Easy Guide: How to Screenshot on PC Step by Step

Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, there are multiple ways to capture screenshots on your PC. The built-in tools and shortcuts make it easy to take screenshots of your entire screen, specific windows, or custom areas. Windows 11 introduces the Snip & Sketch tool, which offers more flexibility and features compared to the Snipping Tool. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S to quickly access Snip & Sketch and choose the type of screenshot you want to capture. Snip & Sketch allows you to annotate, save, and share your screenshots. You can also use the Snipping Tool, which is still available in Windows 11. Another option is to use keyboard shortcuts like Print Screen (PrtSc), Windows key + Print Screen, or Alt + Print Screen to capture screenshots. These methods save the screenshots to your clipboard, and you can paste them into an image editing tool or other applications to save or share them.

Key Takeaways:

• There are multiple ways to capture screenshots on a Windows PC.
• Windows 11 introduces the Snip & Sketch tool, offering more flexibility.
• The Snipping Tool is still available in Windows 11.
• Keyboard shortcuts like Print Screen and Windows key + Print Screen can also be used.
• Third-party apps like Greenshot and ShareX offer advanced screenshot capabilities.

How to Use Snip & Sketch for Screenshots in Windows 10 and 11

If you’re looking for a convenient and versatile way to capture screenshots on your Windows PC, the Snip & Sketch tool is the perfect solution. Available in both Windows 10 and 11, Snip & Sketch offers an improved and user-friendly experience compared to the previous Snipping Tool. With Snip & Sketch, you can capture rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen screenshots with ease.

To access Snip & Sketch, simply use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S or search for it in the Start menu. Once you’ve opened the tool, you can choose the type of screenshot you want to capture. After taking a screenshot, it is automatically saved to your clipboard and can be opened in the Snip & Sketch app for annotation, saving, or sharing.

One of the standout features of Snip & Sketch is the delay option. This allows you to delay a screenshot capture by either 3 or 10 seconds, giving you time to set up the desired screen or window before capturing the screenshot. The delay feature is particularly useful when capturing screenshots of menus, tooltips, or other elements that require specific timing.

Capturing Screenshots with Snip & Sketch in Windows 10 and 11

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Snip & Sketch to capture screenshots:

1. Open Snip & Sketch by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S or searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Select the type of screenshot you want to capture from the options available (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen).
3. Drag and select the desired area for rectangular and freeform screenshots, or click on the window or screen you want to capture for window or full-screen screenshots.
4. The screenshot will be automatically saved to your clipboard and can be opened in the Snip & Sketch app for further editing or saving.

Using Snip & Sketch for screenshots in Windows 10 and 11 is a convenient and efficient way to capture and work with screenshots. Whether you need to capture specific windows, custom areas, or the entire screen, Snip & Sketch provides the flexibility and features you need for all your screenshot needs.

Using the Snipping Tool to Capture Screenshots in Windows 10 and 11

The Snipping Tool is a versatile and easy-to-use application available in Windows 10 and 11 for taking screenshots. While it may not have all the advanced features of Snip & Sketch, it provides a convenient and straightforward way to capture screenshots on your computer.

To access the Snipping Tool, simply search for it in the Start menu. Once opened, you can choose from different capture modes, including rectangular, freeform, full-screen, and window snips. This allows you to capture exactly what you need, whether it’s a specific area of your screen or the entire screen itself.

After capturing a screenshot with the Snipping Tool, you have the option to save it manually and copy it to the clipboard for use in other applications. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool for quickly capturing and sharing information on your computer.

The Snipping Tool is a reliable option for those who prefer a standalone application for capturing screenshots. While newer tools like Snip & Sketch offer more features, the simplicity and accessibility of the Snipping Tool make it a popular choice among users.

Using Print Screen and Keyboard Shortcuts for Screenshots in Windows

The Print Screen (PrtSc) key is a widely used keyboard shortcut for taking screenshots on a Windows PC. When you press the Print Screen key, it captures the entire screen and copies the screenshot to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editing tool, such as Microsoft Paint, to save or edit the screenshot. In Windows 10 and 11, you can also set the PrtSc key to open the Snip & Sketch tool directly, providing more options and convenience.

Additionally, there are other keyboard shortcuts that you can use to capture screenshots on your computer. The Windows key + Print Screen shortcut automatically saves a full-screen screenshot to the Pictures > Screenshots folder. This allows for quick access to your screenshots without having to open an image editing tool. Another useful shortcut is Alt + Print Screen, which captures the active window and copies it to the clipboard.

These keyboard shortcuts provide a quick and efficient way to capture screenshots on your Windows PC. Whether you need to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or just a portion of the screen, these shortcuts allow you to do so with ease. Experiment with the different options to find the method that works best for your needs.

Taking Screenshots with the Game Bar and Windows Logo Key

If you’re looking to capture screenshots while playing games or using applications in fullscreen mode on your desktop computer, Windows offers a convenient feature called the Game Bar. By enabling the Game Bar in your settings, you’ll have access to various screenshot options with just a few keystrokes. To bring up the Game Bar, simply press the Windows key + G on your keyboard. From there, you can click the screenshot button or use the Windows key + Alt + PrtScn shortcut to capture a full-screen screenshot.

In addition to the Game Bar, Microsoft Surface devices have a specific shortcut for taking screenshots. By holding down the Windows Logo touch button at the bottom of the screen and pressing the physical volume-down button on the side of the tablet, you can easily capture a screenshot of the entire screen. This shortcut automatically saves the screenshot to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.

With these Windows screen capture techniques, you’ll be able to capture screenshots effortlessly, whether you’re in fullscreen mode or using a Microsoft Surface device. These features provide convenient ways to document and share important moments or information on your desktop computer.

Snipping Tool Shortcut for Screenshots on Microsoft Surface Devices

Microsoft Surface devices offer a convenient shortcut for taking screenshots, allowing you to capture the entire screen with ease. By holding down the Windows Logo touch button at the bottom of the screen and pressing the physical volume-down button on the side of the tablet, you can instantly capture a screenshot. This method is similar to the screenshot shortcuts used on other phones or tablets and provides a quick way to save and share what’s on your screen.

If you own a Microsoft Surface device, this built-in shortcut is a handy option for capturing screenshots. It eliminates the need to search for specific keys or use complex key combinations. Whether you’re documenting an important piece of information, capturing a funny meme, or saving a webpage for future reference, the Surface screenshot shortcut makes the process simple and intuitive.

Once you’ve taken a screenshot using this method, it is automatically saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder on your device. From there, you can easily access and manage your screenshots as needed. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional who frequently needs to capture and share information, the Microsoft Surface screenshot shortcut provides a convenient solution on these devices.

Table: Comparison of Screenshot Methods on PC

As shown in the table, each method offers its own unique features and benefits. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences when capturing screenshots on your PC. With these various screenshot options available, you can easily document and share important information, create visual tutorials, or simply capture memorable moments from your screen.

Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Screenshot Capabilities

While Windows provides built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots, there are also third-party apps available that offer more advanced features and customization options. These apps can provide additional screenshot modes, editing capabilities, and sharing options. Some popular third-party apps for screenshots on Windows include Greenshot and ShareX. These apps can enhance your screenshot experience by offering more flexibility and functionality.

Greenshot is a powerful screenshot tool that allows you to capture screenshots of your entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area. It offers various annotation tools, such as drawing shapes, adding text, and highlighting areas of interest. Greenshot also allows you to save your screenshots in different file formats and share them directly to social media platforms or other applications.

ShareX is another feature-rich screenshot tool that provides advanced customization options. It supports various capture methods, including full screen, window, region, scrolling capture, and more. ShareX also offers extensive annotation and editing tools, allowing you to add arrows, shapes, text, and blur sensitive information. Additionally, it provides numerous sharing options, including uploading screenshots to cloud storage services or sharing them via URL.

These third-party apps provide advanced screenshot capabilities and can greatly enhance your productivity when capturing and editing screenshots on your PC. Whether you need to capture a specific window, annotate screenshots, or share them with others, these apps offer a comprehensive set of tools to meet your needs. Consider trying out Greenshot or ShareX to elevate your screenshot-taking experience.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on a PC can be done in various ways using the built-in tools and shortcuts provided by Windows. Whether you prefer the Snip & Sketch tool, the Snipping Tool, or keyboard shortcuts, you have plenty of options to capture and save screenshots for different purposes. Additionally, third-party apps can offer more advanced features for those who require more customization or editing capabilities. With this ultimate guide to PC screen capture, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to capture screenshots on your PC and can choose the method that works best for you.