Table of Contents
Taking screenshots on a PC is a useful skill that allows you to save and share what’s on your screen. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, there are multiple built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts that make capturing screenshots quick and easy.
The Snip & Sketch tool is a popular choice, offering options for capturing rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen screenshots. The Snipping Tool is another option, although it is being phased out in Windows 11.
Additionally, keyboard shortcuts like Print Screen, Windows key + Print Screen, Alt + Print Screen, and Windows Logo + volume down can be used to capture specific types of screenshots. Some devices, like Microsoft Surface tablets, have their own unique shortcuts.
There are also third-party apps available that offer more features, such as annotation and automatic uploading of screenshots. With these various methods, you can easily capture and save screenshots on your PC.
Using Built-In Tools: Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool
When it comes to capturing screenshots on your PC, Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer two convenient built-in tools: Snip & Sketch and the Snipping Tool. These tools provide easy-to-use options for capturing and saving screenshots.
Snip & Sketch
The Snip & Sketch tool is a versatile screenshot tool that allows you to capture rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen screenshots. Accessing Snip & Sketch is as simple as using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S or searching for it in the Start menu. After taking a screenshot, it is saved to the clipboard and can be accessed through a notification that appears in the lower-right corner of your screen.
Opening the Snip & Sketch app gives you the ability to annotate, save, or share the screenshot. With its intuitive interface and various screenshot options, Snip & Sketch is a reliable tool for capturing and editing screenshots.
Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool, although being phased out in Windows 11, is still available and can be accessed by searching for it in the Start menu. This tool offers options for capturing rectangular, freeform, full-screen, and window snips. However, unlike Snip & Sketch, the Snipping Tool does not automatically save screenshots. Instead, manual saving within the tool is required.
While the Snipping Tool may be less advanced compared to Snip & Sketch, it remains a viable option for those who prefer a simple and straightforward screenshot tool.
With the Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool, Windows provides users with effective built-in tools for capturing screenshots on their PC. Whether you prefer the versatility of Snip & Sketch or the simplicity of the Snipping Tool, these tools make it easy to capture and save screenshots without the need for third-party applications.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Other Methods
In addition to the built-in tools, there are several keyboard shortcuts and other methods for taking screenshots on a PC. The Print Screen (PrtScn) key is a common shortcut for capturing the entire screen. Pressing this key copies the screenshot to the clipboard, and it can be pasted into an image editing program to save or edit the image.
The Windows key + Print Screen shortcut automatically saves the screenshot to the Pictures > Screenshots folder. Alt + Print Screen captures the active window and copies it to the clipboard. Some devices may not have a dedicated Print Screen key, in which case the Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar shortcut can be used.
The Game Bar can also be used to capture screenshots, especially for gaming purposes. Additionally, Microsoft Surface devices have their own shortcut, using the combination of the Windows Logo touch button and the physical volume-down button. These various methods provide flexibility and options for capturing screenshots on a PC.
Related Posts:
FAQ
How do you screenshot on a PC?
There are multiple ways to screenshot on a PC. You can use built-in tools like Snip & Sketch or the Snipping Tool, or use keyboard shortcuts like Print Screen or Windows key + Print Screen.
What are the built-in tools for taking screenshots on a PC?
The built-in tools for taking screenshots on a PC are Snip & Sketch and the Snipping Tool. Snip & Sketch is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and offers options for capturing rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen screenshots. The Snipping Tool, although being phased out in Windows 11, is still available and offers options for capturing rectangular, freeform, full-screen, and window snips.
How do I access the Snip & Sketch tool?
You can access the Snip & Sketch tool by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S or by searching for it in the Start menu.
How do I access the Snipping Tool?
To access the Snipping Tool, you can search for it in the Start menu.
What are the keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a PC?
The keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on a PC are Print Screen (PrtScn) for capturing the entire screen, Windows key + Print Screen for automatically saving the screenshot to the Pictures > Screenshots folder, and Alt + Print Screen for capturing the active window and copying it to the clipboard. Some devices may have different shortcuts, such as the Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar shortcut or the combination of the Windows Logo touch button and the physical volume-down button for Microsoft Surface devices. The Game Bar can also be used for capturing screenshots, especially for gaming purposes.
Are there any third-party apps for taking screenshots on a PC?
Yes, there are third-party apps available that offer more features like annotation and automatic uploading of screenshots.
After taking a screenshot, it is saved to the clipboard and can be accessed through a notification that appears in the lower-right corner of the screen. Opening the Snip & Sketch app allows you to annotate, save, or share the screenshot. For other methods like using the Print Screen key, the screenshot can be pasted into an image editing program to save or edit the image.
