How To Print Screen On Windows

Dianna Russini

3 min read

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Apr 03, 2025

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How to Print Screen on Windows: A Complete Guide

Taking a screenshot on your Windows computer is a fundamental skill for many tasks, from sharing a quick image with a friend to documenting a technical issue. This guide covers all the methods available, ensuring you can capture exactly what you need, whether it's a full screen, a window, or just a specific area.

Understanding Your Screenshot Options

Windows offers several ways to capture your screen, each with its own advantages:

• Print Screen (PrtScn) key: This captures your entire screen.
• Alt + Print Screen (PrtScn) key: This captures only the active window.
• Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn) key: This captures your entire screen and automatically saves it to your Pictures > Screenshots folder.
• Windows key + Shift + S: This opens the Snipping Tool, allowing you to select a specific area, freeform area, window, or full screen.

Method 1: Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The classic method! Pressing the Print Screen key (often labeled PrtScn or Print Scr) copies your entire desktop screen to your clipboard. To view and save the screenshot, you'll need to paste it into an image editor like Paint, Paint 3D, or Photoshop.

Steps:

1. Press PrtScn: Locate the Print Screen key on your keyboard (usually near the top right). Press it once.
2. Open an Image Editor: Launch your preferred image editor (Paint is pre-installed on Windows).
3. Paste the Screenshot: Press Ctrl + V to paste the image from your clipboard onto the editor's canvas.
4. Save the Screenshot: Use the editor's "Save As" function to save the screenshot in a format like PNG or JPG.

Method 2: Capturing Only the Active Window (Alt + PrtScn)

Need a screenshot of just one window? This shortcut is your answer.

Steps:

1. Select the Window: Click on the window you want to capture.
2. Press Alt + PrtScn: Hold down the Alt key and press the Print Screen key simultaneously.
3. Open an Image Editor and Paste: Follow steps 2-4 from Method 1.

Method 3: Automatic Screenshot Saving (Windows key + PrtScn)

This method is the simplest for quickly grabbing full-screen screenshots without extra steps.

Steps:

1. Press Windows key + PrtScn: Simultaneously press the Windows logo key and the Print Screen key.
2. Find Your Screenshot: The screenshot will be automatically saved in your Pictures > Screenshots folder.

Method 4: Using the Snipping Tool (Windows key + Shift + S)

The Snipping Tool provides the most control, allowing you to choose exactly what portion of your screen to capture.

Steps:

1. Press Windows key + Shift + S: This opens a small menu at the top of your screen.
2. Choose Your Snip Type: Select the type of snip you want: rectangular, free-form, window, or full-screen.
3. Select the Area: Drag your mouse to select the area you wish to capture.
4. The Screenshot is Copied: The snipped image will automatically be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editor, or it will also automatically be saved to your clipboard.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• PrtScn key not working? Ensure your keyboard is properly connected and functioning. Try restarting your computer. Some laptops may require pressing the Fn key along with PrtScn.
• Screenshot is too large? Most image editors allow you to resize or compress images to reduce file size.

By mastering these methods, you’ll be well-equipped to capture and share screenshots with ease. Remember to experiment with each method to find the one that best suits your needs!