How to Screenshot on PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Ultimate Guide for Challenger

Hello Challenger, welcome to our guide on how to screenshot on PC. If you’re looking to capture an image of what’s on your screen, you’re in the right place. Screenshots are incredibly useful for work, personal, or educational purposes. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to take a screenshot on your PC with step-by-step instructions, keyboard shortcuts, and built-in software. Let’s get started!

Introduction

A screenshot is an image of what’s on your computer screen that can be saved as a file or pasted into a document or presentation. This ability to capture your computer screen can save time and energy in explaining an issue or sending visual instructions to someone. Screen recording has proven to be a great resource, and it is used widely for various purposes in the workplace or in personal life.

In this guide, we will walk through the different ways to take screenshots on your PC. We will cover how to capture a particular window or your entire screen, how to save it, and how to copy and paste it into a document or email.

Before we dive into how to screenshot on PC, it’s important to know the various ways you can use your screenshots once you’ve taken them. Uses for screenshots include:

Uses for Screenshots
Providing technical support
Recording errors and bugs
Capturing online receipts
Illustrating presentations and reports
Sharing noteworthy news or achievements
Sharing memes or funny moments

Now that you’re aware of how screenshots can be used, let’s dive into the different ways to take screenshots.

How to Screenshot on PC Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to take a screenshot in Windows OS. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press the PrtScn or Print Screen key on your keyboard. This is usually located in the upper right-hand corner and may be abbreviated as “PrtScn.”

Step 2: If you want to capture the entire screen, simply press the PrtScn key. If you want to capture a particular window, click on the window that you want to capture to make it active, then press the Alt + PrtScn keys together.

Step 3: Open Paint or any other editing tool such as Adobe Photoshop to save the screenshot. Once you have opened the tool, press Ctrl + V or right click and paste the screenshot in the new blank file.

Step 4: Save the file on your desktop or in any location you desire. You can also rename the file here.

Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in app on Windows OS that enables you to take screenshots of a particular part of the screen that you have selected. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu or by searching in the search bar.

Step 2: Once the app is opened, click on ‘New’ to start snipping the area you want to capture.

Step 3: After you’ve completed the snip, you can annotate or highlight certain parts of the screenshot by using the tools in the toolbar.

Step 4: Save the snip in the desired location by selecting ‘Save As.’

Method 3: Using the Windows + G Key Combination

The Windows + G key combination is another way to take screenshots in Windows OS. However, this method only works for gamers or when playing a game in full screen. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the game that you want to take a screenshot of in full screen.

Step 2: Press the Windows key + G to open the game bar.

Step 3: Click on the camera icon or press the Windows key + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.

Step 4: The screenshot will appear in your ‘Videos’ folder in a subfolder labeled ‘Captures.’ You can locate this using ‘File Explorer.’

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools such as Lightshot, Greenshot, and ShareX that allow you to take screenshots on your PC. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and install your desired third-party tool.

Step 2: Open the tool, and a window that looks like your screen will appear.

Step 3: Select the area you want to capture.

Step 4: Save the screenshot in the desired location.

Method 5: Using the Power and Volume Down Button on a Surface Device

If you own a Surface device, you can take a screenshot by pressing the Windows button + Volume Down key on your device. The screenshot will be saved in your Pictures folder in a subfolder labeled ‘Screenshots.’

FAQs

1. How do I take a screenshot of a single window on my PC?

To take a screenshot of a single window, click on the window you want to capture to make it active, then press the Alt + PrtScn keys on your keyboard.

2. How do I take a screenshot of a specific area on my PC?

To take a screenshot of a specific area, use the Snipping Tool or a third-party tool to capture the area you want to capture.

3. How do I take a full-screen screenshot on my PC?

To take a full-screen screenshot, press the PrtScn key on your keyboard.

4. How can I paste my screenshot into an email or document?

To paste your screenshot into a document or email, open the document or email and press Ctrl + V or right-click and paste the screenshot.

5. Can I take a screenshot if my keyboard doesn’t have a PrtScn key?

Yes, you can take a screenshot by using the Windows + Print Screen key combination, which will take a screenshot of the entire screen and save the image in your ‘Pictures’ folder in the ‘Screenshots’ subfolder.

6. How do I find my saved screenshot on PC?

Most screenshots taken on your PC are saved in the ‘Pictures’ folder, under the ‘Screenshots’ subfolder.

7. Can I take a screenshot on my PC with my smartphone?

You cannot take a screenshot of your PC using your smartphone. However, most smartphones have built-in screenshot tools that enable you to capture images of your smartphone screen.

8. How do I edit my screenshot?

You can edit your screenshot using any editing tool such as Paint, Adobe Photoshop, or any third-party tools such as Lightshot or Greenshot.

9. Is there a way to automatically save screenshots on my PC?

Yes, it is possible to automatically save screenshots on your PC using certain third-party tools such as ShareX.

10. How do I take a screenshot of a specific area on a dual monitor setup?

You can use the Snipping Tool or a third-party tool to capture the area you want to capture on your dual monitor setup.

11. How do I take a screenshot of a dropdown menu?

You can use the Snipping Tool or a third-party tool to capture the dropdown menu you want to capture. Once you have the menu enabled, use the tool to capture the dropdown.

12. Can I take a screenshot of a video on my PC?

Yes, but it depends on the software you’re using. If you’re using a streaming service or video player that doesn’t allow you to take screenshots, you can use the ‘Print Screen’ function and paste it into an editing tool.

13. Can I take a screenshot of a webpage that extends beyond my screen?

Yes, you can use a third-party tool such as Lightshot or Greenshot to capture the entire page. You can also use the built-in feature in Google Chrome’s Developer Tools to capture a full-page screenshot.

Conclusion

Capturing screenshots on your PC is a valuable skill that can aid in various areas, including work, personal, or educational purposes. In this guide, we’ve outlined the different ways to take screenshots on your PC, from using keyboard shortcuts to using third-party tools. We hope this guide was helpful and will make your life easier as your usage of screenshots becomes more frequent.

We encourage our readers to utilise these techniques and enhance their screen recording methods, which will ultimately lead to a more productive work environment or stress-free personal life. Remember, practice is key in achieving mastery.

Closing Statement: Disclaimer

While this guide is designed to provide general information on how to take screenshots on PC, it is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. We assume no responsibility for any loss or damages resulting from the use of the methods described in this guide. The user should consult their own expert advisor for professional advice specific to their situation.