How to Capture a Screenshot on Windows – Including Different Methods
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You might not think you need a screenshot until you need one. Screenshots are visual snapshots of your computer screen, which can be used to document an error message, help troubleshoot software problems, or share something interesting about your desktop. A screenshot can be taken quickly and easily using any number of methods. No matter what version of Windows you’re using, there is a way to take a screenshot. These simple steps will get you up and running in no time. There are several ways to take screenshots on Windows 10 operating system – the trick is knowing which one works best for the type of Screenshot you want to take at any given moment. The primary methods for taking screenshots in Windows 10 include keyboard shortcuts, third-party apps, built-in tools, and universal capture APIs. Let’s look at each option in more detail:
Windows Key Shortcuts
One of the simplest ways to take a screenshot on Windows 10 is to use a keyboard shortcut. These built-in shortcuts are the same in all versions of Windows, so if you’ve ever taken a screenshot on a Mac or a PC before, you’ll be right at home on Windows 10. The standard keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots on Windows include:
– Windows+PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it to the Pictures folder as Screenshot (number).jpg.
– Windows+Shift+PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of just the active window and saves it to the Pictures folder as Screenshot (number).jpg.
– Windows+Alt+PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of the active window and the surrounding area and saves it to the Pictures folder as Screenshot (number).jpg.
– Windows+Ctrl+PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of the active window and the surrounding area and saves it to the Pictures folder as Screenshot (number).jpg.
Built-in Tools
Built-in Windows 10 tools include the Snipping Tool, the Windows clipboard, and the Windows 10 Screen Sketch feature. Each tool has pros and cons, so let’s look at each in more detail.
The Snipping Tool – The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows 10 tool that has been around since Windows Vista. This app is designed to help you “snip” certain parts of your computer screen, such as a specific window, a particular region, or the entire screen. You can then save the snipped image to your computer, or you can print the image if you’re using Windows 10 Pro.
The Windows clipboard – The Windows clipboard has been around since Windows XP and is a handy tool for taking screenshots. The Windows clipboard is a virtual clipboard that is always on and accessible. This means that whatever you copy to the clipboard will remain there until you copy something else.
The Windows 10 Screen Sketch feature – The Screen Sketch feature is a new Windows 10 tool that allows you to quickly and easily take a screenshot of your entire screen or a portion of your screen. The image is then automatically saved to your computer as a “Screen Sketch” file in your Pictures folder.
Third-party Apps
Third-party apps are easy to take screenshots on Windows 10, especially if you don’t want to use the Windows key shortcuts or built-in tools. There are countless apps designed to take screenshots on Windows 10, so you’ll have plenty of options for finding the right app for your needs. One downside to using third-party screenshot apps is that not all apps offer the same keyboard shortcuts. For example, one app may use the Windows+PrtScn keyboard shortcut, while another may use the Windows+Ctrl+PrtScn keyboard shortcut. If you use an app to take a screenshot, make sure to read the keyboard shortcut instructions so that you properly save your Screenshot to your computer.
Universal Capture APIs
While third-party apps are easy to use, a few ways to take screenshots on Windows 10 using built-in tools, including Visual Studio and Windows Capture UI. These tools are designed for developers, so they aren’t something the average user will ever encounter.
Visual Studio – Visual Studio is a program used to build Windows applications. This app includes a built-in Screenshot Assistant that allows you to take quick screenshots of your computer screen.
Windows Capture UI – Windows Capture is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that allows you to take screenshots directly from the Windows 10 Action Center. This is one of the simplest ways to take a screenshot on Windows 10.
There are plenty of ways to take a screenshot on Windows 10. Whether you prefer a keyboard shortcut, a built-in tool, or a third-party app, there is a solution for everyone. No matter which method you choose, you’ll be able to quickly and easily save a visual snapshot of your computer screen.