Taking a Windows screenshot is simple yet an important thing to do. From capturing an error message to saving an important document to making a tutorial, there are many ways to take a screenshot on Windows. This guide would cover every possible method to screenshot your screen, including built-in shortcuts and some third-party software.
How to Screenshot the Full Screen on Windows
Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
The Print Screen button (PrtScn) is the quickest way to capture the entire screen:
- Press PrtScn – Copies the entire screen to the clipboard. You must paste it into an image editor (like Paint or Word) using Ctrl + V.
- Press Windows + PrtScn – Automatically saves the screenshot to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Press Alt + PrtScn – Captures only the active window and copies it to the clipboard.
Using the Snipping Tool for Full-Screen Captures
- Open Snipping Tool (Windows + Shift + S).
- Select Full-Screen Snip.
- Screenshot is copied to the clipboard and can be saved manually.
How to Screenshot Part of the Screen on Windows
Using Snipping Tool (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)
- Open Snipping Tool via the Start menu.
- Click New, then select an area to capture.
- Save the image in PNG, JPG, or GIF format.
Using Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S)
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Choose Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Full-Screen Snip.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard for further editing.
| Snipping Method | Keyboard Shortcut | Saves to File? |
| Print Screen | PrtScn | No (Clipboard only) |
| Windows + PrtScn | Win + PrtScn | Yes (Screenshots folder) |
| Alt + Print Screen | Alt + PrtScn | No (Clipboard only) |
| Snipping Tool | N/A | Yes (Manual save required) |
| Snip & Sketch | Win + Shift + S | No (Clipboard only) |
How to Screenshot on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Windows 10 and 11 offer similar screenshot tools, but Windows 11 improves the Snipping Tool, merging it with Snip & Sketch for a better experience. Newer Windows updates also support auto-saving screenshots directly in the Screenshots folder.
How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Windows
Windows does not have a built-in scrolling screenshot tool, but third-party apps can help:
- ShareX – Free, open-source screen capture tool.
- PicPick – User-friendly and powerful.
- Greenshot – Lightweight and efficient.
For web pages, browsers like Chrome and Edge have built-in scrolling capture tools.
How to Record Your Screen on Windows
Using Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G)
Windows 10 and 11 come with a built-in screen recorder:
- Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
- Click Start Recording.
- Stop recording, and find the file in Videos > Captures.
Other Screen Recording Tools
- OBS Studio – Free and highly customizable.
- ScreenRec – Lightweight and great for quick recordings.
- PowerPoint – Built-in screen recording feature.
| Recording Method | Shortcut | Saves to File? |
| Xbox Game Bar | Win + G | Yes |
| OBS Studio | N/A | Yes |
| PowerPoint | N/A | Yes (Insert as a slide) |
How to Screenshot on Different Devices and Windows Versions
| Device | Screenshot Method |
| Windows 7 | Use Snipping Tool or PrtScn |
| Windows 8 | Win + PrtScn for auto-save |
| Windows 10 | Snip & Sketch or PrtScn |
| Windows 11 | Updated Snipping Tool |
| Microsoft Surface | Fn + Spacebar or Win + Volume Down |
Common Screenshot Issues and Fixes
Print Screen Not Working?
- Check if the Fn key is required (Fn + PrtScn).
- Ensure Clipboard history is enabled.
- Restart Windows Explorer (Task Manager > Restart Explorer).
Screenshots Not Saving?
- Confirm screenshots are being saved in Pictures > Screenshots.
- Check OneDrive settings (OneDrive may override default save locations).
How to Screenshot on Windows (Video Guide)
Read the complete material for a detailed overview of the analysis and its outcomes.
Conclusion
Screen capturing on Windows is quite easy, whether you are using the built-in shortcuts like PrtScn or Snipping Tool or if you opt for some advanced features provided by third-party apps. These are perfect methods, whether you are capturing the entire screen, a specific window, or even a scrolling webpage.
Do you have a favorite Windows screenshot method? Let us know in the comments!
Zoe Faith is a dynamic writer at 88club.tech, specializing in a range of topics including tech, kids, fashion, travel, health, and English grammar. With a passion for simplifying complex subjects, Zoe creates engaging, easy-to-understand content for readers of all ages. Her unique style blends creativity with practicality, making her work not only informative but also fun and relatable for a diverse audience.
