Capturing a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop is quick and easy. You can use built-in keyboard shortcuts or Windows’ Snipping Tool to take screenshots. Here’s a brief overview: use the “PrtScn” key for a full screen capture, “Alt + PrtScn” for an active window, or “Windows + Shift + S” for a custom area. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for each method.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Screenshot on Windows 10 Laptop
Capturing your screen can help you save important information, troubleshoot issues, or share your screen with others. Follow these steps to learn how to screenshot on your Windows 10 laptop using various methods.
Step 1: Full Screen Capture with PrtScn
Press the “PrtScn” (Print Screen) key on your keyboard.
This method takes a snapshot of your entire screen and stores it in your clipboard. You can then paste it into any program like Paint or Word by pressing “Ctrl + V.”
Step 2: Active Window Capture with Alt + PrtScn
Press “Alt + PrtScn” keys simultaneously.
This captures only the active window and saves it to your clipboard. It’s useful when you only need to capture a specific window rather than the whole screen.
Step 3: Custom Area Capture with Windows + Shift + S
Press “Windows + Shift + S” keys at the same time.
Your screen will dim, and you can select the area you want to capture. This option is perfect for capturing a specific part of your screen. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard, ready to be pasted.
Step 4: Save Screenshot with Windows + PrtScn
Press “Windows + PrtScn” keys together.
This takes a screenshot of your entire screen and automatically saves it in the “Screenshots” folder under “Pictures.” It’s a quick way to save screenshots without needing to paste them manually.
Step 5: Using Snipping Tool
Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu, then click “New.”
The Snipping Tool allows you to capture different types of screenshots, such as free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen snips. It’s a versatile tool for more precise screenshots.
After completing these steps, your screenshot will be either saved to your clipboard or a designated folder, depending on the method you used. You can then paste or edit it as needed.
Tips: How to Screenshot on Windows 10 Laptop
- Use “Windows + Shift + S” for quick access to a custom area capture.
- Save time with “Windows + PrtScn” to automatically save screenshots.
- Utilize the Snipping Tool for more detailed capture options.
- For a delayed screenshot, use Snipping Tool’s delay feature.
- Remember to save screenshots from the clipboard to avoid losing them.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Screenshot on Windows 10 Laptop
What if my keyboard doesn’t have a PrtScn key?
Use the “Fn + Windows + Space” keys instead to capture a screenshot.
Can I edit my screenshots?
Yes, you can paste your screenshot into Paint or any other image editor to make changes.
Where are my screenshots saved?
Screenshots taken with “Windows + PrtScn” are saved in the “Screenshots” folder under “Pictures.”
Can I take a screenshot of just one window?
Yes, use the “Alt + PrtScn” keys to capture only the active window.
Are there any third-party screenshot tools?
Yes, tools like Lightshot and Greenshot offer additional features for taking and editing screenshots.
Summary
- Press the “PrtScn” key.
- Press “Alt + PrtScn” keys.
- Press “Windows + Shift + S” keys.
- Press “Windows + PrtScn” keys.
- Open Snipping Tool and click “New.”
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop is a convenient way to capture and share information. Whether you use keyboard shortcuts or the Snipping Tool, you have multiple options to suit your needs. Screenshots are valuable for documenting errors, saving memories, or simply sharing what’s on your screen with others. Now that you know how to screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop, you’ll be able to capture anything you need with ease.
Experiment with the different methods to find the one that works best for you. Consider further exploring third-party tools if you need more advanced features. Happy screenshotting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.