There are numerous occasions when you might want to capture an image of your computer screen, especially when you need to explain something to someone or want to save an important part of a website. Screenshotting is a quick and easy method to capture any image that is visible on your computer screen. In this article, we will explore how to take a screenshot on Windows.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The easiest and most straightforward way to capture a screenshot on Windows is by using the keyboard shortcuts. The most common keyboard shortcut keys for taking a screenshot are:
- PrtScr (Print Screen)
- Alt + PrtScr
- Windows Key + PrtScr
To take a screenshot, press the PrtScr button on your keyboard. This will take an image of your entire screen and save it to your clipboard. If you want to capture only the active window, press Alt + PrtScr. To save the screenshot as an image file, press Windows Key + PrtScr. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to a folder named “Screenshots.”
Using Snipping Tool
If you want more control over the area you want to capture, or if you want to edit the screenshot before saving, use the Snipping Tool. The Snipping Tool allows you to select the exact area you want to capture, and then you can annotate, highlight or crop the image before saving.
To use the Snipping Tool, open the Start menu and search for “Snipping Tool.” Click on the tool to open it. Once it opens, click on the “New” button to begin the process of selecting the area you want to capture. Once you have selected the area, you can edit the image as you wish, and then save it as a PNG, JPG, or GIF file.
Using Snip & Sketch
Snip & Sketch is a newer version of the Snipping Tool and is available on Windows 10. It provides additional features like delayed screenshots, creating a snip of a menu, and customizing the color of the pen tool.
To use Snip & Sketch, open the Start menu and search for “Snip & Sketch.” Click on the tool to open it. Once it opens, click on “New” to start the process of selecting the area you want to capture. After you have taken the screenshot, you can annotate, highlight, or crop the image before saving.
Using Game Bar
If you are a gamer and want to take a screenshot while playing a game, you can use the Game Bar. The Game Bar is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to capture screenshots and record gameplay.
To use the Game Bar, press the Windows key + G while playing a game. This will open the Game Bar. Click on the camera icon to take a screenshot of the game. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Alt + PrtScr to take a screenshot of the game.
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on Windows is an easy and straightforward process. By using the keyboard shortcuts, Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, or Game Bar, you can capture any image that is visible on your computer screen. These tools also allow you to edit, annotate, or highlight the screenshots before saving them as image files.