How to Take a Screenshot on Windows PC: Make and Save Snapshots Easily
Main Media Screenshot Tips How to Take a Screenshot on Windows PC: Make and Save Snapshots Easily

Jonathan Field
Jonathan Field
Digital Marketing Strategist

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows PC: Make and Save Snapshots Easily

In the fast-paced digital world, knowing how to take screenshots on a Windows computer has become an essential skill.

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Windows PCs offer several methods to accomplish this, but none as quick and easy as using Screenpixel, a tool designed to streamline the process. This guide will walk you through the traditional methods and introduce you to Screenpixel, highlighting how to capture a screenshot on Windows with ease and speed, making the task more comfortable than ever.

How You Can Take a Screenshot on a Computer

Method
Shortcut/Tool
Capture Type
Screenpixel
Pressing two mouse buttons
Selectable area
Print Screen
PrtScn / Alt+PrtScn / Windows+PrtScn
Full screen / Active window / Auto save to file
Game Bar
Windows + G / Windows + Alt + PrtScn
Full screen / Selected window
Snipping Tool
Search "Snipping Tool"
Free-form, Rectangular, Window, Full-screen
Snip & Sketch
Windows + Shift + S
Free-form, Rectangular, Window, Full-screen

Way 1: Use Screenpixel to Capture a Screenshot

For those seeking a quick, easy, and efficient method to take screenshots, Screenpixel is the tool of choice. This software provides a dependable way to capture and share screen content. Here’s how to make a snapshot on PC using Screenpixel:

  • Download and install Screenpixel from screenpixel.org, a process that is swift and hassle-free.

Free download
Windows 7/8/10/11
  • Once installed, you can take a screenshot simply by pressing two designated mouse buttons. This action allows you to select the specific area of your screen you wish to capture.

Selecting an area to capture a screenshot in Screenpixel on Windows
Selecting an area to capture a screenshot in Screenpixel on Windows
  • After selecting the area, press Enter. Screenpixel then captures your selected snapshot and instantly saves it. But what sets Screenpixel apart is its next step: it automatically generates a short link to your screenshot, copying this link to your clipboard.

Generated link to the screenshot taken via Screenpixel on the computer
Generated link to the screenshot taken via Screenpixel on the computer

Whether you’re discussing a project on a webpage, examining code, or reviewing designs, Screenpixel streamlines the process, enabling you to send and share your screenshots without interrupting your workflow. Its quick installation, simple usage, and the ability to quickly share links make it a superior choice for professionals across various fields.

Way 2: Use the Print Screen Key/Shortcut

The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScn, is a quick way to capture the entire screen on your Windows PC. For those wondering how do you screenshot on a computer, this method is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how to utilize it:

  • Simply press the PrtScn key to capture an image of your entire screen. This copies the screenshot to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into any program that accepts images, such as Paint or Word.

PrtSc keyboard shortcut to capture the entire screen to clipboard
PrtSc keyboard shortcut to capture the entire screen to clipboard
A screen picture pasted in Paint. Then you can easily save the screenshot to your computer.
A screen picture pasted in Paint. Then you can easily save the screenshot to your computer.
    • If you wish to capture only the active window, press Alt + PrtScn. This snaps a shot of the window currently in focus and saves it to your clipboard.

    Keyboard shortcut to capture the active window on laptop/desktop
    Keyboard shortcut to capture the active window on laptop/desktop
    • To save the screenshot directly as a file, press Windows + PrtScn. Your screen will briefly dim to indicate a successful capture, and the screenshot is saved automatically in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.

    Keyboard shortcut to save a screenshot from your computer directly as a file
    Keyboard shortcut to save a screenshot from your computer directly as a file

    This method is ideal for quick captures, especially when you need to edit or share a snapshot with minimal delay. Whether you’re on a desktop or a laptop, mastering the Print Screen key is a valuable skill in your screenshot-taking arsenal.

    You may be interested:
    How to Take a Screenshot on Lenovo Laptop and ThinkPad

    Way 3: Use the Game Bar to Capture a Screenshot on PC

    For gamers and professionals who need to capture moments without leaving their application, the Windows Game Bar is an excellent tool. This feature is not only for recording gameplay but also for taking screenshots with ease. Here’s how to take screenshots on a Windows computer using the Game Bar:

    • Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar. Ensure you've enabled Xbox Game Bar in your Windows settings under Gaming.

    Xbox Game Bar keyboard shortcut on Windows laptop/desktop
    Xbox Game Bar keyboard shortcut on Windows laptop/desktop
    Xbox Game Bar dashboard on Windows PC
    Xbox Game Bar dashboard on Windows PC
      • Click on the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot. You'll see a notification that your screenshot was saved.

      A keyboard shortcut to take a screenshot in Xbox Game Bar.
      A keyboard shortcut to take a screenshot in Xbox Game Bar.
      Camera icon in Xbox Game Bar dashboard. One of the easiest ways to get a screenshot on a PC.
      Camera icon in Xbox Game Bar dashboard. One of the easiest ways to get a screenshot on a PC.
        • All screenshots taken with the Game Bar are saved in the Videos > Captures folder. From there, you can edit, share, or send them as needed.

        This method is particularly useful for capturing dynamic content, such as videos or games, on your PC. It allows for quick access and easy sharing options, making it a favorite among users who frequently capture and share their digital experiences.

        Way 4: Use the Snipping Tool to Get a Screenshot

        The Snipping Tool is a long-standing Windows tool that offers more flexibility than the traditional Print Screen approach. It allows users to capture screenshots in various shapes and sizes, providing more control over what you take a snapshot of. Here’s how to create a screenshot on PC using the Snipping Tool:

        • Search for the Snipping Tool in your Windows search bar and open the application.

        Snipping tool in Windows search bar. Built-in Windows tool to take a screen capture.
        Snipping tool in Windows search bar. Built-in Windows tool to take a screen capture.
        • Choose the type of snip you want to make: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen. Each option offers a different way to capture parts of your screen.

        Snip modes in Snipping Tool to capture screenshots on Windows 10
        Snip modes in Snipping Tool to capture screenshots on Windows 10
        • Once you've made your selection, your screen will fade, and you can select the area you wish to capture. For free-form and rectangular snips, click and drag your mouse over the area. For window and full-screen snips, simply click on the window or let the tool capture the full screen.

        • After capturing the screenshot, the Snipping Tool opens an editing window where you can annotate, save, or share your snap.

        Editing tools after screenshot creation in Snipping Tool
        Editing tools after screenshot creation in Snipping Tool

        This tool is ideal for users who need to capture specific parts of their screen and might want to edit or annotate their screenshots before saving or sending them. It’s versatile for both desktop and laptop users who capture everything from webpages to software interfaces.

        Way 5: Use Snip & Sketch to Do a Screenshot

        Snipping Tool is the updated version of Snip & Sketch, designed to take, edit, and share screenshots more easily. This tool is integrated directly into Windows 10 and above, offering a quick way to capture your screen with just a few clicks. Here’s how to take screenshots on a Windows computer with Snip & Sketch:

        • Press Windows + Shift + S to bring up the Snip & Sketch capture bar, which allows you to choose from rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snips.

        Snip & Sketch keyboard shortcut on a computer
        Snip & Sketch keyboard shortcut on a computer
        Snip & Sketch capture bar. Chose the way to screen capture on a PC.
        Snip & Sketch capture bar. Chose the way to screen capture on a PC.
          • Once you select your snip type, the screen will dim, and you can capture the desired area. The screenshot will then be copied to your clipboard and a notification will appear, which you can click to open the screenshot in the Snip & Sketch app.

          A PC snapshot taken in Snip & Sketch and copied to clipboard
          A PC snapshot taken in Snip & Sketch and copied to clipboard
          • In the app, you have the option to annotate, edit, or share your screenshot directly. You can also save it for future use.

          Editing Tools in Snip & Sketch after the screen snapshot on a PC
          Editing Tools in Snip & Sketch after the screen snapshot on a PC

          Snip & Sketch enhances the screenshot experience by combining the capture, edit, and share steps into a seamless workflow. It’s perfect for users who regularly work with screenshots and need an efficient way to manage them. Whether you’re a freelancer documenting your work, a developer capturing bug reports, or just someone who likes to keep visual records, Snip & Sketch is a versatile tool for all your screenshot needs.

          Conclusion

          Understanding how to capture a screenshot on Windows is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity in our increasingly digital workspace. From quick captures using the Print Screen key to more detailed snaps with tools like Screenpixel, Windows offers a variety of ways to meet this need. Each method serves different purposes, whether you’re aiming for speed with Screenpixel or flexibility with the Snipping Tool (Snip & Sketch). Embracing these tools not only streamlines your workflow but also enhances your ability to communicate visually. By integrating these screenshot methods into your daily tasks, you ensure that capturing and sharing screen content is always at your fingertips, quick, easy, and efficient.

          FAQ

          • How do you screenshot on a computer?
            Whether you're using a desktop or a laptop, Windows provides multiple ways to take a screenshot: through the Print Screen key for full-screen captures, the Snipping Tool (Snip & Sketch) for custom or quick edits and shares, and specialized software like Screenpixel for enhanced functionality.
          • How can you take a screenshot without a keyboard?
            Screenpixel and Snipping Tool (Snip & Sketch) offer user-friendly interfaces that allow you to capture screenshots without relying on keyboard shortcuts. These tools are especially useful for touchscreen devices or when you prefer using a mouse.
          • How do I screen capture on PC and save it to the clipboard?
            Pressing the Print Screen key (PrtScn) captures your entire screen and saves it to the clipboard. For quick access and additional features like editing and sharing, you can use Screenpixel or Snipping Tool (Snip & Sketch), which also save captures to the clipboard and provide easy sharing options.
          • How do you take a screenshot on a PC laptop?
            The methods to take a screenshot on a PC laptop are the same as on a desktop—using the Print Screen key, Screenpixel, the Game Bar, the Snipping Tool (Snip & Sketch), depending on your specific needs and preferences.
          • How do I take a screen picture and edit it?
            Snipping Tool (Snip & Sketch) is the go-to tool for taking, editing, and sharing screenshots on Windows. It allows you to capture your screen easily and then edit the image directly within the app. For more robust editing features, screenshots can be opened in an image editing tool of your choice.
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          Tom
          Tom
          1 month ago

          Hi! How can I capture computer screen image on my Windows 11 PC?

          Tom
          Tom
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Oh, I didn’t know Windows 11 had that. Thanks!

          John Howard
          John Howard
          1 month ago

          guys what’s the best way to take a picture on computer screen while gaming?

          John Howard
          John Howard
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Perfect, that sounds easy!))

          Paul V.
          Paul V.
          1 month ago

          I need to capture computer screen image on my Dell laptop. What do you suggest?

          Paul V.
          Paul V.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          yeah but I need something more precise

          Paul V.
          Paul V.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          thanks, I’ll give that a shot!))

          Jerry
          Jerry
          1 month ago

          Hello! How do I capture a computer screen image and save it automatically?

          Jerry
          Jerry
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          That’s convenient! No need to paste it anywhere

          Arthur
          Arthur
          1 month ago

          What’s up! Can you recommend a good desktop screenshot tool for editing screenshots?

          Arthur
          Arthur
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Does it work on both Windows and Mac?

          Arthur
          Arthur
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          I’ll definitely try that. Thanks for the suggestion!

          Muhammad
          Muhammad
          1 month ago

          Good morning! How can I capture picture on PC without downloading any software?

          Muhammad
          Muhammad
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Do I need to paste it somewhere?

          Anna
          Anna
          1 month ago

          i’m struggling with how to take a computer screenshot Windows 10. Any advice?

          Anna
          Anna
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          thx! I’ve been doing it the hard way, I guess.

          Alex
          Alex
          1 month ago

          Can someone explain how 2 take screenshot a on PC? I’m new to this.

          Alex
          Alex
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Oh, that sounds perfect! Idk about that tool.

          Mari
          Mari
          1 month ago

          Hi there. What’s the fastest way to capture the screen on computer during a video call?

          Mari
          Mari
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          I’ll try that. Thanks for the tip!

          Vikram
          Vikram
          1 month ago

          is there an easy screenshot PC while watching a video?

          Vikram
          Vikram
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          I didn’t know you could do that! Awesome.

          Aja
          Aja
          1 month ago

          hi. how do I crop the PC screen after taking a screenshot?)

          Aja
          Aja
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          i’ve been looking for an easy way to do that. Thx!

          Reva
          Reva
          1 month ago

          Can anyone recommend a good tool to capture the screen on computer?

          Reva
          Reva
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          does it work on Windows 11?

          Kum V.
          Kum V.
          1 month ago

          i’m still using Windows 7. How do I take a computer screenshot Windows 7?

          Kum V.
          Kum V.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Old school, but it works. xD thanks for the help.

          Rani O.
          Rani O.
          1 month ago

          What’s the best method to capture picture on PC for a tutorial?

          Rani O.
          Rani O.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Is it good for step-by-step images?

          Chander
          Chander
          1 month ago

          hi all. I’ve heard there’s a new way to capture screen on computer with Windows 11. Is that true?

          Chander
          Chander
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          that’s great, I’ll start using that!

          Hemali
          Hemali
          1 month ago

          How can I do screenshot on my computer without using any external tools?

          Hemali
          Hemali
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          and where does it go after that?

          Jonson J
          Jonson J
          1 month ago

          qq. How can I screenshot on PC when I’m working on multiple windows?

          Jonson J
          Jonson J
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Thanks, that’ll save me a lot of time!

          Jane
          Jane
          1 month ago

          How do I make screenshot on PC and save it immediately?

          Jane
          Jane
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          that’s convenient. No need to paste anywhere!!!

          Michael N.
          Michael N.
          1 month ago

          Hellow, how do u take screenshots on a computer if you want to capture a specific area?

          Steve
          Steve
          1 month ago

          how do I take screenshots on computer while gaming?

          Steve
          Steve
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Omg, that’s pretty handy for gaming!

          Mike
          Mike
          1 month ago

          hi? how can u take a screenshot on a computer if the Print Screen key isn’t working?

          Mike
          Mike
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          perfect, I’ll use that instead.

          Osvald
          Osvald
          1 month ago

          how do I screenshot my PC screen quickly for a report?

          Osvald
          Osvald
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          and does it save automatically?

          Anna S.
          Anna S.
          1 month ago

          Gm. How do you make a screenshot on PC without using any software?

          Anna S.
          Anna S.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Simple and effective, thanks!

          Tajia
          Tajia
          1 month ago

          How do I do a snapshot on my computer if I’m using Windows 10?

          Tajia
          Tajia
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          That’s a new one for me, I’ll try it out!

          Sohan
          Sohan
          1 month ago

          how do you take a screenshot from a computer running Windows 7?

          Sohan
          Sohan
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          I thought that was only on Windows 10. Good to know!

          Jenika
          Jenika
          1 month ago

          Hi! How do u take a SS on a computer and share it right away?

          Jenika
          Jenika
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          So easy, thanks!

          Connor
          Connor
          1 month ago

          how do u take screen shots on a computer if you’re in a rush?

          Connor
          Connor
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          that’s exactly what I needed!

          William
          William
          1 month ago

          Hello. How do u do a screenshot on a computer and then edit it?

          William
          William
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Got it, I’ll use Paint for now.)))

          Jacob P.
          Jacob P.
          1 month ago

          how do I screenshot on my computer windows 10 without the keyboard?

          Jacob P.
          Jacob P.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          didn’t know i could do that!

          Patricia
          Patricia
          1 month ago

          How can i get a screenshot on my pc while using dual monitors?

          Patricia
          Patricia
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          And can I edit it afterward? :3

          Anusha
          Anusha
          1 month ago

          How do I do a computer screenshot if I only want a part of the screen?

          Anusha
          Anusha
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          thanks, I’ll give that a try

          Harshika
          Harshika
          1 month ago

          how do I snapshot my computer screen when I’m watching a video?

          Harshika
          Harshika
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          cool, I didn’t know that worked for videos too!!!

          Charlotte W.
          Charlotte W.
          1 month ago

          Hey. How can screenshot on pc be done easily?

          Charlotte W.
          Charlotte W.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          simple and straightforward, thanks!

          Anjuli
          Anjuli
          1 month ago

          How do I copy my screen on a PC to send to a friend??

          Anjuli
          Anjuli
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Thanks, that’s really helpful!!

          Abhaya
          Abhaya
          1 month ago

          Hi! how do u screenshot on this computer if I want to include the taskbar?

          Abhaya
          Abhaya
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          great, that’s exactly what I needed.

          Geet I.
          Geet I.
          1 month ago

          How to do a screenshot of your computer screen when working on multiple windows?

          Geet I.
          Geet I.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          PC without capturing everything

          Emma
          Emma
          1 month ago

          how to copy screen on PC windows 10 if I need a full-screen shot?

          Emma
          Emma
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          that’s handy. I always forget the shortcut!

          Margaret
          Margaret
          1 month ago

          Hey!! how to get a screenshot on desktop without using any software?

          Amelia J
          Amelia J
          1 month ago

          how to do a screenshot on a pc computer for specific areas?

          Shalini
          Shalini
          1 month ago

          GA! how to do a screen on a pc if I want to capture just a part of it?

          Damian T.
          Damian T.
          1 month ago

          how to make a screenshot on pc windows 11 if i’m working on a document?

          Liam
          Liam
          1 month ago

          Hey. How to do a screenshot on this computer if I want to share it immediately?

          Liam
          Liam
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          That’s a quick way to get a screenshot on PC Windows 7 too, right? 🙂

          Atharv
          Atharv
          1 month ago

          How to cap screen on PC when I need a quick snap?

          Jai
          Jai
          1 month ago

          How to do screenshot on desktop computer when running a presentation?

          Jai
          Jai
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          Great tip! That’s how to make a screenshot on PC Windows 10 as well, right?

          Joseph Q.
          Joseph Q.
          1 month ago

          Hi!! How to capture a picture on PC when I’m editing photos?

          Agastya
          Agastya
          1 month ago

          how to take a screenshot of my PC screen without using any tools? )))

          Agastya
          Agastya
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          does it save automatically? )))

          Tenzin
          Tenzin
          1 month ago

          wup! How to screenshot things on a computer when browsing the web?

          Tenzin
          Tenzin
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          That’s perfect for my project!

          Kyle J.
          Kyle J.
          1 month ago

          how to take a picture on a PC laptop without a camera?.

          Kyle J.
          Kyle J.
          Reply to  Jonathan Field
          1 month ago

          thanks, that’s what I needed.!

          Nila
          Nila
          1 month ago

          Hello. How to screenshot a web page on a computer if it’s long?

          David
          David
          1 month ago

          how to take a photo on a computer screen if I want to send it to someone? ))




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