How to take a screenshot on a laptop? or you confused about how to take screenshots in Windows 10? There are a lot of programs on Windows 10 that can do a similar thing and in this case, is taking screenshots. But, there are some differences from step by step to take a screenshot to what to do with the image taken by you.
Some programs allow you to take screenshots on Windows with a press of a button or even automatically and some of them allow you to edit, upload, and copy the URL automatically as well. Below is our list of programs that can help and enhance your way on how to take screenshots in Windows 10.
10 Best Ways to Take Screenshots in Windows 10 PC Step by step Easily & Quickly
1. Snipping Tool
Snipping Tool is a popular Windows 10 screenshot. It may sound weird but it makes sense considering Snipping Tool is a built-in program inside Windows 10 but at the same time, not many people know or want to use Snipping Tool to take screenshots.
People who do use it will know that taking screenshots with Snipping Tool is really easy and quick. You can simply open it by clicking the shortcut or press the assigned hotkey. Click New button and you can select the area you want to save. The default snip type is a rectangular snip but you can choose other options such as free-form, windows snip and full-screen snip.
After you’re done, you can choose where you want to save the image. You will always need to manually save it and then the program will close automatically before copy your image to the clipboard. Snipping Tool alone should be enough for most people, and since it’s built-in, it’s lightweight and doesn’t need many resources at all. If you want to know how to take screenshots in windows 10 the easiest, Snipping Tool is the easiest way to start.
Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots
How to use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots in Windows 10?
- Select the Start button
- Type snipping tool in the search box
- Select the Snipping Tool App
- Take screenshots
2. Snip and Sketch
take screenshot windows 10 use Snip and Sketch
Looking for a way to screenshot windows 10? This tool is easy to access and a great way to share screenshots but doesn’t expect other features to be available. Snip and Sketch is like an upgraded version and Snipping Tool, so it’s just as easy to use. Open Snip and Sketch and click the new button to initiate the screen capture.
Snip and Sketch window disappears and you’ll see a tiny menu at the top of your screen that you choose what kind of screenshot you want to take: there is rectangular, free-form, and full-screen. We don’t know why there is no option to capture a window with Snip and Sketch. Additionally, you can press the down-arrow button to delay a snip for 3 to 10 seconds, this feature is also available in Snipping Tool.
After you’re done taking a screenshot, the image will be loaded to Snip and Sketch. There you can annotate it with a pencil, pen, and other tools located at the top of the window. Save the image and you’re done, the image will be saved and copied to your clipboard. If you don’t have the snip and sketch windows 10 app, then you can download it on microsoft store for free.
3. Print Screen
How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10
How to screenshot windows 10? Of course, you can take a screenshot as easy as pressing the Print Screen button on your keyboard. Among other ways on how to take screenshots in Windows 10, there is a simple and quick solution. Print Screen or sometimes labeled as PrtScn allows you to take a screenshot by copying it to the clipboard. You’ll need an image editing tool to see the image, Microsoft Paint will be sufficient for this. Open Paint and press Ctrl + V to paste the image on the blank canvas or paint tool. This is the best way to take Screenshots in Windows 10 which people commonly use on their computers.
4. Using Windows Key + Print Screen to Capture Your Entire Screen
Windows Key + Print Screen to take screenshot
If you want to take a screenshot of everything you see on your screen—whether it’s your desktop, an application, or a game—the Windows Key + Print Screen shortcut is a quick and efficient way to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Screen:
- Set Up What You Want to Capture: Make sure everything you want in the screenshot is visible on your screen. Close any unnecessary windows or arrange your desktop as needed.
- Press the Shortcut Keys:
- Hold Down the
WindowsKey: This is the key with the Windows logo, typically located at the bottom left of your keyboard. - While Holding the Windows Key, Press the
Print Screen(PrtScn) Key: The Print Screen key is usually found in the top row of your keyboard, often labeled asPrtScn,PrtSc, or something similar. - So, press Windows Key + Print Screen simultaneously.
- Hold Down the
- What Happens Next:
- Screen Briefly Dims: After pressing the shortcut, your entire screen will dim for a moment. This visual cue indicates that a screenshot has been successfully taken.
- Screenshot is Automatically Saved: Unlike some other methods, this shortcut doesn’t just copy the screenshot to your clipboard. Instead, it automatically saves the image to your computer.
- Locate Your Screenshot:
- Open File Explorer: You can do this by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or pressing Windows Key + E.
- Navigate to the Screenshots Folder:
- Go to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Here, you’ll find your newly captured screenshot saved as a PNG file. The file name typically includes the word “Screenshot” followed by a number (e.g.,
Screenshot (1).png).
- Accessing and Managing Your Screenshot:
- Open the Image: Double-click the screenshot file to open it with the default photo viewer.
- Edit or Share: From here, you can edit the screenshot using built-in tools like Photos, or share it via email, social media, or other platforms.
5. Using Alt + Print Screen to Capture an Active Window
alt print screen windows 10
If you want to take a screenshot of just the window you’re currently working in (like a web browser, a document, or an application), the Alt + Print Screen shortcut is a quick and effective way to do it.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select the Window You Want to Capture:
- Click on the window you want to screenshot to make sure it’s the active window. The active window is the one you’re currently working in and is highlighted or has a different color border.
- Press the Shortcut Keys:
- Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
- While holding Alt, press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key.
- So, press Alt + Print Screen at the same time.
- What Happens Next:
- The active window is captured. Unlike the full-screen screenshot, only the window you selected is saved.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard. This means it’s temporarily stored and ready to be pasted into another application.
- Paste and Save Your Screenshot:
- Open an Image Editor: Launch a program like Microsoft Paint. You can find Paint by typing “Paint” into the Start menu search bar.
- Paste the Screenshot:
- In Paint, click on Edit in the top menu and then select Paste, or simply press Ctrl + V on your keyboard.
- Save the Image:
- Click on File > Save As.
- Choose your desired file name and location on your computer.
- Select the file format (like PNG or JPEG) and click Save.
Visual Steps
- Select the Window:
![Select Window][] - Press Alt + Print Screen: ![Press Shortcut][]
- Paste in Paint: ![Paste in Paint][]
- Save Your Screenshot:
Why Use Alt + Print Screen?
- Focused Capture: This method captures only the window you’re interested in, avoiding unnecessary parts of your screen.
- Quick and Easy: It’s faster than cropping a full-screen screenshot.
- No Need for Extra Software: You can use built-in tools like Paint to handle your screenshots.
Tips for Using Alt + Print Screen
- Ensure the Right Window is Active: Make sure the window you want to capture is selected before pressing the shortcut.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts Efficiently: Combining Alt + Print Screen with Ctrl + V in Paint speeds up the process.
- Organize Your Screenshots: Save your images in a dedicated folder to keep them organized and easy to find later.
Troubleshooting
- Screenshot Not Capturing Correct Window: – Make sure the window you want to capture is active by clicking on it before pressing the shortcut.
- Clipboard Issues: – If the screenshot isn’t pasting correctly, try restarting your computer or using another image editor.
6. Using Windows Key + Shift + S to Take a Screenshot with Snip & Sketch
Windows key + shift S
If you want to take a screenshot on your Windows laptop and you’re not sure how, here’s an easy way to do it using a keyboard shortcut:
- Press the Hotkey:
- Hold down the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo) and the Shift key.
- While holding those, press the S key.
- So, press Windows key + Shift + S all at the same time.
- What Happens Next:
- Your screen will dim for a moment. This means everything on your screen will get a little darker, which tells you that the screenshot tool is now active.
- A small menu will appear at the top of your screen. This is part of the Snip & Sketch tool, which helps you take screenshots.
- Choose What to Capture:
- Rectangular Snip: Click and drag your mouse to draw a rectangle around the part of the screen you want to capture. Release the mouse button, and that area will be saved as a screenshot.
- Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around the area you want to capture. This is useful if the part you want to capture isn’t a rectangle.
- Window Snip: Click on a specific window (like a browser or a game) to capture just that window.
- Full-Screen Snip: Capture the entire screen, just like pressing the Print Screen button.
- After Taking the Screenshot:
- Your screenshot is copied to the clipboard. This means it’s saved temporarily, and you can paste it into another program, like Microsoft Paint or an email.
- A notification will appear letting you know that the screenshot has been saved.
- Saving or Editing Your Screenshot:
- If you want to save the screenshot, click on the notification. This will open the Snip & Sketch app, where you can:
- Edit the screenshot: Add text, highlights, or drawings.
- Save the image: Choose where to store the screenshot on your computer.
- Share the screenshot: Send it directly to someone or upload it online.
- If you want to save the screenshot, click on the notification. This will open the Snip & Sketch app, where you can:
Why Use This Method?
- Quick and Easy: Pressing the hotkey Windows key + Shift + S is faster than opening a program manually.
- Flexible: You can choose exactly what part of the screen you want to capture.
- Built-In Tool: No need to download any extra software. Snip & Sketch is already included in Windows 10.
Tips to Remember
- Practice the Hotkey: The more you use Windows key + Shift + S, the faster you’ll get at taking screenshots.
- Know Your Options: Familiarize yourself with the different types of snips (rectangular, freeform, window, full-screen) so you know which one to use in different situations.
- Edit After Capturing: Use the Snip & Sketch app to add notes or highlights to your screenshot if you need to explain something or mark important parts.
By using the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut, you can quickly capture exactly what you need on your screen without slowing down your workflow. Give it a try, and you’ll find that taking screenshots on Windows 10 becomes a breeze!
7. Game Bar Windows 10
Game Bar Windows 10
Looking for the best alternative to Windows 10 screenshots? Game Bar isn’t just a program to take screenshots. Game Bar is designed to record your gameplay and save it on your hard drive, but you can also use it to capture your computer screen. You can open the Game Bar from the shortcut or press the hotkey Windows key + G.
In-Game Bar menu, you can click the screenshot button or use the hotkey Windows key + Alt + Print Screen to snap a full-screen screenshot. You can assign a custom hotkey in Settings > Gaming > Game Bar. Remember to enable these Game Bar’s features: Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast while you’re at it.
8. Windows logo + Volume Down
Windows logo + Volume Down
Do you know that taking screenshots on a PC is easy? If you’re using a Microsoft Surface device, you can try pressing certain buttons to take a screenshot of your entire screen. Hold down the Windows logo touch button at the bottom of your Surface screen and hit the physical volume-down button on the side. The screen will dim briefly and that’s when you’ll know you have taken a screenshot, and the image will be saved in Pictures > Screenshots folder.
9. ShareX
ShareX
If you want a quite powerful program that can do more than take a screenshot on Windows 10, you might want to try ShareX. ShareX is a free and open-source program that is designed to take screenshots and upload it somewhere. Besides taking screenshots, you can also record videos as much as you want.
ShareX’s other features are: capturing with annotation along with automation and powerful workflows, capturing screenshots, editing the image taken, converting the image to PNG format, deleting the background to make a transparent version, saving the image Google Drive, creating images in all sizes, or uploading thumbnails. As you can see, ShareX can do a lot more than just how to take screenshots in Windows 10.
10. OBS Studio
OBS Studio
OBS is a free, open-source, and powerful program that is designed to capture your screen in a high-quality format. OBS is currently by millions of people who want to record their screen, save the recording, or broadcast it online. As you might already know, a lot of people are aspiring to become a famous streamer, and OBS is the best investment they can ever make. It might take some time to learn to master it, but it’ll be worth it.
But of course, you can use it as one of the best ways how to take screenshots on windows 10. If you’re already familiar with OBS, there is no reason to use other programs to take screenshots. OBS is more than capable of doing just that. There you have it, now you know how to take screenshots in Windows 10 in many ways.
Now you know how to take a screenshot on PC and Windows 10 and all the above tutorials you have to practice. If you have questions, let me answer.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on a Windows 10 laptop is easy with many methods. You can use built-in tools like Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch for quick shots. Or, you can use keyboard shortcuts for speed, or advanced apps like ShareX and OBS Studio for more.
Windows 10 has options for everyone. By trying out these methods, you can capture and manage your screen images well. This is useful for personal use, work, or creative projects. Pick the method that works best for you and make capturing images easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the easiest way to take a screenshot on Windows 10?
The easiest way is to press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key. This captures the whole screen and puts it on the clipboard. Then, you can paste it into an image editor like Microsoft Paint.
2. How do I capture a specific area of my screen?
You can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch:
- Snipping Tool: Open the app, click New, and select the area you want to capture.
- Snip & Sketch: Press Windows key + Shift + S, then select the desired area from the toolbar that appears.
3. Is there a way to automatically save screenshots without pasting them manually?
Yes, press Windows key + Print Screen. This captures the whole screen and saves it in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
4. How can I capture just the active window?
Use the shortcut Alt + Print Screen. This captures only the active window and puts it on the clipboard, ready to be pasted into an image editor.
5. Can I take screenshots in high quality for professional use?
For high-quality screenshots, use OBS Studio or ShareX. These apps let you capture and save images in various formats and resolutions, perfect for professional use.
6. How do I annotate or edit my screenshots after taking them?
After capturing a screenshot with Snip & Sketch, you can use its built-in tools to mark it up. Programs like ShareX also offer detailed editing features.
7. What’s the difference between Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch?
Snip & Sketch is an updated version of the Snipping Tool. It has a modern interface and more features like annotation tools and better integration with Windows.
8. Can I capture screenshots while playing games?
Yes, use the Game Bar by pressing Windows key + G. It lets you take screenshots and record gameplay without leaving the game.
9. Where are my screenshots saved by default?
Depending on the method used:
- Windows key + Print Screen: Pictures > Screenshots folder.
- Game Bar: Videos > Captures folder.
- Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch: Saved manually to a chosen location.
10. Are there any third-party apps you recommend for taking screenshots on Windows 10?
Yes, ShareX and OBS Studio are top picks. ShareX offers lots of customization and automation. OBS Studio is great for both screenshots and high-quality screen recordings.
