How to Capture Screen on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Capturing your screen on Windows can be incredibly useful. Whether you want to share a funny moment from a video, save important information, or create a tutorial, knowing how to capture a screen on Windows is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods for taking screenshots on Windows. Each method is simple, effective, and designed to suit different needs.

Method 1: Using the Print Screen Key

One of the most common ways to capture screen on Windows is by using the Print Screen key. Here’s how it works:

1. Find the Print Screen Key: On most keyboards, the Print Screen key (often labeled as “PrtScn”) is located in the top row. It might be abbreviated as “PrtSc” or similar.
2. Capture the Screen: Press the Print Screen button. This will copy the entire screen to your clipboard. You won’t see any visual indication that the screenshot was taken.
3. Paste and Save: Open an image editing program like Microsoft Paint or a document editor such as Word. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot. You can then save the image by clicking “File” > “Save As” and choosing your preferred format.

Pro Tip: To capture only the active window, hold down the Alt key and press PrtScn.

Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in application in Windows that offers more flexibility for capturing screenshots. Here’s how to use it to capture screen on Windows: 

1. Open the Snipping Tool: Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu search bar and open the app.
2. Select New Snip: Click “New” to start a new screenshot. You can choose from several types of snips:
   • Free-form Snip:  Encircle the region you wish to capture with a free-form shape.
   • Rectangular Snip: Using the mouse, draw a rectangle around the area.
   • Window Snip: Select a specific window to capture.
   • Full-screen Snip: Capture screen on Windows entirely. 
3. Save Your Snip: After capturing, the Snipping Tool will show your screenshot. To save your picture, select “File” > “Save As”.

Method 3: Using Snip & Sketch

Snip & Sketch is a more advanced tool for capturing and editing screenshots. Here’s how to use this capture screen on the Windows tool:

1. Open Snip & Sketch: Search for “Snip & Sketch” in the Start menu or press Windows + Shift + S to open it directly.
2. Select a Capture Mode: Click on the drop-down menu to choose from:
   • Rectangular Snip: Select a rectangular area.
   • Freeform Snip: Draw a freeform shape.
   • Window Snip: Capture a specific window.
   • Full-screen Snip: Capture the whole screen.
3. Edit and Save: After capturing, your screenshot will appear in the Snip & Sketch window. Use the tools to annotate or crop your image. Save the screenshot by clicking the disk icon.

Method 4: Using the Windows Game Bar (Windows 10/11)

The Windows Game Bar is a feature primarily for gamers but can also be used to capture screen on Windows. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Game Bar: Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Capture Screen: Click the camera icon on the Game Bar or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot. The screenshot will be saved automatically in your “Videos” folder under “Captures.”
3. Access Your Screenshot: Open File Explorer and navigate to “This PC” > “Videos” > “Captures” to find your screenshot.

Method 5: Using Windows + Shift + S

For quick screenshots without opening additional apps, use the shortcut Windows + Shift + S. Here’s how:

1. Press the Shortcut: Press Windows + Shift + S to dim the screen and activate the Snip & Sketch tool.
2. Select Your Capture Mode: Choose between rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snip modes.
3. Save Your Screenshot: After capturing, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard. To save it, paste it into a document or picture editor.

Method 6: Using Third-Party Tools

If you need more advanced features, third-party tools might be what you’re looking for to capture screens on Windows. Some popular options include:

1. Lightshot: A simple, easy-to-use tool that allows quick editing and sharing.
2. Greenshot: Offers extensive features including direct upload to various platforms.
3. Snagit: A professional tool with powerful editing and capture options.

Conclusion

APKLiter has shown you how taking screenshots on Windows can enhance your productivity and make sharing information easier. Whether you use the Print Screen key, Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, Windows Game Bar, or third-party tools, each method has its own benefits. Choose the one that best suits your needs and start taking screenshots with ease. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well equipped to handle any screenshot request that comes your way.