How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10

A screenshot is an image taken by a user to record the visible items displayed on the monitor, mobile device, or other visual output device in use. Today we’re going to show you how to take a screenshot in Windows.

All the major platforms have some level of support for taking screenshots. There are many tools out there for taking screenshots in Windows. If your needs are pretty basic then you don’t have to install a third party application. In this article I’ll show you different ways on how to take a screenshot in Windows 10.

 — Print Screen (PrtScn)

You can use the print screen method to take a screenshot and automatically save it as a file, take a screenshot without saving it as a file, or take a screenshot of only one window (instead of the whole screen). The print screen button may be labeled as “PrtScn,” “PrntScrn,” “Print Scr,” or something similar. On most keyboards, the button is usually found between F12 and Scroll lock. On laptop keyboards, you may have to press the “Function” key to access “Print Screen.” You will not receive any confirmation that the screenshot has been taken.

To Take a Screenshot and Save It as a File

Press the “Windows logo key + PrtScn.” If you’re using a tablet, press the “Windows logo button + volume down button.” The screen will dim for a moment when the screen is copied and saved as a file in the Screenshots folder (in /Users/User Name/Pictures). If the Screenshot folder does not exist, Windows will automatically create it. The screenshot is automatically labeled with the file name as “Screenshot (Number).png” with number indicating the screenshot index counter. Each screenshot you take increases the counter by one.

You will only see your screen dim if you have the “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing” turned on in your visual effects settings (System > Advanced system settings > Click the Advanced tab > Click Settings under Performance section). Note — On some laptops and other devices, you may need to press the “Windows logo key + Ctrl + PrtScn” or “Windows logo key + Fn + PrtScn” keys instead. Check the manual that came with your laptop or device for more information.

To Take a Screenshot of Display Without Saving

Press the “PrtScn” key. A screenshot of your display is now copied to the clipboard, paste it wherever you like. The dimensions of the image will be the same as your desktop resolution. Note — On some laptops and other devices, you may need to press the “Ctrl + PrtScn” or “Fn + PrtScn” keys instead. Check the manual that came with your laptop or device for more information.

To Take a Screenshot of Only One Window

Click on the title bar off the window that you want to take a screenshot of to make it the active window on your screen. Press the “Alt + PrtScn” key. A screenshot of your currently active window is copied to the clipboard, paste it wherever you like. Note — On some laptops and other devices, you may need to press the “Alt + Fn + PrtScn” keys instead. Check the manual that came with your laptop or device for more information.