How to Screenshot on Windows 10 PC: A Beginner’s Guide

Hello and welcome to our article on how to screenshot on Windows 10 PC! Taking screenshots has become an essential part of our daily computer usage, be it for work or personal use. Capturing an image of your computer screen can help you communicate better with your colleagues, friends, family, or even strangers online. In this guide, we will take you through a step-by-step approach to help you effortlessly capture screenshots on your Windows 10 PC.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Screenshot on Windows 10 PC

Step 1: Understanding the Basic Keyboard Shortcuts

The easiest way to take screenshots on Windows 10 is by using the built-in keyboard shortcuts. To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply press the “Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn)” button simultaneously. Alternatively, if you just want to capture an active window, press “Alt + Print Screen” simultaneously.

Step 2: Using the Snipping Tool

Another method to capture screenshots is by using the Snipping Tool. This tool enables you to capture any part of your screen that you want to use later. To launch the Snipping Tool press “Windows key + Shift + S” on your keyboard, select the area you want to capture, and save it to your preferred location.

Step 3: Capture Screenshots using the Windows Game Bar

If you want to take a screenshot while playing games on your Windows 10 PC, the Windows Game Bar can come in handy. To activate it, press “Windows key + G” to launch the Game Bar, and click on the camera icon to take a screenshot.

Step 4: Using the Print Screen Feature of your Keyboard

If your keyboard has a “Print Screen” button, use it to take screenshots. Simply press the “Print Screen” key to capture your entire screen or “Alt + Print Screen” key to capture the active window.

Step 5: Utilize the Snip & Sketch App

The Snip & Sketch App is a more advanced tool to capture screenshots on your Windows 10 PC. To access the app, press “Windows key + S” on your keyboard, search for the Snip & Sketch App, select the area of your screen you want to capture and save it on your preferred location.

Step 6: Use Third-Party Apps

If you are not comfortable with the built-in methods, there are plenty of third-party apps available online to help you take screenshots on your Windows 10 PC. Some popular options include Lightshot, Greenshot, and Snagit.

Step 7: Explore the Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar tool is another excellent option to capture screenshots while playing games on your Windows 10 PC. To activate it, press “Windows key + G” to launch the Game Bar and click on the camera icon to take a screenshot.

Step 8: Use the “Windows + Volume Down” Shortcut for Tablets

If you own a Windows 10 tablet, the easiest way to take a screenshot is by using the “Windows + Volume Down” shortcut on your tablet.

Step 9: Use OneNote to Capture Screenshots

OneNote is an excellent tool for taking notes on your Windows 10 PC. You can also use it to capture any area of your computer screen by pressing “Windows + S” to activate the Snipping Tool and pasting it on to OneNote.

Step 10: Utilize the Windows Script Host

The Windows Script Host allows you to create complex scripts to automate specific tasks on your computer. You can use it to take screenshots of your computer, but it requires a bit of programming knowledge.

Step 11: Use the Game DVR Feature

If you are a gamer and want to capture screenshots while playing games on your Windows 10 PC, the Game DVR feature can help you do that. To activate it, press “Windows key + G” to launch the Game Bar and click on the camera icon to take a screenshot.

Step 12: Use the Photos App

Finally, you can also use the Photos App on your Windows 10 PC to take screenshots. To launch the app, type “Photos” in the search bar, select the “Camera roll” folder, and click on the “New video” icon to capture your screenshots.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Edit your Screenshots with Paint

After capturing a screenshot, you may want to edit it to highlight specific areas or add text. The built-in Paint tool on your Windows 10 PC can help you do that.

Tip 2: Use Shortcuts to Save Screenshots Directly to Specific Folders

You can set up keyboard shortcuts to save your screenshots directly to specific folders, making it easier to locate them later.

Tip 3: Remove Unnecessary Elements from your Screenshots

Sometimes, you may want to remove specific elements from your screenshots, such as the taskbar, desktop icons, or notifications. You can do that by cropping or editing your screenshots.

Tip 4: Use the Snipping Tool to Capture Unique Shapes and Objects

The Snipping Tool allows you to capture unique shapes and objects that may not be possible with the other methods.

Tip 5: Use Third-Party Apps to Capture Animated Screenshots and Videos

Third-party apps such as LICEcap and Gyazo can help you capture animated screenshots and videos on your Windows 10 PC.

Tip 6: Learn More Keyboard Shortcuts

Apart from the keyboard shortcuts we mentioned earlier, there are plenty of other shortcuts you can learn to improve your productivity and efficiency on your Windows 10 PC.

Tip 7: Use High-Quality Screenshots for Professional Use

If you are using screenshots for professional use, it is recommended that you use high-quality images to avoid pixelation and other quality issues.

Tip 8: Protect your Sensitive Information

Before sharing your screenshots online, ensure that you protect any sensitive or private information that may be visible in your screenshots.

Tip 9: Experiment with Different Methods to Find the Best One for You

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to capturing screenshots on their Windows 10 PC. Experiment with different methods to find the best one for you.

Tip 10: Combine Keyboard Shortcuts with Other Tools to Enhance your Productivity

Apart from capturing screenshots, you can also combine keyboard shortcuts with other tools such as the Windows Magnifier, Microsoft Paint, and other apps to enhance your productivity.

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to screenshot on Windows 10 PC! We hope this article has been helpful in teaching you the various methods available to capture screenshots on your computer. Remember to make use of the various tips and tricks we have shared to improve your efficiency and productivity.

How to Screenshot on Windows 10 PC: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

1. Easy to use – Taking a screenshot on Windows 10 PC is quick and simple. You can either use the Snipping Tool program or press a combination of keys on your keyboard.

2. Accessibility – With this feature, you can easily capture any image on your Windows 10 screen. This is especially useful when you need proof of something you’re seeing on your computer that you can’t easily print or save.

3. Saves time – Screenshots can be used to quickly share information with others, without the need for lengthy explanations or descriptions. It is a time-saving way to communicate.

4. Improved communication – Screenshots can be used as a visual aid to highlight specific information, making it easier to understand for everyone involved.

5. Useful for troubleshooting – Taking screenshots can help technical support personnel to better understand your problem and provide more efficient and specific solutions.

6. Record keeping – Screenshots can be used for record keeping purposes, especially when it comes to collecting visual evidence of certain activities or incidents.

7. Sharing – Screenshots can be shared in various digital formats, such as email, PDFs, or social media platforms, to share information with others.

8. Versatility – Screenshots can be taken of anything displayed on your computer screen, from web pages, to documents, to social media posts.

9. No need for external software – Unlike other types of image editing software, Windows 10 has built-in screenshot tools that can be used for free.

10. Customizable – Windows 10 allows users to customize the way screenshots are taken, allowing for more precise screenshots or capturing a specific area of the screen.

Disadvantages

1. Quality – Depending on the size and resolution of your PC screen, the quality of screenshots may not be high enough for professional use.

2. File size – Screenshots can take up a significant amount of storage space on your device, especially if you take a lot of them.

3. Basic Editing Tools – The built-in editing tools for screenshots on Windows 10 are limited, so more complex editing may have to be done with external software.

4. Capturing Motion – It may be difficult to capture motion with screenshots, which is something that is better suited for video recording.

5. Security – Screenshots may potentially capture sensitive information, so they should be used with caution when sharing with others.

6. No Audio – Screenshots can only capture images, so no audio is included when taking them.

7. Limited options – Screenshots can only capture what is being displayed on the computer screen, so you can’t capture anything that is happening behind the scenes or outside of your device.

8. Inability to capture certain things – Screenshots may not always accurately capture the exact image or information that needs to be shared, especially with complex materials like spreadsheets or graphs.

9. Difficulty with touch screen devices – Screenshots may be more difficult to take with touch screen devices, especially if gesture controls are used.

10. Inapplicable in certain scenarios – Screenshots may not be applicable in certain situations, such as when certain software or hardware doesn’t enable the capture of screenshots.

FAQ

1. How do I take a screenshot on Windows 10 PC?

To take a screenshot on Windows 10 PC, press the Windows logo key + Print Screen key on your keyboard. The screenshot will be saved in the Screenshots folder located in the Pictures folder.

2. Is there any other way to take a screenshot on Windows 10?

Yes, you can also use the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch tool. To use the Snipping Tool, go to Start menu > Windows Accessories > Snipping Tool. To use the Snip & Sketch tool, press the Windows logo key + Shift + S.

3. How do I take a screenshot of a specific window?

To take a screenshot of a specific window, click on the window to make it active and then press Alt + Print Screen. The screenshot will be saved in the Screenshots folder.

4. How do I take a screenshot of a specific area on my screen?

To take a screenshot of a specific area on your screen, use the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch tool. You can select the area you want to capture using your mouse.

5. How do I find my screenshots?

Your screenshots are saved in the Screenshots folder located in the Pictures folder. You can also access your screenshots by searching for “screenshots” in the search bar.

6. Can I change where my screenshots are saved?

Yes, you can change where your screenshots are saved by going to Settings > System > Storage > More storage settings > Change where new content is saved and selecting a new save location for your screenshots.

7. Can I take a screenshot using a third-party app?

Yes, there are many third-party apps available that allow you to take screenshots on your Windows 10 PC. Some popular apps include Greenshot, Lightshot, and PicPick.

8. Can I edit my screenshots?

Yes, you can edit your screenshots using the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch tool. You can also use third-party photo editing apps like Photoshop or GIMP.

9. Can I take a screenshot of a video?

Yes, you can take a screenshot of a video by pausing the video at the desired moment and then taking a screenshot using one of the methods mentioned above.

10. Can I take a screenshot without the keyboard?

Yes, you can take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch tool without using the keyboard.

11. Can I take a screenshot on a Windows tablet?

Yes, you can take a screenshot on a Windows tablet by pressing the Windows logo key + volume down button at the same time.

12. Can I take a screenshot on a Windows laptop?

Yes, you can take a screenshot on a Windows laptop using any of the methods mentioned above.

13. Can I take a screenshot in Safe Mode?

Yes, you can take a screenshot in Safe Mode using the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch tool.

How to Screenshot on Windows 10 PC

Learning how to take a screenshot on your Windows 10 PC can be a useful tool for capturing important information or saving an image. There are different ways to take a screenshot on Windows 10, and it can be done using your keyboard, the Snipping Tool application, or with the Print Screen button. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to take a screenshot on Windows 10.

Conclusion and Closing

In conclusion, taking a screenshot on Windows 10 is an easy process that can be done in various ways. The keyboard shortcut method provides a quick and straightforward way of taking a full-screen capture, while the Snipping Tool method gives you more freedom to select a specific area of the screen. With the Print Screen method, you can capture a screenshot of the entire screen and save it to your clipboard.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you on how to take a screenshot on your Windows 10 PC. Remember to keep practicing and experimenting with the different methods until you find the one that works best for you. Happy screenshotting!

Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you in the next article.