How to Screenshot On Windows | 9 Easy Tricks
To screenshot on Windows, press PrtScn to copy the screen, Win + PrtScn to save it, or Win + Shift + S to capture a specific area. Open Snipping Tool to edit and save.
Windows Screenshot Helper
Pick your brand, optionally a model, then choose built-in or third-party tools
Ready — pick brand & preference
Select a brand and preference above. Methods will appear here as a vertical list with clear steps and notes.
Method 1: Print Screen (PrtScn) key
Pressing PrtScn copies the entire screen to the clipboard.
You can then paste it (e.g. in Paint) to save or edit it.
On laptops that hide PrtScn behind Fn keys, use Fn+PrtScn instead.
Method 2: Alt + PrtScn
If you press this, it will Capture only the active window to the clipboard (so you need to select the window first).
Method 3: Windows + PrtScn
To Save a full-screen screenshot directly to Pictures\Screenshots, use the Windows + PrtScn shortcut key. The screen will briefly dims to confirm capture.
Method 4: Windows + Shift + S
Let’s say you wanna capture a screenshot of only selected/ partial area, first Open the Snip & Sketch overlay (a crosshair appears) to select a region, window, or full screen.
This is the fastest way to take a custom snip.
After capture, the image is copied to the clipboard and a notification lets you open it for annotation.
Method 5: Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch apps
The built-in Snipping Tool (Windows 11/10) or Snip & Sketch (Win 10 legacy) allow freeform, rectangular, window, or full-screen snips.
Tou can launch it from the Start menu or with this shortcut key Win+Shift+S.
Method 6: Game Bar (Xbox)
Press Win+G to open the Game Bar. Then click on the camera icon or press Win+Alt+PrtScn to capture the screen (saving automatically to Videos\Captures).
Personally i use this for gaming, but works in any app.
Method 7: Clipboard / Paste
Many keys copy the image to the clipboard.
For example, a lone PrtScn (or Alt+PrtScn) sends the shot to the clipboard; which you can then paste it into an editor. Use Ctrl+V to paste.
Method 8: Pen and Windows Ink
On tablets or 2-in-1s, the Pen menu (Windows Ink Workspace) includes a Fullscreen Snip shortcut.
For Surface devices, the pen’s top button can be set (double-press) to open Snip & Sketch.
Method 9: Tablet/Hardware keys
On Surface devices, press Volume Up + Power simultaneously to capture the screen (image saves to Pictures). This method works for chromebook tablets too.
On older Surface tablets, Win Button + Volume Down serves the same. Many Windows tablets/convertibles also support a Win+VolumeDown shortcut.
Brand-Specific Screenshot Features
| Brand | Screenshot Keys/Functions |
|---|---|
| Dell | Laptops often use Fn+PrtSc (PrtSc on F-row). Win+PrtSc saves to Pictures; Alt+PrtSc captures active window. Tablets: Win+VolDown works. |
| HP | Many HP models require Fn+PrtSc (or Fn+Insert) to Print Screen. Win+PrtSc and Alt+PrtSc work as usual. Some HP laptops have a Quick Launch or Hotkey utility, but no dedicated HP screenshot tool. |
| Lenovo | ThinkPads/IdeaPads: Use Fn+PrtSc (PrtSc often on Fn+F11 or similar) and Windows shortcuts normally (Win+PrtSc, Alt+PrtSc, Win+Shift+S all work). |
| Asus | Standard keys (PrtScn, Alt+PrtScn, Win+PrtScn, Win+Shift+S). |
| Acer | Uses standard Windows shortcuts. Some Acer keyboards have PrtSc on Fn+F10 or similar. |
| Microsoft Surface | Hardware: Vol Up + Power (Screen); Win+PrtSc, Fn+Spacebar (opens screen snip), Fn+Alt+Space (active window to clipboard). |
| Samsung | Standard keys (PrtScn, Win+PrtScn, etc.). Some Samsung laptops include a “Print Screen” key in the Fn row. |
| MSI | Gaming laptops use standard shortcuts (PrtScn, Win+PrtScn, Win+G). Sometimes Fn+PrtSc if PrtSc is secondary. |
| Razer | PrtScn and Windows combos work (e.g. Win+Shift+S). Razer keyboards have no special screenshot key. |
| LG | Uses standard Print Screen and Windows shortcuts. Some models put PrtSc on an Fn key. |
Third-Party Screenshot Tools for Windows
While Window devices themselves offers great built-in screenshot options, if you need more flexbility, third-party tools provide more editing power, and automation.
So, Here are some of my favourite personal options that i use regularly in my work, some of them are simple free apps and some are professional-grade software. Choose which is the best option for you.
1. ShareX (Windows) – Free, Open Source
A highly powerful capture and sharing tool used by developers, gamers, and power users.
Pros:
- Captures screenshots (area, window, full screen), GIFs, video clips, and scrolling content.
- Includes built-in editors, effects, OCR, and automation workflows.
- Extremely customizable — from hotkeys to automatic uploads.
Cons:
- Interface can feel complex for beginners.
- Slight learning curve to master advanced workflows.
2. Snagit (Windows, Mac) – Paid (~$60, with free trial)
A professional-grade screen capture and recording solution aimed at creators and teams.
Pros:
- Advanced editing tools (text, arrows, blur, highlight).
- Templates and callouts for creating tutorials or documentation.
- “Simplify” mode automatically turns screenshots into easy-to-understand diagrams.
- Built-in library to manage and search past captures.
Cons:
- Expensive for casual users.
- No free version (trial only).
3. PicPick (Windows) – Free for personal use
Combines screenshot capabilities with a powerful image editor.
Pros:
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface (similar to Microsoft Office).
- Supports full-screen, window, region, and scrolling captures.
- Built-in graphic tools like a color picker, ruler, protractor, and drawing tools.
Cons:
- No automation or advanced workflows like ShareX or Snagit.
- Requires a paid license for commercial use.
4. Greenshot (Windows, Mac) – Free, Open Source
A lightweight, fast, and simple tool perfect for everyday screenshots.
Pros:
- Quick region, window, and full-screen captures.
- Built-in annotation (arrows, shapes, text).
- Supports scrolling captures and OCR text extraction.
Cons:
- Development has slowed (last major Windows release was in 2017).
- May have compatibility limitations with newer OS versions.
5. Lightshot (Windows, Mac) – Free
A minimal and ultra-fast screenshot utility ideal for quick sharing.
Pros:
- Instantly capture and share via a generated URL.
- Lightweight, easy-to-use, and fast to launch.
- Basic editing tools for simple annotations.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features.
- Few recent updates; not actively developed.
If you want to learn more about how to screenshot on mac, click here.