How to Screenshot on Windows – 6 Different Ways

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Taking screenshots on a Windows PC is an essential skill, whether you need to capture something for work, share a funny moment from a video, or document an issue for troubleshooting. We’ll go over every technique for taking screenshots on Windows in this extensive tutorial, along with advice on how to save, modify, and share them.

Using the Print Screen Key

Capturing the Entire Screen

The simplest way to take a screenshot on Windows is by using the Print Screen (PrtScn) key.

  1. Press the PrtScn key on your keyboard.
  2. The entire screen will be captured and copied to your clipboard.
  3. You can then paste the screenshot into an image editor like Paint or directly into a document or email by pressing Ctrl + V.

Capturing the Active Window

To capture just the active window:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture to make it active.
  2. Press Alt + PrtScn.
  3. The screenshot of the active window will be copied to your clipboard.

Using the Snipping Tool

Types of Snips

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows app that allows you to take more customized screenshots.

  • Free-form Snip: Draw a free-form shape around the area you want to capture.
  • Rectangular Snip: Drag the cursor around the area to form a rectangle.
  • Window Snip: Capture a specific window.
  • Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.

Saving and Editing Snips

After taking a snip:

  1. The screenshot opens in the Snipping Tool where you can edit it.
  2. You can save it by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl + S.
  3. Use the basic editing tools to highlight, annotate, or crop the snip.

Using Snip & Sketch

Launching Snip & Sketch

Snip & Sketch is an upgraded version of the Snipping Tool with more features.

  1. Open Snip & Sketch by pressing Windows + Shift + S.
  2. The screen will dim, and you’ll have options for free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen snips.

Capturing and Annotating Screenshots

After capturing a screenshot:

  1. It will automatically open in the Snip & Sketch window.
  2. You can annotate it using the pen, highlighter, and other tools available.
  3. Save, copy, or share the edited screenshot directly from the app.

Using the Windows + Print Screen Shortcut

Capturing the Entire Screen and Saving Automatically

To take a screenshot and automatically save it:

  1. Press Windows + PrtScn.
  2. The screen will dim briefly to indicate the screenshot was taken.
  3. The screenshot is saved automatically in the Screenshots folder within your Pictures library.

Locating Saved Screenshots

You can find your saved screenshots by navigating to:

  1. File Explorer > Pictures > Screenshots
  2. Screenshots are named in sequence as Screenshot (1), Screenshot (2), etc.

Using Game Bar for Screenshots

Activating Game Bar

The Game Bar is primarily for gamers, but it can be used in any app to take screenshots:

  1. Open the Game Bar by pressing Windows + G.
  2. Click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.

Capturing Screenshots in Games and Apps

Game Bar allows you to capture screenshots while playing games or using apps:

  1. Screenshots taken with Game Bar are saved in the Videos > Captures folder.
  2. You can also share them directly from the Game Bar interface.

Using Third-Party Tools

Popular Screenshot Apps

Several third-party apps offer advanced screenshot capabilities:

  • Lightshot: A free tool that allows quick editing and sharing.
  • Greenshot: Offers more customization options and integrations.

Advanced Features and Customization

Third-party tools often provide:

  • Hotkeys: Customizable shortcuts for different types of screenshots.
  • Annotations: Advanced editing tools like arrows, text, and shapes.
  • Cloud Integration: Upload screenshots directly to the cloud for sharing.

How to Save and Find Your Screenshots

Default Save Locations

Screenshots Folder in Pictures Library

Screenshots taken with the Windows + PrtScn shortcut are saved in:

  • File Explorer > Pictures > Screenshots
Clipboard for Temporary Storage

Screenshots taken with PrtScn or Alt + PrtScn are saved to the clipboard, allowing you to paste them directly into an app.

Changing the Default Save Location

Using OneDrive to Save Screenshots

You can configure OneDrive to save screenshots automatically:

  1. Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and go to Settings.
  2. Under the Backup tab, check the box for Automatically save screenshots I capture to OneDrive.
Configuring Custom Folders for Different Tools

If you want to change the save location for other tools:

  1. Most screenshot apps allow you to set a custom save folder in their settings.
  2. This helps keep your screenshots organized based on their purpose.

Editing Your Screenshots on Windows

Using Paint for Basic Edits

Cropping and Resizing

To crop or resize a screenshot in Paint:

  1. Open the screenshot in Paint.
  2. Use the selection tool to choose the area you want to keep.
  3. Click Crop or adjust the size using the Resize option.
Adding Text and Annotations

You can add text or annotations by:

  1. Selecting the text tool and clicking on the image where you want to add text.
  2. Typing your message and adjusting the font, size, and color.

Using Snip & Sketch for Editing

Marking Up and Highlighting Key Areas

Snip & Sketch provides tools for:

  • Highlighting: Use the highlighter to draw attention to key areas.
  • Marking Up: Use the pen tool to annotate or draw on the screenshot.
Sharing Directly from Snip & Sketch

After editing in Snip & Sketch:

  1. Click the Share button to send the screenshot via email or other apps.
  2. You can also copy it to the clipboard for quick sharing.

Third-Party Editing Tools

Advanced Editing with Photoshop or GIMP

For more advanced editing:

  • Photoshop: Offers professional-grade editing tools, including layers, effects, and more.
  • GIMP: A free alternative to Photoshop with similar features.
Adding Effects and Annotations

These tools allow for advanced effects, like:

  • Blurring: To obscure sensitive information.
  • Annotations: Using text, arrows, shapes, and more to highlight specific parts of the screenshot.

Sharing Your Screenshots

Sharing via Email or Messaging Apps

Using Built-in Sharing Options in Windows

Windows makes it easy to share screenshots directly:

  1. Right-click the screenshot file and choose Share.
  2. Select the app you want to share through (e.g., Mail, Skype).
Drag-and-Drop into Emails and Chats

You can also:

  1. Drag the screenshot file directly into an email or chat window.
  2. It will be attached or embedded automatically.

Uploading Screenshots to Cloud Services

Using OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox

To upload screenshots:

  1. Drag the screenshot into your cloud service’s folder.
  2. Use the share link option to generate a link to share with others.
Sharing Links with Others

When sharing via cloud services:

  1. You can control access by setting permissions on the link.
  2. Send the link via email, chat, or social media.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

Screenshots Not Working

Ensuring Print Screen is Enabled

If your PrtScn key isn’t working:

  1. Check your keyboard settings to ensure PrtScn is enabled.
  2. Look for any Fn lock keys that might be disabling it.
Checking for Conflicting Shortcuts

Sometimes, other apps may override the PrtScn function:

  1. Close any apps that might be using the same shortcut.
  2. Try taking a screenshot again.

Screenshots Not Saving

Verifying Save Locations

If your screenshots aren’t saving:

  1. Check the save location in your screenshot tool’s settings.
  2. Ensure there is sufficient space in the saved directory.
Checking Storage Space

Lack of storage space can prevent screenshots from being saved:

  1. Free up space by deleting unnecessary files.
  2. Ensure the drive where screenshots are saved has enough free space.

Final Thoughts…

Screenshots are a powerful tool for capturing and sharing information on your Windows PC. You may quickly capture the whole screen, a particular window, or a chosen area using a variety of accessible ways. Whether you’re using built-in tools like Snip & Sketch or third-party apps like Lightshot, mastering these skills will enhance your productivity and communication. Don’t forget to explore editing and sharing options to make the most out of your screenshots.

FAQs

1. How do I take a screenshot of just the active window?
Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the active window.

2. In Windows, is it possible to snap a screenshot without pressing the Print Screen key?
Yes, you can use tools like Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S) to take screenshots without the Print Screen key.

3. Why are my screenshots not saving automatically?
Ensure you’re using the correct shortcut (Windows + PrtScn) and check the save location in your Pictures library.

4. How can I make instant edits to a snapshot when I take it?
You can use Snip & Sketch, which allows you to annotate and edit screenshots right after capturing them.

5.Is it possible to schedule a Windows screenshot?
Yes, you can use the Snip & Sketch app to take timed screenshots by selecting the delayed snip option.

If you found this guide helpful, do check out more of my Tech Guides.

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