How to Take a Screenshot in Windows
The best screenshot method depends on whether you need the entire screen or just one region. Windows can copy a capture to the clipboard or save it as a file.
What to do
- Press Win + Shift + S to open the screen snipping toolbar, then select rectangular, window, full-screen, or freeform capture.
- Click the Snipping Tool notification to annotate or save the capture. If the notification disappears, open Snipping Tool from Start and review recent captures.
- Press Win + PrtScn on supported keyboards to save a full-screen capture in Pictures\Screenshots.
- Use Alt + PrtScn to copy the active window, then paste it into a document or image editor.
Checks and limitations
- A screenshot can contain private messages, account names, or notifications. Review and crop it before sharing.
- Some laptop keyboards label Print Screen differently or require holding Fn.