how to screenshot on windows

lekhaghorit

৬ এপ্রি, ২০২৫

how to screenshot on windows

Taking a screenshot is one of the most basic and useful features on any computer. Whether you're capturing a funny meme, saving important information, or documenting a software issue, knowing how to screenshot on Windows can be extremely helpful.

This guide will walk you through every method available for taking a screenshot on Windows, from built-in tools to third-party apps, so you can capture your screen like a pro.

Why Screenshots Matter

Before we dive into the methods, let’s talk about why screenshots are such a valuable tool:

Sharing Visual Information: It’s often easier to show something rather than explain it.
Troubleshooting: Tech support often asks for screenshots to better understand the issue.
Saving Content: From receipts to charts, screenshots allow you to quickly save what’s on your screen.
Teaching and Tutorials: Screenshots are essential for step-by-step guides and learning materials.

Now, let’s break down all the ways you can take a screenshot on Windows.

Method 1: Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

What it does:

The Print Screen key, often labeled PrtScn or PrtSc, takes a snapshot of your entire screen.

How to use:

Press the PrtScn key. This captures the whole screen.
Open an app like Paint or Word, and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
Save the image by pressing Ctrl + S.

Note: This method does not save the image automatically; you need to paste and save it manually.

Method 2: Alt + Print Screen

What it does:

This method captures only the active window, which is useful when you don’t want the entire screen.

How to use:

Click the window you want to capture.
Press Alt + PrtScn.
Open Paint or any image editor, paste the image (Ctrl + V), and save it.

Method 3: Windows Key + Print Screen

What it does:

This combination captures the entire screen and automatically saves the screenshot.

How to use:

Press Windows Key + PrtScn.
Your screen will briefly dim to indicate the screenshot was taken.
Go to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots to find your saved image.

Method 4: Snipping Tool

What it does:

The Snipping Tool lets you manually select any part of the screen to capture.

How to use:

Search for Snipping Tool in the Start menu.
Click New and use your mouse to select the area you want to capture.
After capturing, you can annotate, save, or copy the image.

Tip: You can choose between rectangular, free-form, window, and full-screen snips.

Method 5: Snip & Sketch

Snip & Sketch is the modern upgrade to the Snipping Tool, available in Windows 10 and 11.

How to use:

Press Windows Key + Shift + S.
Your screen will dim, and a small menu will appear at the top.
Choose from rectangular, free-form, window, or full-screen snip.
After selection, the screenshot is copied to the clipboard and a notification appears.
Click the notification to edit and save your screenshot.

Method 6: Windows Game Bar (Xbox Game Bar)

Perfect for gamers, the Xbox Game Bar can capture screenshots during gameplay or regular use.

How to use:

Press Windows Key + G to open the Game Bar.
Click the Camera icon or press Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn.
Screenshots are saved in This PC > Videos > Captures.

Method 7: Third-Party Screenshot Tools

Sometimes, built-in tools aren't enough. Here are a few popular third-party tools that offer advanced features like editing, sharing, and cloud storage:

1. Lightshot

Lightweight and easy to use.
Lets you quickly upload and share screenshots.

2. Greenshot

Great for productivity.
Offers quick annotation tools and direct export options.

3. Snagit

Professional tool for creating detailed tutorials and guides.
Includes video capture and robust editing tools.

Tips for Better Screenshots

Here are a few pro tips to make your screenshots more effective:

1. Use Shortcuts

Learn and memorize the right shortcut keys to capture faster.

2. Edit Before Sharing

Crop, annotate, or highlight key areas to make your message clearer.

3. Organize Your Screenshots

Save them in organized folders for easy access later.

4. Use Cloud Sync

Tools like OneDrive or Google Drive can automatically back up your screenshots.

How to Change Screenshot Folder Location

By default, screenshots are saved in the Screenshots folder. You can change this location:

Right-click the Screenshots folder.
Go to Properties > Location.
Click Move, choose a new folder, and click Apply.

Common Issues and Fixes

1. Print Screen Not Working

Try using Fn + PrtScn if you’re on a laptop.
Ensure your keyboard driver is up to date.

2. Snip & Sketch Doesn’t Open

Make sure it's installed from the Microsoft Store.
Try restarting the app or your PC.

3. Screenshots Not Saving

Check storage space and folder permissions.
Use another method like Snip & Sketch to see if it works.

Summary Table

Method	Shortcut Keys	Auto Save	Notes
Print Screen	PrtScn	No	Entire screen to clipboard
Active Window	Alt + PrtScn	No	Only current window
Auto Screenshot	Windows + PrtScn	Yes	Saved in Pictures > Screenshots
Snipping Tool	Manual	No	Flexible area selection
Snip & Sketch	Windows + Shift + S	No	Modern, clipboard-based
Game Bar	Windows + G	Yes	Best for gamers
Lightshot / Greenshot	Custom	Yes/No	Great for editing and sharing

Final Thoughts

Taking screenshots on Windows is simple once you know the right tools and shortcuts. Whether you’re a casual user, student, or professional, mastering these techniques will save you time and help you communicate more clearly.

Don’t just rely on one method—experiment with different options to find what works best for your workflow. From capturing your screen to sharing it with others, Windows gives you all the tools you need to do it effortlessly.

Let me know if you’d like this as a formatted PDF, HTML post for a website, or with images included!

how to screenshot on windows