- To take a screenshot on Windows 10, you can use the Prt Scn button on your keyboard or tools like Snip & Sketch.
- If you want to take a screen recording, you can use the Game Bar by pressing Windows Key + G.
- Third-party apps offer even more features, like automatically uploading screenshots to the internet.
- Visit Insider’s Tech Reference library for more stories.
If you need to get a screenshot of something on your computer screen, Windows 10 offers a variety of ways to do so.
Whether you want to save an entire screen, or just a piece of it, we’ve developed all the common techniques for taking Windows 10 screenshots.
10 ways to take a screenshot on any Windows 10 device
Print Screen
The easiest way to take a screenshot on Windows 10 is with the Print Screen (PRTScn) key. Simply move to the top right of your keyboard to capture your full screen.
The screenshot will be saved in your clipboard. To save the file, paste the screenshot into any program that allows you to insert images, such as Microsoft Word or Paint.
Windows + Print Screen
To take a screenshot on Windows 10 and save the file automatically to Windows, press + on + Windows + STCN.
Your screen will fade and a screenshot of your entire screen will be saved in the Photos> Screenshots folder.
Alt + Print Screen
To capture the active window you’re working in and copy it to your clipboard, press Alt + PrtScn. You will need to paste it into another program to save it.
Snip & Sketch tool
If you want to customize, interpret, or share your screen captures, the best way to screenshot in Windows is to snap and sketch.
To enable Snap and Sketch, use the Windows keyboard shortcut + Shift + S. Your screen will dim and a mini menu will appear at the top of your screen, giving you the option to take a rectangle, free form, window, or more. Full screen capture.
10 ways to take a screenshot on any Windows 10 device
| Mode | Function |
| Rectangular | Size a rectangle for your screenshot. |
| Free-form | Draw free-hand with your cursor. |
| Window | Choose a specific window to capture. |
| Full-screen | Grab an image of your entire screen. |
After capturing your screenshot, it will be saved in your clipboard and a preview notification will appear in the lower right corner of your screen.
Click the preview notification to open the Snap & Sketch app and edit the screenshot with the available drawing tools before saving or sharing.
Snipping Tool
Although Snap and Sketch will replace the snapping tool on Windows, it’s still possible to use older tools to take screenshots in Windows 10, 8, 7 and Vista.
To get started with the snapping tool, you’ll need to search through the search bar. Use the “Mode” button to customize your screenshot, and then click the “New” button to capture your screenshot.
You can also take up to five seconds to catch up with the “Capture” drop-down menu. After taking a screenshot, it will open in a new window, where you can interpret it, save it, or share it with Microsoft Outlook.
10 ways to take a screenshot on any Windows 10 device
Game Bar
The game bar is an overlay that you can use to take screenshots and record videos in most Windows 10 apps and games. To open the game bar, press Windows + G.
In the Overlay menu, click the Camera icon to capture the full screenshot. With the option to add audio by clicking on the microphone icon, you can also record a video clip by pressing the record button.
Screen shots and video clips captured by the game bar are saved in the Videos> Captures folder in PNG format. You can also find it through the game bar by clicking “Show all captures” below the screenshot and recording buttons.
Power + Volume Up
To take a screenshot on Windows 10 with a Microsoft Surface device, press the Power button + Volume Up button. The screen will fade, and your screenshot will be saved in the Photos> Screenshots folder.
10 ways to take a screenshot on any Windows 10 device
Third-party screenshot apps for Windows
If you are not satisfied with any of the procedures included in Windows, third party screenshot tools are worth considering, each with its own additional offerings.
Snagit is a screenshot tool that lets you create animated GIFs, take full-page screenshots and much more. The downside? The premium version costs $ 50. There is also a 30-day free trial, although any photos you take during this test will be watermarked.
Light shot is a free screenshot tool designed for instant social sharing. When you download and install Light shot on Windows 10, it replaces the print screen function and offers further editing capabilities.
Green shot is another free tool that allows you to edit and customize screenshots, as well as the option to capture a full scrolling web page.
10 ways to take a screenshot on any Windows 10 device
