How To Take Screenshot On PC

Take a Screenshot on PC: The Complete Guide

Whether you're a casual user trying to save a funny meme, a student capturing lecture notes, or a professional creating a tutorial—knowing how to take screenshots on a PC is essential. Screenshots are powerful tools for communication, documentation, and productivity. But here's the catch: there’s more than one way to capture your screen. In fact, depending on your needs, the best method can vary dramatically.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to take a screenshot on a PC, covering all the methods—basic and advanced—that work on Windows 10, Windows 11, and earlier versions. Whether you want to capture the entire screen, just a specific window, or a custom area, this blog post will show you how—step by step.

Why Screenshots Matter More Than You Think

Before we jump into the how-to part, let’s talk quickly about the why. Screenshots aren’t just random images—they’re a form of digital evidence. They help you:

• Save and share visual content quickly
• Document errors or bugs for tech support
• Create tutorials or guides
• Record digital receipts or confirmations
• Collaborate visually in work or school projects

Alright, now let’s roll up our sleeves and learn how to take screenshots like a pro.

Method 1: Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

What It Does

The Print Screen key is the most basic and widely known method. It captures your entire screen instantly.

How to Use It

• Full-Screen Capture: Press PrtScn. This copies the entire screen to your clipboard. Open an image editor like Paint or Photoshop and press Ctrl + V to paste and save the image.
• Active Window Only: Press Alt + PrtScn to capture just the currently active window. Again, paste it into an image editor.
• Instant Save (Windows 8/10/11): Press Windows key + PrtScn. Your screen will dim briefly, and the screenshot will be saved automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.

Pro Tips

• If nothing happens when you hit PrtScn, check if you need to hold Fn (Function) along with it, especially on laptops.
• Rename your screenshots after saving to keep them organized.

Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool (Windows 7, 8, 10)

Why Use It?

Want more control? The Snipping Tool lets you choose the area of your screen to capture and offers quick annotations.

How to Use It

1. Click on Start and search for “Snipping Tool.”
2. Open the app and click New to begin a snip.
3. Select from options like Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen.
4. Use the pen or highlighter to mark up your screenshot.
5. Save the image using File > Save As.

Best Use Cases

• Quick custom crops
• Basic annotations
• Saving error messages or tutorials

Method 3: Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11)

Modernized Screenshot Tool

Snip & Sketch is essentially the next-gen Snipping Tool—faster, cleaner, and packed with better markup options.

How to Launch It

• Press Windows key + Shift + S. Your screen will dim, and a mini toolbar will appear at the top.
• Choose your capture type: Rectangular, Free-form, Window, or Full-screen.
• The screenshot is copied to your clipboard and opens in Snip & Sketch for editing.

Why You'll Love It

• Simple and fast shortcut
• Markup tools like pen, highlighter, and crop
• Easy to share directly via email or apps

Note: On Windows 11, Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch have been merged into a single app with more polish.

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

Best for Gamers (But Not Just for Games)

The Xbox Game Bar isn’t just for streaming or recording games—it’s surprisingly handy for screenshots too!

How to Use It

• Press Windows key + G to launch the Game Bar.
• Click the Camera icon in the Capture widget, or press Windows key + Alt + PrtScn.
• Screenshots are automatically saved in Videos > Captures.

Great For:

• Capturing in-game action
• Snapping high-resolution screens in full-screen apps
• Fast saving without using Paint or Snip tools

Method 5: Third-Party Tools for Advanced Needs

Go Beyond Built-In Tools

If you need more features like auto-upload, screen recording, or cross-platform syncing, consider third-party software. Here are a few top picks:

• Greenshot: Lightweight, free, and great for quick edits.
• Lightshot: Simple interface with cloud upload and sharing links.
• ShareX: Open-source, feature-rich with automation tools.
• Snagit (paid): Professional-grade tool with templates, scrolling capture, and powerful annotation features.

When to Use Them

• When creating step-by-step tutorials or documentation
• If you want to capture scrolling windows (like webpages)
• When collaborating remotely with teams

Bonus Tips to Level Up Your Screenshot Game

• Use Cloud Sync: Save screenshots directly to OneDrive or Google Drive for easy sharing and backup.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Memorize the ones you use most—this saves tons of time.
• Use “Clipboard History”: Enable Windows key + V to access multiple screenshots copied in a row.
• Set Up a Hotkey App: Customize your own screenshot shortcuts using apps like AutoHotKey or PowerToys.

What’s Your Go-To Screenshot Trick?

Screenshots are no longer just for techies—they’re part of everyday life for students, professionals, gamers, and casual users. With so many methods available, you don’t have to settle for one-size-fits-all. Whether you prefer the quick simplicity of PrtScn or the powerful customization of Snagit, the key is to use the tool that fits your workflow.

Now it’s your turn. What’s your favorite way to take a screenshot on your PC? Have you tried any third-party tools that you’d recommend to others? Share your tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear them!

And if this guide helped you, don’t forget to bookmark it or share it with a friend. Screenshots save the day more often than we think!