Taking a screenshot on a PC is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. In this article, we’ll go over the different methods for taking a screenshot on a Windows PC, including using the built-in keyboard shortcuts, using the Snipping Tool, and using third-party software.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The most common way to take a screenshot on a PC is by using keyboard shortcuts. Here are the different keyboard shortcuts you can use, depending on what you want to capture:
- To capture the entire screen: Press the “Print Screen” (often abbreviated as “PrtScn”) button on your keyboard. This will capture an image of everything currently on your screen.
- To capture an active window: Press the “Alt” and “Print Screen” buttons at the same time. This will capture an image of only the window that is currently active.
- To capture a specific area of the screen: Press the “Windows” and “Shift” keys and then press the “S” key. This will open the Snipping Tool, allowing you to select the specific area of the screen you want to capture.
Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool
Another way to take a screenshot on a PC is by using the built-in Snipping Tool. This tool allows you to capture a specific area of the screen, as well as capture a window or full-screen screenshot.
To open the Snipping Tool, search for it in the start menu or press the “Windows” key + “Shift” + “S”. You will then see a crosshair cursor, which you can use to select the area of the screen you want to capture. Once you’ve selected the area, the screenshot will be taken and opened in the Snipping Tool editor, where you can annotate, save, or share the screenshot.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
There are also many third-party software options available that you can use to take screenshots on your PC. Some popular options include Lightshot, Nimbus Screenshot, and Greenshot. These tools often have additional features such as editing tools, cloud storage and more.
These are just a few methods you can use to take a screenshot on your PC. Whether you’re capturing an image for work, a screenshot for troubleshooting, or a social media post, taking a screenshot on your PC is a quick and easy process. You can choose the one that works best for you and your needs.
Keep in mind that all the screenshots you take will be saved to your clipboard and you can paste it in any application that supports image pasting ( such as Paint, Word, or Photoshop) . You can also use the Snipping tool or Third-party software to directly save the screenshots in your desired location.