A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Screenshot on Windows
Screenshots are a useful way to capture and save images of your Windows screen. Whether you want to capture an error message, save a memorable moment, or share information with others, knowing how to take screenshots on your Windows computer is essential. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on different methods to screenshot on Windows.
Method 1: Capture the Entire Screen:
To capture the entire screen on your Windows computer, follow these steps:
1. Locate the “Print Screen” (PrtScn) key on your keyboard. It is usually located in the top right corner, above the “Insert” and “Delete” keys.
2. Press the “Print Screen” (PrtScn) key.
3. The screenshot is now copied to your clipboard.
4. Open an image editing software, such as Paint, Word, or Photoshop.
5. Paste the screenshot by pressing “Ctrl” + “V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”.
6. Save the screenshot as an image file (e.g., PNG, JPEG) in your desired location.
Method 2: Capture the Active Window:
To capture the active window on your Windows computer, follow these steps:
1. Locate the window you want to capture.
2. Make sure it is the active window by clicking on it to bring it to the front.
3. Press the “Alt” + “Print Screen” (PrtScn) keys simultaneously.
4. The screenshot of the active window is now copied to your clipboard.
5. Open an image editing software, such as Paint, Word, or Photoshop.
6. Paste the screenshot by pressing “Ctrl” + “V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”.
7. Save the screenshot as an image file (e.g., PNG, JPEG) in your desired location.
Method 3: Capture a Selected Portion of the Screen:
To capture a selected portion of the screen on your Windows computer, follow these steps:
1. Open the window or screen you want to capture.
2. Press the “Windows” + “Shift” + “S” keys simultaneously.
3. Your screen will dim, and the cursor will change to a crosshair.
4. Click and drag the crosshair to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
5. Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.
6. The screenshot is now copied to your clipboard.
7. Open an image editing software, such as Paint, Word, or Photoshop.
8. Paste the screenshot by pressing “Ctrl” + “V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”.
9. Save the screenshot as an image file (e.g., PNG, JPEG) in your desired location.
Method 4: Use the Snipping Tool (Windows 7 and Windows 10):
Windows 7 and Windows 10 include a built-in Snipping Tool that allows you to capture screenshots with more flexibility. To use the Snipping Tool, follow these steps:
1. Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
2. Click on the “New” button in the Snipping Tool window.
3. Your screen will freeze, and the cursor will change to a crosshair.
4. Click and drag the crosshair to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
5. Release the mouse button to take the screenshot.
6. The Snipping Tool will open a new window with the captured screenshot.
7. Save the screenshot as an image file (e.g., PNG, JPEG) in your desired location.
Conclusion:
Taking screenshots on your Windows computer is a simple and powerful way to capture images of your screen. By using the different methods outlined in this guide, you can easily capture the entire screen, the active window, or a selected portion of the screen. Additionally, Windows 7 and Windows 10 users can take advantage of the built-in Snipping Tool for more advanced screenshot options. Experiment with these methods to find the one that suits your needs best. Remember to save your screenshots as image files for future reference or sharing.