How to Screenshot on Windows (8 Simple Methods)

April 24, 2026 By Nancy William No Comments 7 minutes

Everyone takes screenshots; it’s a fact. It’s one of those simple tasks that needs to be done sometimes. So, if you’ve seen a post, an image, a design, or something funny that you want to capture and maybe edit for later, a screenshot will help you. Most users often use smartphones and PCs for it, but in this case, the guide is about showing you how to screenshot on Windows. This guide has not one, but eight methods that you can use.

TIP – If you’re using a Windows PC and visit numerous websites a day, some of which are unknown, you should think about internet and device security. Consider using the best VPN for your Windows. A reliable VPN goes a long way for device and connection encryption. 

How to Screenshot on Windows – 8 Easy Methods

There are a couple of reasons why there is more than one way to take a screenshot on Windows. Most users often assume that something so easy comes with just one or two ways, but there are more. Let’s get started: 

Method 1 – How to Screenshot on Windows Using Classic Print Screen Key

This is the absolute oldest and simplest method, dating back to the early versions of Windows. It copies an image of your entire screen to the clipboard. Here’s how to do it: 

• Locate the “PrtScn” key on your keyboard. It’s usually near the top-right corner of the keyboard next to the F12 key.
• Press the key once. 
• You won’t see anything visible happening, but Windows has copied your screen.
• Next, open any program that allows you to paste the image. You can test it out with Paint, a Google Docs file, Word, or an email.
• Press “Ctrl + V” to paste the screenshot.
• Save the file if you want to keep it (Ctrl + S).

If you’re using a laptop, you will need to hold down the Fn (Function) key while pressing PrtScn (Print Screen). Some laptops label this key as “PrtSc” or “Print Screen.”

Method 2 – Auto-Save Full Screen

It works just like the first method, but Windows automatically saves your screenshot as a file. It captures your entire screen and then saves it as a PNG file. Here’s how to do it: 

• Press the “Windows” key + “PrtScn” key at the same time.
• You will see your screen dim briefly as soon as you press down both keys. 
• Now open “File Explorer” > “This PC” > “Pictures” > “Screenshots.”
• You will find your screenshot there, named “Screenshot (1).png.” This is if you don’t have more screenshot images saved there. 

If you’re using a tablet, press the “Windows” button + “Volume Down” instead. This method is best if you have multiple screenshots to take. 

Method 3 – Capture Only the Active Window

If you don’t want to capture the entire screen and only the program you’re using, here’s what you can do: 

• Click on the window you want to capture to make it active.
• Press “Alt + PrtScn.”
• Open Paint, Word, or any program that supports images.
• Press “Ctrl + V” to paste.
• Save the image if needed.

Method 4 – How to Screenshot on Windows Using Snipping Tool Bar (Windows + Shift + S)

This is the easiest and most flexible built-in method. Microsoft added it to Windows 10 and improved it in Windows 11. Plus, it lets you choose which part of the screen you want to screenshot rather than the whole page. Here’s how to do it:

• On your keyboard, press the “Windows + Shift + S” keys simultaneously.
• Your screen will dim slightly, and a small bar will appear at the top with four icons:
  • Rectangle Snip (first icon) – It draws a box around anything.
  • Freeform Snip (second icon) – Draw any shape with your mouse; can create wonky designs. 
  • Window Snip (third icon) – Just one click on any open window to capture it.
  • Fullscreen Snip (fourth icon) – It captures everything.
• Select your capture type and drag or click as needed.
• After that, you’ll receive a notification in the bottom-right corner saying “Screenshot saved.”
• Click that notification if you want to open the Snipping Tool editor. It lets you draw, highlight, or crop before saving.
• Even if you don’t click the notification, the screenshot is already on your clipboard, ready to paste.

Okay, so when you click the notification and save, they go to your “Pictures” folder. Otherwise, they stay only on the clipboard. This method is the most useful for everyday screenshot use. 

Method 5 – “Snipping Tool” or “Snip & Sketch” App

This is an in-built snipping tool. You will find it as “Snipping Tool” or, for some Windows 10 versions, as “Snip & Sketch.” This method and tool give you way more control over what you need. Here’s how to get started: 

• In the search toolbar, type “Snipping Tool.”
• Once you see it, open the app. 
• Click “New” to start a capture.
• Select from the given four modes (Rectangle, Freeform, Window, Fullscreen).
• After capturing, the image opens in the editor.

This method is best when you need a timer, want to analyze before saving, or need to record a short screen recording.

Method 6: Xbox Game Bar

This tool is made for gamers; however, it works for any program on your PC. It’s best for capturing screenshots of games or other apps. It even works well for programs that block the Print Screen key functionality. Here’s how to use it: 

• Press “Windows + G” to open the Game Bar overlay.
• Check out the Capture widget; you’ll see that it has a camera icon and a record button.
• Click the camera icon to take a screenshot.
• You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Windows + Alt + PrtScn” to take a screenshot without opening the Game Bar.

After that, the screenshots are saved in File Explorer > This PC > Videos > Captures. 

Method 7: OneDrive Auto-Upload

The next method is via the Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage. So, if you have it, you can automatically set it up to save your screenshots. Here’s how to set it up: 

• On your taskbar, right-click the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon. 
• Click “Settings.” You can also click on “Help & Settings,” then “Settings.”
• Go to the “Backup” tab.
• Check the box that says “Save screenshots I capture to OneDrive.”
• Click “OK.’ 

Now, after you set it up, here’s what to do: 

• Whenever you press “PrtScn” or “Windows + PrtScn”, OneDrive automatically saves a PNG file to your OneDrive folder.
• There will be a small notification that confirms the save.
• You can access these screenshots from any device where you sign into OneDrive.

Method 8: Key Combinations on Tablets

The last method on how to screenshot on Windows is for Tablet users. So, if you’ve got a Windows tablet or a 2-in-1 laptop in tablet mode, you won’t have a keyboard with a Print Screen key. Here’s how to get started: 

• Press the “Windows” logo button + Volume Down button at the same time.
• The screen will dim briefly.
• Your screenshot will then get saved to “Pictures” > “Screenshots.”

If you use a pen for your surface device, double-click the top button of the “Surface Pen” to take a screenshot and open it in the “Snip” tool.

FAQs – How to Screenshot on Windows

To Conclude

And that’s a wrap! You now know how to screenshot on Windows. Once you learn one method well, stick with it. This helps avoid confusion in remembering too many ways. If multiple methods are something you can remember easily, go for it. 

Most Windows users eventually settle on Windows + Shift + S. This is because it offers the most flexibility without any extra steps. 

Others who don’t feel the need to remember shortcut keys often go for the Snipping tool. Go for any method that is simple to you; all serve the same purpose. 

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