Guide to Taking Screenshots on Windows

Taking screenshots is a crucial skill when communicating IT issues, capturing video clips, documenting processes, or creating tutorials. In the Windows operating system, numerous methods are available for capturing screenshots, and this guide will explore the most effective and convenient approaches.

1. Utilizing the Print Screen Key

The Print Screen key, often labeled as PrtScn or PrtScr, is a standard feature on all Windows keyboards. When pressed, this key captures an image of your entire screen and stores it in the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into applications like Paint or Word.

Currently, the Print Screen key is frequently linked with the Snipping Tool, which may not be to everyone’s liking. To detach this association, navigate to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard, then disable the option labeled Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture.

Option to open screen capture tool with PrtScn disabled.

2. Save Screenshots Directly with Windows Key + Print Screen

If you prefer not to paste screenshots immediately, the combination of Windows + Print Screen is ideal. This shortcut temporarily dims your screen and saves the screenshot directly to the Screenshots folder located within your Pictures library.

All captures from the Snipping Tool and other screenshot utilities are also organized in this folder, making it easy to access your images later.

3. Active Window Capture with Alt + Print Screen

While the standard Print Screen captures the entire screen, the Alt + Print Screen shortcut focuses specifically on the currently active window. This is particularly useful for isolating and capturing content from a specific program or browser window.

Active Chrome window screenshot using Alt + Print Screen.

4. Custom Area Selection with Windows Key + Shift + S

The shortcut Windows + Shift + S activates the Snipping Tool overlay, enabling you to select a specific area of your screen to capture. From this menu, you can choose from several options such as Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Full screen.

After making a selection, click the camera icon to take a screenshot. To dismiss the overlay, simply click the close button at the top right.

5. Using the Snipping Tool

For those who prefer a graphical interface for screenshots, the Snipping Tool is the default application available in Windows 10 and Windows 11. This tool offers various features, including capturing different types of screenshots and allowing for immediate editing.

You can launch the Snipping Tool from the taskbar, Start menu, or by typing snippingtool in the Run dialog (Win + R).Additionally, it features a delay option, allowing you to postpone capturing your screenshot for up to 10 seconds.

You can customize settings by clicking the three-dot menu, where you can configure options like automatically saving images and modifying the default save location.

6. Snip & Sketch

Although the Snip & Sketch app has been phased out with Windows 11, it remains accessible in older Windows 10 systems. This app provides similar functionality to the Snipping Tool, with an extra focus on enabling users to annotate their screenshots before saving.

Take Screenshot in Windows 10 using Snip & Sketch.

7. Capturing with the Game Bar

Designed primarily for gamers, the Game Bar is also a powerful tool for capturing screenshots. Press Windows + G to bring up the Game Bar dashboard, where you’ll find the camera-like Capture button for taking screenshots.

You can record screenshots directly with Windows + Alt + Print Screen, with all captures automatically stored in the Captures sub-folder of Videos.

The Game Bar boasts many advantages, including auto-upload capabilities and a user-friendly overlay interface. It’s not only useful for gameplay but also for creating tutorials and instructional content.

8. Steps Recorder for Documenting Processes

Another underutilized tool is the Steps Recorder, which captures screenshots automatically as you perform tasks. You can access this application from the Start menu or run psr.exe for quick access. Ensure that the Screen Capture mode is enabled in the settings to use it effectively.

Start the recording by clicking Start Record, allowing you to document each step of a process or tutorial easily.

9. ZoomIt for Screen Zoom and Capture

Although primarily a zoom tool, ZoomIt by Sysinternals also offers a screenshot function. Download the utility and use Ctrl + G to toggle the snipping mode, allowing you to select and capture specific screen regions.

10. Graphics Card Software for Advanced Screenshots

For users with Nvidia or AMD graphics cards, hardware-specific software can provide additional screenshot capabilities. For Nvidia users, the GeForce Experience allows screenshot capture via Alt + F1, while the hotkey can be customized within the overlay accessed by Alt + Z.

AMD graphics card users can use Ctrl + Shift + I to capture images, with the option to modify this shortcut in Radeon Software’s under Settings → Hotkeys.

Taking a Screenshot with AMD Radeon Software.

11. External Applications for Advanced Capturing Solutions

In addition to built-in options, plenty of external screenshot tools are available, such as Screenshot HD, Screenshot Easy, and Real Screenshot for Webpage.

These applications cater to various needs, including capturing screenshots of the Windows login screen, a feature not natively supported by many standard tools.

Source & Images