models, might not have a dedicated Print Screen key at all. In these situations, you can often use the combination of Fn + Insert keys to perform the Print Screen function. Always refer to your device’s user manual if you are unsure about the exact location or activation method for the Print Screen key.
Different Ways to Print Screen in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers several methods to capture screenshots using the Print Screen key, allowing you to capture different parts of your screen depending on your needs.
1. Capture the Entire Screen:
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Method 1: Copy to Clipboard: Simply press the PrtScn key. This will capture a screenshot of your entire screen, including all monitors if you have multiple displays, and copy it to the clipboard. You won’t see any visual confirmation that the screenshot has been taken, but it’s now ready to be pasted.
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Method 2: Save as File: Press the Windows logo key + PrtScn keys simultaneously. This method also captures the entire screen, but instead of just copying it to the clipboard, it automatically saves the screenshot as a PNG image file. The screen will briefly dim to indicate that a screenshot has been taken and saved. The screenshots are saved in the “Screenshots” folder within your “Pictures” library. You can access this folder through File Explorer.
2. Capture All Active Windows:
- To capture all currently active windows, press the PrtScn key. This function behaves the same as capturing the entire screen using just the PrtScn key – it copies the screenshot to your clipboard. However, when you paste this screenshot, it will only include all windows that are currently active and visible on your screen, excluding the taskbar or desktop areas behind the active windows.
3. Capture a Single Active Window:
- If you only need to capture a specific window, first, make sure that the window you want to capture is active by clicking on it. Then, press the Alt + PrtScn keys together. This will capture only the currently active window and copy it to the clipboard. This is useful when you want to focus on a specific application window without capturing the entire screen or other open windows.
Accessing and Using Your Print Screen Captures
Once you’ve captured a screenshot using any of the methods above (except for Windows key + PrtScn which saves directly to a file), the image is stored on your clipboard. To use the screenshot, you need to paste it into an application.
Pasting Screenshots:
- Open an application: Launch an application where you want to use your screenshot. Common applications include:
- Paint: A basic image editor included with Windows, ideal for simple edits and saving screenshots as image files (JPEG, PNG, etc.).
- Microsoft Word or other document editors: To insert the screenshot into a document.
- Email clients: To include the screenshot in an email message.
- Image editing software: Such as Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or online image editors for more advanced editing.
- Paste the screenshot: In the application, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + V (hold down the Ctrl key and press V). This will paste the screenshot from the clipboard into the application.
Saving Screenshots:
- If you used the Windows logo key + PrtScn method, your screenshots are already saved as PNG files in the “Screenshots” folder.
- If you used other Print Screen methods (PrtScn, Alt + PrtScn), you need to paste the screenshot into an image editor like Paint and then use the “Save As” option to save the image in your desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG) and location.
Exploring Beyond Print Screen: The Snipping Tool
While the Print Screen key is a quick and easy way to take screenshots, Windows 10 also offers more advanced screenshot tools like the Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch (the modern replacement for Snipping Tool). These tools provide more flexibility and features, such as:
- Different capture modes: Rectangular snip, free-form snip, window snip, and full-screen snip.
- Annotation tools: Pens, highlighters, and erasers to mark up your screenshots.
- Delayed snip: To capture menus or pop-ups that disappear when you press a key.
For more complex screen capture needs or when you require editing and annotation features, exploring the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Mastering how to print screen with Windows 10 is a fundamental step in becoming proficient with your computer. By understanding the different methods and locations of the Print Screen key, you can efficiently capture and share information from your screen. Whether you need to capture the entire screen, active windows, or a specific window, Windows 10 provides the tools you need right at your fingertips. And for more advanced options, remember to explore the Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch for enhanced screenshot capabilities.
