10 Methods to Take a Screenshot on Windows 10
Table of Contents
- Method 1: PrtScn (Print Screen) Key
- Method 2: Windows Key + PrtScn
- Method 3: Alt + PrtScn
- Method 4: Snipping Tool
- Method 5: Snip & Sketch
- Method 6: Win + Shift + S
- Method 7: Game Bar
- Method 8: Third-Party Screenshot Tools
- Method 9: Surface Pen
- Method 10: Xbox Game Bar
Method 1: PrtScn (Print Screen) Key
One of the simplest methods to take a screenshot on Windows 10 is by using the PrtScn (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. Pressing this key captures the entire screen and saves it to the clipboard.
Method 2: Windows Key + PrtScn
Another convenient method is to use the combination of the Windows key and PrtScn. Pressing these keys together captures the entire screen and automatically saves it as a screenshot in the "Screenshots" folder of your Pictures library.
Method 3: Alt + PrtScn
To capture the active window or the currently selected window, you can use the Alt key + PrtScn. This method saves the screenshot to the clipboard.
Method 4: Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot utility on Windows 10. Follow these steps to use it:
- Press the Windows key and type "Snipping Tool" in the search results. Open the Snipping Tool app.
- Click on "New" in the Snipping Tool window.
- Select the area of the screen you want to capture using the cursor.
- Release the cursor, and the captured screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool editor where you can save it.
Method 5: Snip & Sketch
Windows 10 version 1809 and later includes the Snip & Sketch tool. Here's how to use it:
- Press the Windows key and type "Snip & Sketch" in the search results. Open the Snip & Sketch app.
- Click on "New" in the Snip & Sketch window or press Ctrl + N.
- Select the desired area of the screen using the cursor.
- Release the cursor, and the captured screenshot will open in the Snip & Sketch editor where you can annotate or save it.
Method 6: Win + Shift + S
Another handy shortcut introduced in Windows 10 version 1809 is Win + Shift + S. Here's how to use it:
- Press the Win + Shift + S keys together.
- Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top of the screen.
- Use the toolbar options to capture the desired area of the screen.
- The captured screenshot will be saved to the clipboard for pasting into applications like Paint or Word.
Method 7: Game Bar
The Game Bar is primarily used for gaming, but it also includes a screenshot feature. Here's how to use it:
- Press Win + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click on the camera icon or press Win + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot.
- The screenshot will be saved in the "Captures" folder in your Videos library.
Method 8: Third-Party Screenshot Tools
There are several third-party screenshot tools available for Windows 10 that offer additional features and flexibility. Some popular options include Greenshot, Lightshot, and Snagit.
Method 9: Surface Pen
If you're using a Microsoft Surface device with a Surface Pen, you can use it to take screenshots. Simply double-click the top button of the Surface Pen to capture the screen.
Method 10: Xbox Game Bar
For gamers, the Xbox Game Bar provides another way to take screenshots. Here's how:
- Press Win + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click on the camera icon or press Win + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot.
- The screenshot will be saved in the "Captures" folder in your Videos library.
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on Windows 10 is easy with these 10 methods. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, built-in tools like the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, or third-party software, you have plenty of options to capture and save screenshots for various purposes.
