On a Windows PC, it’s usual to wish to snap a screenshot. You may take a snapshot of your whole display—or just a portion of it—by taking a screenshot. Windows has a number of built-in features for taking screenshots.
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Taking a snapshot in Windows using the Print Screen key
The fundamental method for taking a screenshot in Windows is the same regardless of the version you’re running, and it’s extremely simple: hit the PrtScn key on the keyboard.
A screenshot may be taken by pressing the Print Screen key on your keyboard. You may save the snapshot as a PNG picture file or copy it to your clipboard to paste into any program, depending on the keyboard shortcut you choose.
On the top row of your keyboard, the prtscn key is normally located between the F12 and Scroll Lock keys. Instead, it may be called “PrtScn,” “PrntScrn,” “Prt sc,” or “Print Scr.” Look above the Insert key on full-size keyboards.
The Print Screen key on laptop keyboards may be merged with another key, but it will be in that approximate location of the keyboard. While utilizing the shortcuts provided, you may need to hit your laptop’s “Function” or “Fn” key.
This technique, by default, does not save the picture as a file; instead, it copies it to the Clipboard. After that, you may copy it (by hitting Ctrl+V or Right-Click > Copy) and paste it into a document (such as a Word or Google document) or an image processor (Like Microsoft Paint, or even Photoshop).
Also see: Essential Windows apps for a new PC
Taking a screenshot on Windows using the Snipping Tool
When you have a mouse and a keyboard, use the Snipping Tool as follows:
- Press the Windows logo key + Shift + S at the same time. While you pick an area for your snapshot, the desktop will darken.
- Rectangular mode is the default setting. Change the shape of your snip by selecting one of the toolbar options: Rectangle mode, Window mode, Full-screen mode, or Free-form mode. All of these options will assist you in cropping the particular area of the screen that you want.
- The snapshot is transferred to your clipboard automatically. When you complete capturing a screenshot, a notice displays; choose it for further editing choices.
To use the Snipping Tool just with a mouse
1. To get the Snipping Tool, go to Start, type snipping tool, and then choose it from the results.
2. To capture a screenshot, choose New.
3. Rectangular mode is the default setting. Change the shape of your snip by selecting one of the toolbar options: Rectangle mode, Window mode, Full-screen mode, or Free-form mode.
- Rectangular Snip: With your cursor, you will be able to create a rectangle on your screen. Windows will take a snapshot of the region included inside the rectangle.
- Freeform Snip: You can use your cursor to draw an arbitrary shape on your screen (or a stylus or finger on a touch screen). Windows will take a snapshot of the region you draw a circle around.
- Window Snippet: The cursor will serve as a crosshair. You may put it over a window and click to capture just that window.
- Fullscreen Snip: This button captures an image of your full screen.
- Snipping Closed: Close the overlay without capturing a screenshot. (You may also do this by pressing Esc on your keyboard.)
4. The snapshot is transferred to your clipboard automatically. When you complete capturing a screenshot, a notice displays; choose it for further editing choices.
Why should you use a snipping tool?
If you want to crop a picture or grab a particular section of the screen, use the snipping tool. Using the Print screen will not assist you with this. The full screen will be captured and saved.
Also see: Windows 11 worst features and how to fix them
Using the Game Bar, take a screenshot (or video) on Windows
The Xbox Game Bar is a feature in Windows. Despite the name, it is mostly a game overlay with a number of functions. It’s very good for screenshotting PC games. To capture a snapshot of the current game or desktop program using the Game Bar, press Windows + Alt + Print Screen. In addition, you can:
- Press the Windows + G keyboard shortcut.
- Navigate to the widget menu in the top-left corner, click on Capture area, and then pick the Take screenshot option.
You’ll notice a “Screenshot saved” message, which you can click to see your Game Bar screenshots. You may also launch the Game Bar by pressing Windows + G. Then go back to capture and choose my captures to see your snapshot.
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