how to take a screenshot on window: how to screenshot on windows

how to take a screenshot on window: how to screenshot on windows

If you're new to using a Windows computer, you may be wondering how to take screenshots. Fortunately, taking screenshots on Windows is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. In this beginner's guide, we will walk you through the basics of Windows screenshot functionality, including both basic and advanced options, editing and saving screenshots, third-party applications, and troubleshooting common issues.

 

Why Screenshots are Important

Screenshots can be a useful tool in a variety of situations, such as when you need to capture an error message or save a picture of a website for future reference. Screenshots can also be helpful when you want to share information with others, such as a picture of a product you are considering purchasing or a section of a document you are collaborating on.

 

Overview of the Windows Screenshot Functionality

Windows has several built-in screenshot options, including the Print Screen (PrtScn) button, the Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, and the Windows Game Bar. There are also more advanced options, such as using the Snipping Tool with delayed capture, capturing screenshots on multiple monitors, and using third-party applications.

 

Part 1: Basic Windows Screenshot Options

Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Button

One of the most basic ways to take a screenshot on a Windows computer is by using the Print Screen (PrtScn) button. This button is usually located in the top-right corner of the keyboard, and pressing it will take a screenshot of the entire screen.

 

To use this feature, simply press the PrtScn button. The screenshot will be saved to your computer's clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a document or image editor by pressing Ctrl + V.

 

Capturing the Active Window (Alt + PrtScn)

If you only want to capture a screenshot of the active window, you can use the Alt + PrtScn keyboard shortcut. This will take a screenshot of the window that is currently in focus, rather than the entire screen.

 

To use this feature, click on the window you want to capture, and then press Alt + PrtScn. The screenshot will be saved to your computer's clipboard, and you can paste it into a document or image editor by pressing Ctrl + V.

 

Snipping Tool (Windows 7, 8, and 10)

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to capture screenshots in a variety of ways. To access the Snipping Tool, simply search for it in the Windows search bar.

 

Once you have the Snipping Tool open, you can choose from four different types of snips: Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip. After selecting the type of snip you want to take, simply use your mouse to capture the area you want to screenshot.

 

Snip & Sketch (Windows 10)

Snip & Sketch is a newer screenshot utility that is available in Windows 10. To access Snip & Sketch, press the Windows key + Shift + S. This will bring up a snipping toolbar that allows you to choose the type of snip you want to take.

 

After selecting the type of snip you want to take, simply use your mouse to capture the area you want to screenshot. The screenshot will be saved to your computer's clipboard, and you can paste it into a document or image editor by pressing Ctrl + V.

 

Windows Game Bar (Windows 10)

Windows Game Bar is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to capture screenshots and record videos while playing games. To access Windows Game Bar, press the Windows key + G while playing a game.

 

Part 2: Advanced Windows Screenshot Options

Using the Snipping Tool with Delayed Capture

The Snipping Tool also allows you to delay the capture of a screenshot. This can be useful if you need to capture a specific dropdown menu or tooltip that disappears quickly. To use the delayed capture feature, open the Snipping Tool and click on the Delay button. You can then select a delay time of up to 5 seconds.

Part 1: Capturing a Screenshot on Surface Pro Devices

In today's digital age, screenshots have become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a casual user, capturing a screenshot is a convenient way of sharing information with others. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to capture and edit screenshots on Surface Pro devices, including how to capture screenshots on multiple monitors, edit and save screenshots, use third-party screenshot applications, and troubleshoot common screenshot issues.

 

Part 2: Capturing Screenshots on Multiple Monitors

Capturing screenshots on multiple monitors is a bit more complex than on a single monitor. However, it is still possible to do so using the Windows + Print Screen keyboard shortcut. Here's how:

 

1: Press the Windows key + Print Screen.

2: The screenshot will be saved in the Screenshots folder in the Pictures Library.

Part 3: Editing and Saving Screenshots

Editing and saving screenshots is an essential part of the process. This section will cover how to edit and save screenshots using the built-in Windows Snipping Tool Editor and Paint.

 

Using the Windows Snipping Tool Editor

The Windows Snipping Tool Editor is a built-in tool that allows you to edit and save screenshots quickly. Here's how to use it:

 

1: Open the Snipping Tool by pressing the Windows key + S and typing "Snipping Tool."

2: Click on "New" to capture a screenshot.

3: Use the mouse to select the area you want to capture.

4: Once the screenshot is captured, you can use the editing tools to annotate and highlight the screenshot.

5: Click on "Save" to save the screenshot to your desired location.

Using Paint for Basic Editing

Paint is another built-in tool that can be used for basic editing of screenshots. Here's how to use it:

 

1: Open Paint by pressing the Windows key + S and typing "Paint."

2: Click on "Paste" to paste the screenshot.

3: Use the editing tools to annotate and highlight the screenshot.

4: Click on "Save" to save the screenshot to your desired location.

Saving and Sharing Screenshots

Once you've captured and edited your screenshot, the next step is to save and share it. You can do this by following these simple steps:

 

1: Click on "Save" in the editing tool.

2: Choose a location to save the screenshot.

3: Choose a file format for the screenshot (PNG, JPEG, etc.).

4: Click on "Save."

5: You can now share the screenshot with others by attaching it to an email, uploading it to a cloud storage service, or sharing it on social media.

Converting Screenshots to Different Formats

Converting screenshots to different formats is a handy feature that can come in handy in various situations. Here's how to do it:

 

1: Open the screenshot in an editing tool (Snipping Tool, Paint, etc.).

2: Click on "Save As."

3: Choose a new file format for the screenshot (PNG, JPEG, etc.).

4: Click on "Save."

Part 4: Third-Party Screenshot Applications

Third-party screenshot applications offer additional features and functionality that the built-in tools don't provide. Here are some of the best third-party screenshot applications available for Surface Pro devices:

Greenshot

Greenshot is a popular open-source screenshot tool for Windows. With Greenshot, you can capture full-screen shots, specific windows, or custom regions of your screen. Greenshot also allows you to annotate screenshots with shapes, arrows, and text. One of the standout features of Greenshot is the ability to automatically save screenshots to a specific folder or send them directly to a printer or email. Additionally, Greenshot can be customized with plugins to enhance its functionality further.

Lightshot

Lightshot is a lightweight screenshot tool that allows you to capture specific parts of the screen with ease. After taking a screenshot, you can use Lightshot's built-in editor to crop, resize, and annotate your image. You can also share your screenshots directly to social media platforms or save them to your computer. Another unique feature of Lightshot is the ability to search for similar images on the web-based on the content of your screenshot.

ShareX

ShareX is a comprehensive screenshot and screen recording tool for Windows. With ShareX, you can capture full-screen shots, specific windows, or custom regions of your screen. You can also record your screen, capture scrolling windows, and annotate your screenshots with text, arrows, and shapes. ShareX allows you to save your screenshots to a specific folder or upload them to a variety of cloud storage platforms, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

PicPick

PicPick is an all-in-one screenshot and image editing tool for Windows. With PicPick, you can capture full-screen shots, specific windows, or custom regions of your screen. Once you've captured your screenshot, PicPick's image editor allows you to crop, resize, and add annotations to your image. PicPick also includes a color picker, a pixel ruler, and a protractor for more advanced image editing. Additionally, PicPick can be used to capture and edit video footage.

Part 5: Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

While screenshots are a useful tool, they're not always foolproof. Sometimes, you may encounter issues when attempting to capture a screenshot. In this section, we'll cover some common screenshot issues and how to troubleshoot them.

Screenshot not Working

If you're attempting to take a screenshot, but nothing happens, it's possible that your keyboard shortcuts are not working correctly. Check that your keyboard's PrtScn or Windows key + PrtScn shortcuts are functioning correctly. If not, you may need to update your keyboard drivers or remap your keyboard shortcuts.

Screenshots are Blank or Black

If your screenshots are coming out blank or black, it's likely that you're attempting to capture a protected window, such as a video player or game. Try disabling hardware acceleration in your browser or game settings and then attempting to capture the screenshot again.

Screenshots are Low Quality

If your screenshots are coming out of low quality, it's possible that your screen resolution is set too low. Try increasing your screen resolution and then capturing the screenshot again.

Screenshot not Saving

Taking a screenshot is one of the easiest ways to capture a picture of what is on your computer screen. Screenshots can be used for a variety of purposes such as sharing information, saving evidence, or documenting an error. However, sometimes you may encounter a situation where your screenshot fails to save. This can be frustrating, especially if you need the screenshot for an important task. In this article, we will discuss the common reasons why screenshots fail to save on Windows and provide troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking screenshots on Windows is an essential skill that can help you in various situations. Whether you want to capture an important message or document an error message for troubleshooting purposes, knowing how to take a screenshot can save you a lot of time and effort.

In this article, we have covered the different ways to take screenshots on Windows, ranging from basic to advanced options. We have also discussed how to edit and save screenshots, as well as troubleshoot common issues that may arise when taking screenshots.

With the information provided in this article, you should be able to take screenshots on your Windows device easily and efficiently. Remember to experiment with the different methods and tools available to find the one that works best for you.

Overall, taking screenshots on Windows is a simple process that can be mastered with a little practice. So, go ahead and start taking screenshots today to capture those important moments and memories on your device!

FAQs

1: Can I take screenshots of specific portions of the screen? Yes, you can use tools like the Snipping Tool or third-party applications like Greenshot to capture specific portions of the screen.

2: Is it possible to take a screenshot of a menu? Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or the Print Screen button to capture a screenshot of a menu.

3: How do I change the default save location for screenshots? You can change the default save location for screenshots by going to the Settings app, clicking on "System", selecting "Storage", and then choosing the location where you want to save your screenshots.

4: Can I take a screenshot of a video playing on my computer? Yes, you can use the Print Screen button to capture a screenshot of a paused video. However, if the video is playing, you may need to use a third-party application that can capture screenshots of videos.

5: What is the best screenshot application for Windows? There are several great screenshot applications for Windows, including Greenshot, Lightshot, ShareX, and PicPick. The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.