How to screenshot on laptop?

Wondering how to screenshot on laptop? We are your one-stop resource for mastering the art of capturing, editing, and sharing screenshots on any laptop.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a technical issue, creating a visual guide for your teammates, or simply saving a funny moment online, taking a screenshot is an essential everyday skill.

This comprehensive blog post covers everything from basic keyboard shortcuts on Windows and Mac to advanced editing options in popular third-party tools. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how and where your laptop stores your screenshots, plus how to annotate or share them with ease.

Operating System–Specific Guides

• How to Screenshot on Windows Laptop
• How to Screenshot on Mac Laptop
• How to Screenshot on ChromeOS Laptop

How to Screenshot on Laptop: 3 Different Methods

Knowing how to screenshot on laptop and capturing what’s on your laptop screen is a vital skill—whether you need to share step-by-step instructions, document an error message, or save a webpage for offline reference.

While specific key layouts may differ between brands, most laptops still rely on the same core methods for taking screenshots.

In the sections below, we’ll cover three main approaches: using keyboard shortcuts, leveraging built-in operating system tools, and exploring third-party applications. Each method has its own advantages, so you can choose whichever best fits your workflow.

Let’s dive in!

Keyboard Shortcuts

One of the quickest and most straightforward methods to take a screenshot on any laptop is by using keyboard shortcuts.

These shortcuts are built directly into your operating system, requiring no additional software.

However, shortcuts alone may not always provide more advanced functionalities, such as annotating images, scheduling screenshots, or instantly saving files to specific folders. In those cases, you might prefer built-in tools or dedicated screenshot applications for a more tailored experience.

Built-in Operating System Tools

Nearly every modern laptop comes with some form of native screenshot utility pre-installed. On Windows, this typically includes options like Snip & Sketch or the classic Snipping Tool, both of which offer more control than simple keyboard shortcuts—allowing you to select specific regions, delay captures, or annotate images right away. Mac users benefit from an integrated screenshot toolbar (invoked by a single keystroke in newer macOS versions), complete with on-screen controls for capturing windows, rectangular selections, or the entire display. These built-in solutions strike a balance between simplicity and extra functionality, making them a great choice if you need more options than keyboard shortcuts alone can provide.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools

While keyboard shortcuts and built-in utilities can handle most everyday needs, third-party apps often take things a step further. Tools like Lightshot, Greenshot, or ShareX (on Windows) and Skitch or Monosnap (on Mac) deliver features like automatic cloud uploads, quick annotation options, and even workflow integrations (e.g., saving instantly to project management software). These specialized apps can be especially useful if you frequently share screenshots with teams, require a consistent editing process, or need custom hotkeys beyond what your operating system provides.

How to Screenshot on Windows Laptop

Taking a screenshot on a Windows laptop can be accomplished in various ways, each with its own advantages.

Below are the most common methods, organized by how they capture and save your images. Some rely on simple keyboard shortcuts, while others use built-in tools or third-party apps to provide extra options such as annotation, delayed captures, or instant sharing.

Print Screen (PrtScn)

• How it works: Press the PrtScn (sometimes labeled PrtSc or Print Scr) key on your keyboard to copy your entire screen to the clipboard.
• What to do next: Open an image editor (like Paint or Photoshop) or any program that accepts images (like Word) and press Ctrl + V to paste. From there, you can save the file as a PNG, JPEG, etc.
• Notes:
  • On some laptops, the Print Screen key might require holding down the Fn key (e.g., Fn + PrtScn).
  • This method doesn’t automatically save the screenshot as a file; you must paste and then manually save it.

Windows + PrtScn

• How it works: Press Windows Key + PrtScn simultaneously.
• What happens: Your screen may dim momentarily, confirming the screenshot has been taken.
• Where it saves: Windows automatically saves the screenshot as a PNG file in Pictures > Screenshots.
• Why use it: This is a quick way to get a file saved without needing to open a separate image editor.

Alt + PrtScn

• How it works: Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the active window (the topmost window on your screen).
• Next steps: Similar to the standard Print Screen approach, you’ll need to paste the captured image into an image editor or document using Ctrl + V.
• Why use it: Useful if you only need the contents of a single program window rather than the entire screen.

Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch Shortcut)

• How it works: Press Windows + Shift + S. The screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
• Capture modes: You can choose from rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
• Where it saves: Your selection is copied to the clipboard automatically. You can then paste it into any app or click the pop-up notification to open it in Snip & Sketch.
• Why use it: Great for quick partial screenshots. Also allows immediate annotation in the Snip & Sketch window.

Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11)

• What it is: A built-in Windows app that replaces or supplements the older Snipping Tool.
• How to launch:
  • Press Windows + Shift + S (as above), then open the resulting capture in Snip & Sketch.
  • Or search “Snip & Sketch” in the Start Menu and click New.
• Features:
  • Choose from freeform, rectangular, window, or full-screen snips.
  • Basic annotation tools (pen, highlighter, eraser, etc.).
  • Option to save your screenshot or copy it directly to the clipboard.

Snipping Tool (Legacy Tool)

• What it is: An older Windows utility, still present in many Windows 10 builds and earlier.
• How to launch: Type “Snipping Tool” in the Start Menu search bar and open it.
• Capture modes:
  • Free-form Snip: Draw any shape to capture.
  • Rectangular Snip: Drag a rectangle around the area you want to screenshot.
  • Window Snip: Capture a chosen window.
  • Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
• Why use it: Familiar interface for long-time Windows users and still works on many systems. However, it’s gradually being phased out by Snip & Sketch.

Windows Game Bar

• What it is: A built-in feature on Windows 10 and 11 designed for gamers, but it can also capture screenshots of apps.
• How to launch: Press Windows + G.
• Features:
  • Click the camera icon in the Game Bar overlay to capture a screenshot.
  • Screenshots are automatically saved to Videos > Captures (though the folder path may vary).
• Why use it: If you’re playing a game or don’t want to switch out of full-screen mode, this can be handy.

OneNote or Office Apps

• How it works:
  • OneNote: Press Windows + Shift + S or use the OneNote quick access toolbar (varies by version).
  • In some versions of Microsoft Office apps (like Word or PowerPoint), you can insert a “Screen Clipping” directly.
• Why use it: Convenient if you already work extensively within OneNote or Office apps for note-taking and documentation.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools

• Examples: Lightshot, Greenshot, ShareX, Snagit.
• Why use them:
  • Advanced editing features (arrows, text callouts, blur tools).
  • Automatic uploads to the cloud (imgur, Dropbox, etc.).
  • Customizable hotkeys and workflows.
  • Ideal for power users who frequently share and annotate screenshots.
• Installation & usage:
  • Download and install from the developer’s website or a trusted software repository.
  • Configure your preferred shortcuts, default save locations, and editing options.

Where Screenshots Save by Default

• Windows + PrtScn: Saved to the Screenshots folder within Pictures.
• Game Bar captures: Typically in Videos > Captures.
• Snip & Sketch / Snipping Tool: You decide where to save manually, unless you only copy to clipboard.
• Third-party apps: Usually customizable in each app’s settings.

How to Screenshot on Windows Laptop: Tips & Troubleshooting

• Check your Fn key: On many laptops, you may need to press Fn alongside PrtScn to trigger a screenshot.
• Find missing screenshots: If they’re not in Pictures > Screenshots, they may still be on your clipboard. Try opening Paint and pressing Ctrl + V.
• Annotate quickly: Use Snip & Sketch, Lightshot, or Greenshot to mark up your screenshot before saving or sharing.
• Multiple monitors: Most methods capture all screens at once in full-screen mode; consider using Snip & Sketch or a third-party tool if you want just one display.

Each of these methods offers its own benefits, so feel free to mix and match based on your needs.

If you only need quick captures, keyboard shortcuts or Snip & Sketch will suffice. If you frequently create annotated tutorials or store screenshots in the cloud, consider installing a third-party tool.

By understanding the full range of options, you can ensure every screenshot task is a breeze on your Windows laptop!

How to Screenshot on Mac Laptop

Capturing a screenshot on your Mac is incredibly straightforward, thanks to intuitive built-in commands and tools.

Below are the most common methods, each offering unique features—whether you need the full screen, a specific window, or just a portion of the display.

Apple’s native tools provide easy saving and annotation options, and if you require additional functionality (such as cloud uploads or more advanced editing), third-party apps are also available.

Command + Shift + 3 (Full Screen)

• How it works: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 simultaneously to capture your entire screen.
• Where it saves: By default, your screenshot is saved to the desktop in PNG format.
• Why use it: Perfect for quickly grabbing a complete view of your Mac’s display, especially when you don’t need to edit or crop right away.

Command + Shift + 4 (Selected Region or Window)

• How it works: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then:
  • Click and drag to capture a rectangular selection of the screen.
  • Press Spacebar after invoking the shortcut to capture a specific window.
• Where it saves: The image automatically appears on your desktop as a PNG file.
• Why use it: Ideal for capturing only what you need, minimizing the time spent cropping later.

Command + Shift + 5 (Screenshot Toolbar)

• What it is: A built-in screenshot and screen-recording toolbar available on macOS Mojave (10.14) and later.
• How to use: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5. A small toolbar appears, letting you choose between capturing the entire screen, a window, or a custom selection.
• Features:
  • Quickly switch between screenshot and screen recording modes.
  • Choose where to save your files or set a timer delay.
  • Show or hide the floating thumbnail that appears after you take a screenshot.
• Why use it: Provides the most flexibility, especially if you need to customize the saved location, set a timer, or record your screen.

Preview App

• How it works:
  • Open Preview, then select File > Take Screenshot.
  • Choose from “From Selection,” “From Window,” or “From Entire Screen.”
• Why use it: You can open, annotate, and save your screenshots directly within Preview, without needing additional steps.

Annotating Screenshots

• Built-in Tools: The Screenshot Toolbar (Cmd + Shift + 5) allows some quick edits right after taking a shot. Alternatively, double-click your screenshot to open it in Preview, where you can use the Markup Toolbar (text, shapes, highlights, etc.).
• Third-Party Apps: For more advanced annotations or batch editing, apps like Skitch, Monosnap, and Snagit offer robust features such as blurring sensitive info, adding custom shapes, or instantly uploading to the cloud.

Changing the Save Location

• Screenshot Toolbar (Cmd + Shift + 5): Click Options in the toolbar to choose a new destination (e.g., Desktop, Documents, Clipboard).
• Terminal Command: Advanced users can change the default save path via Terminal. For instance:arduinoKopioi koodidefaults write com.apple.screencapture location ~/MyScreenshots killall SystemUIServer Use this if you prefer to keep all screenshots in a specific folder, such as iCloud Drive or Dropbox.

How to Screenshot on Mac: Troubleshooting & Tips

• Floating Thumbnail: After a screenshot, you may see a small thumbnail in the bottom-right corner. Click it to quickly annotate or drag it into an email. If you find it distracting, disable it by clicking Options in the Screenshot Toolbar and unchecking Show Floating Thumbnail.
• Hidden Files: If you can’t find your screenshots on the desktop, they might be hidden, named differently, or set to save in another folder. Use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and search for “Screenshot” to locate them.
• Multiple Monitors: When you capture the “entire screen” with Cmd + Shift + 3, each display’s screenshot will generate a separate PNG.
• Fn Key on Mac: Some MacBooks have an Fn key; this typically doesn’t impact screenshot shortcuts, but if you use an external keyboard or Boot Camp, double-check key functions.

By mastering these built-in shortcuts and tools, you’ll find it easy to capture, annotate, and share anything on your Mac’s screen. Whether you’re highlighting design elements, documenting steps for tech support, or simply saving images to reference later, Apple’s screenshot methods offer plenty of flexibility—no extra software required.

Where Your Screenshots Save

Windows

By default, if you take a full-screen screenshot using Windows Key + PrtScn, the image automatically saves as a PNG file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.

When you press PrtScn (or Alt + PrtScn) alone, the screen capture goes to your clipboard, meaning you’ll need to open an application such as Paint, Word, or another editor to paste (Ctrl + V) and save the image.

If you’re using the Game Bar (launched via Windows + G), screenshots often end up in Videos > Captures, though this folder path can vary depending on your settings.

Mac

On macOS, screenshots taken with Command + Shift + 3, Command + Shift + 4, or Command + Shift + 5 appear on your desktop by default as PNG files.

If you use the Screenshot Toolbar (Cmd + Shift + 5), you can select Options to quickly change the destination folder—handy if you prefer storing captures in Documents, an external drive, or a cloud service like iCloud or Dropbox.

In older macOS versions or through advanced Terminal commands, you can also permanently change the default save path, making it easy to keep your screenshots organized exactly the way you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my Print Screen key not working?

Some laptop keyboards require you to press Fn + PrtScn instead of just PrtScn. Check if your PrtScn key shares a function with another key (like Insert or media controls). If so, you may need to hold down Fn while pressing PrtScn for the screenshot to register.

Where can I find my screenshots on Windows if they’re not in the Pictures folder?

If you used Windows + PrtScn, they should be in Pictures > Screenshots. But if you only pressed PrtScn (or Alt + PrtScn), that screenshot is still on your clipboard. Simply open an image editor or document (e.g., Paint, Word) and press Ctrl + V to paste. If you used the Game Bar (Windows + G), screenshots often end up in Videos > Captures.

How do I change the default save location on Mac?

Use the Screenshot Toolbar (Cmd + Shift + 5) and click Options to choose a new destination (e.g., Desktop, Documents, or a cloud folder). For a more permanent change, you can also use Terminal commands, but the built-in toolbar settings are usually simpler and safer.

Can I edit or annotate my screenshots immediately?

Absolutely. Windows 10 and 11 users can rely on Snip & Sketch (or the older Snipping Tool) to draw, highlight, and crop right after capturing. On Mac, double-click the screenshot to open it in Preview, or click the floating thumbnail (if enabled) to access Markup tools right away.

Are there free tools for more advanced editing?

Yes. For Windows, popular options include Lightshot, Greenshot, and ShareX—each offering additional annotation features and quick sharing capabilities. On Mac, Skitch and Monosnap are popular choices for detailed markups and easy cloud integration.

Can I take a screenshot of just one window instead of the entire screen?

• On Windows: Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the active window.
• On Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + 4, then tap Space, and click the window you want to capture.

Why aren’t my screenshots appearing on the Mac desktop?

They might be saving elsewhere. Check the Options menu in the Screenshot Toolbar (Cmd + Shift + 5) to confirm your save destination. Alternatively, use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) to search for “Screenshot” or “Screen Shot” in case they’re hidden or under a different name.

Can I capture menus or dropdowns while they’re open?

Yes. On Windows, use Snip & Sketch (or Snipping Tool) with a short delay feature; this allows you to open a menu before the screenshot is taken. On Mac, pressing Cmd + Shift + 5 opens the screenshot toolbar, and you can select the window or region after opening the menu. Older macOS versions may offer a timed capture through an app called Grab.

How do I handle multiple monitors?

A full-screen capture typically includes all displays, creating one wide image on Windows (or multiple files on Mac if you’re using Cmd + Shift + 3). If you only want one display, use Snip & Sketch (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + 4 (Mac) to select the specific monitor or region.

What format are screenshots saved in, and can I change it?

• Windows typically saves screenshots as PNG in the Screenshots folder. However, if you paste into an editor (via PrtScn), you can save in PNG, JPG, or any other format.
• Mac also defaults to PNG, but you can change it via Terminal commands if you’re comfortable with that, or continue saving as PNG since it’s a versatile format for most users.

How to Edit Screenshots on Your Laptop

Once you’ve taken a screenshot, you may want to crop it, highlight important details, or add text annotations before sharing it.

Fortunately, there are several ways to edit your screenshots, regardless of whether you’re on a Windows or Mac laptop.

Below are some of the most common options:

Built-In Editing Tools (Windows)

• Snip & Sketch / Snipping Tool
  • After taking a screenshot, you can use Snip & Sketch (or the older Snipping Tool) to annotate directly.
  • Draw lines, add highlights, and crop out unwanted areas.
  • Save the edited screenshot or copy it to your clipboard for immediate sharing.
• Paint / Paint 3D
  • For a classic approach, paste your screenshot into Microsoft Paint.
  • Perform basic edits like cropping or drawing shapes and lines.
  • Paint 3D offers slightly more advanced features, such as 3D objects and better selection tools.

Built-In Editing Tools (Mac)

• Preview
  • Double-click a screenshot to open it in Preview.
  • Click the Markup Toolbar icon (a small pencil icon) to access shapes, text boxes, signatures, and highlight tools.
  • Use the Crop tool to trim unwanted areas.
  • Save or export your edited image when done.
• Screenshot Toolbar Markup
  • On newer macOS versions, when you capture a screenshot, a small thumbnail may appear in the bottom-right corner.
  • Click it to open an instant Markup window.
  • Add arrows, circles, text, or even your signature before saving or dragging the file directly to an email or document.

Third-Party Editing Apps

• Lightshot (Windows/Mac)
  • Allows quick annotation (text, arrows, shapes) right after capturing.
  • Can upload images to the cloud for easy sharing.
• Greenshot (Windows)
  • Offers extensive annotation tools: text boxes, highlights, and shapes.
  • Supports direct uploads to various online services or integration with productivity apps.
• Skitch (Mac)
  • Simple, user-friendly editing features such as stamps, arrows, and text labels.
  • Syncs with Evernote for easy image organization and sharing.
• Monosnap (Windows/Mac)
  • Has free-form drawing, blurring, and quick sharing to the cloud or social platforms.

Advanced Image Editors

• Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.NET
  • If you need deeper editing options—layer management, filters, or advanced retouching—these programs offer a professional-level toolkit.
  • May be overkill for basic annotations but are great for detailed design work or customizing screenshots extensively.

Tips for Efficient Editing

• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with in-app shortcuts for faster editing.
• Keep it Simple: Most screenshots don’t need heavy editing; highlight the key areas and move on.
• Blur Sensitive Info: Privacy is paramount. Use tools that let you obscure or redact personal data before sharing.
• Save in Appropriate Format: PNG is great for crisp text and images, while JPG can be better for photos with lots of colors and gradients.

By exploring these editing options, you’ll ensure each screenshot you capture is polished, informative, and ready to be shared with colleagues, friends, or family.