How to Screenshot on Windows 10 Laptop: A Beginner’s Guide

Hello there, computer enthusiasts! Welcome to today’s topic on how to screenshot on Windows 10 laptop. Screenshotting is a crucial process when you wish to take a snap of your computer screen to share it with others or save it for future references. Windows 10 is an operating system that provides a wide range of options for screenshotting. In this article, we will be discussing the step-by-step process to take a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop, including tips and tricks to make the process smoother. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Step-by-Step Process to Take a Screenshot on Windows 10 laptop

Step 1: Capture the Entire Screen

The most simple and straightforward way to take a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop is to capture the entire screen. You can do this by pressing the PrtScn (Print Screen) button, which is located on the top row of your keyboard, usually beside the F12 button. The captured screenshot would be saved to the clipboard. You can then open any photo editing software or document and paste the screenshot by pressing Ctrl + V and then save it.

Step 2: Capture the Active Window

If you only want to capture the active window instead of the entire screen, then press Alt + PrtScn. This will take a screenshot of the active window and save it to the clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a photo editing software or document and save it.

Step 3: Use the Windows + Print Screen Key

You can also use the Windows + Print Screen key to capture the entire screen. This will automatically save the captured screenshot to your computer’s default Screenshots folder, which can be found in the Pictures folder.

Step 4: Use the Snipping Tool

If you wish to take a more customized screenshot, you can use the Snipping Tool that comes pre-installed with Windows 10. To access this tool, type Snipping Tool in the search bar and press Enter. Once it opens, select the New option and select the area that you wish to capture as a screenshot. Once you have captured the screenshot, you can save it to your computer and edit it further if required.

Step 5: Use the Snip and Sketch Tool

You can also use the Snip and Sketch tool, which has replaced the Snipping Tool in Windows 10. You can open it by pressing Windows key + Shift + S. This will bring up a toolbar from which you can select the type of screenshot that you want to take. You can then save and edit the captured screenshot as required.

Step 6: Use the Print Screen and Paint Method

If you do not have any photo editing software or document open, you can also use the Print Screen and Paint method. Simply capture the screenshot using the PrtScn button, open the Paint tool from the Start menu, and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot. You can then save the screenshot in your desired format.

Step 7: Use the Game Bar

If you are a gamer, you can also use the Game Bar to take a screenshot while playing games. Simply press Windows key + G to open the Game Bar, and select the Camera icon to take a screenshot of your gameplay.

Step 8: Use Third-Party Screenshotting Applications

There are also various third-party screenshotting applications that can be downloaded from the internet. These applications usually provide more features and customization options than the built-in screenshotting tools.

Step 9: Take Screenshots Using OneNote

If you have OneNote installed on your laptop, you can also take screenshots using this application. Simply open OneNote and select the Insert tab, and then click on Screen Clipping. This will allow you to capture a specific area of the screen as a screenshot and save it to OneNote.

Step 10: Take Screenshots Using the Surface Pen

If you are using a Windows 10 laptop that comes with a Surface Pen, you can also use it to take screenshots. Simply press the button on the Surface Pen and then tap the screen to take a screenshot of the desired area.

Step 11: Use the Snipping Tool Shortcut

If you frequently use the Snipping Tool, you can also create a shortcut for it on your desktop. Simply right-click on the Snipping Tool and select Create Shortcut. This will create a shortcut on your desktop that you can use to quickly access the Snipping Tool.

Step 12: Use the Windows Key + H Shortcut

You can also use the Windows key + H shortcut to take a screenshot of your current open window. This will save the screenshot to the clipboard, and from there, you can paste it into any photo editing software or document and save it.

Tips and Tricks for Screenshotting on Windows 10 Laptop

1. Use the Snipping Tool for more customized screenshots

The Snipping Tool allows you to take customized screenshots of specific areas on your screen. This is especially useful when dealing with larger documents or files that only contain relevant information in a small area.

2. Use the Game Bar for gaming screenshots

The Game Bar is a built-in feature for gamers that allows them to capture screenshots of their gameplay. This is a great way to show off your skills and share your gaming experiences with others.

3. Use the shortcut keys for easier screenshots

Using shortcut keys like Windows key + Print Screen or Windows key + H can save time and make the screenshotting process easier.

4. Use third-party screenshotting tools for more advanced features

If you need more advanced features or customization options, consider using third-party screenshotting tools that are available online.

5. Use OneNote for simple and easy screenshots

OneNote provides an easy way to take and save screenshots on your laptop. It is especially useful if you need to save multiple screenshots in one place for future reference.

6. Practice taking screenshots to become more proficient

The more you practice screenshotting, the more proficient you will become. Experiment with different screenshotting methods and tools until you find the method that works best for you.

7. Use editing software to enhance your screenshots

After you have captured your screenshot, you can use photo editing software to enhance it further. Adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation or cropping the screenshot can make it look more professional and appealing.

8. Name your screenshots for easy reference

Naming your screenshots with the date, time, or relevant information can make it easy to find them later on. This also helps to maintain an organized folder of screenshots for future reference.

9. Use the Snipping Tool Shortcut for quick access

Creating a shortcut for the Snipping Tool on your desktop can save time and make taking screenshots quicker and easier.

10. Share your screenshots with others

Screenshots are a great way to share information with others and get feedback on your work. You can share your screenshots via email, social media, or document sharing platforms.

That’s it for today’s article on how to screenshot on Windows 10 laptop. We hope that this article has provided you with all the necessary information and tips to make your screenshotting process easier and more efficient. Happy screenshotting!

Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Screenshot on Windows 10 Laptop

Advantages

1. Easy to Use: Taking a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop is incredibly easy. All you need is the right key combination, and you’re good to go.

2. No Need for Third-Party Apps: Unlike other operating systems, Windows 10 has a built-in screenshot tool, which means you won’t need to download any additional apps.

3. Customizable Options: Windows 10 offers various screenshot options, such as capturing a specific part of the screen or the entire screen. You can also choose to paste the screenshot in different formats.

4. Time-Saving: Screenshots are a great way to quickly capture information without having to write or copy it down.

5. Useful for Work: Screenshots are immensely useful for professionals who need to showcase images, designs, and presentations to others.

6. No Internet Connection Required: You can take a screenshot on your Windows 10 laptop without an internet connection, which makes it handy for when you’re working remotely.

7. Easy File Sharing: Once you’ve taken a screenshot, you can quickly share it with others via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage platforms.

8. Helps with Troubleshooting: Screenshots are an excellent way to document and share technical issues with IT support or other experts.

9. Great for Personal Record Keeping: Screenshots are an easy way to record and remember important information, such as flight details or hotel reservations.

10. It’s Free: The screenshot tool on Windows 10 is completely free! You won’t need to pay for any subscription or app to use it.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Editing Capabilities: The built-in screenshot tool on Windows 10 has limited editing features. If you need to annotate or edit your screenshots, you’ll need to use a third-party app.

2. Limited File Format: The default file format of Windows 10 screenshots is PNG, which may not be compatible with some apps or devices.

3. No Instant Sharing: Unlike on mobile devices, there’s no instant sharing option after taking a screenshot on Windows 10. You’ll need to save the screenshot and then share it manually.

4. Limited to Windows 10 Laptops: Obviously, the Windows 10 screenshot tool is only available on Windows 10 laptops.

5. No Video Option: The built-in screenshot tool on Windows 10 does not allow for the capture of videos, so you’ll need to use a third-party app if you need to screenshot videos.

6. May Not Work for Certain Apps: Some apps, particularly games or programs with high-security settings, may not allow you to take screenshots.

7. No Cloud Integration: The Windows 10 screenshot tool does not have an option to save screenshots directly to cloud storage platforms, so you’ll need to save and upload them manually.

8. Image Quality Limitations: Depending on the resolution and quality of your laptop’s display, the screenshots you take may not be of the highest quality.

9. Can Be Misused: Screenshot tools can be used to take unauthorized images of sensitive information or activities on your computer.

10. Limited Usefulness for Non-Professionals: If you’re just using your laptop for personal use, you may not need to take screenshots frequently enough to benefit from the Windows 10 tool.

FAQ

1. How do I take a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop?

To take a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Windows Key + PrtScn”. The screenshot will be saved in the “Pictures” folder.

2. Can I customize the location where the screenshot is saved?

Yes, you can customize the location where the screenshot is saved. To do this, press “Windows Key + PrtScn”, then click on “Options” in the notification that appears. From there, you can choose a different folder to save your screenshots.

3. Is there a way to take a screenshot of a specific window?

Yes, you can take a screenshot of a specific window by using the keyboard shortcut “Alt + PrtScn”. This will capture a screenshot of the active window only.

4. What if I want to capture a screenshot of just a portion of the screen?

To capture a screenshot of just a portion of the screen, use the “Snipping Tool”. This can be done by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu or by typing “Windows Key + Shift + S”.

5. Can I use third-party software to take screenshots?

Yes, there are many third-party software options available for taking screenshots, such as Snagit, Greenshot, and Lightshot.

6. Can I take a screenshot of a video playing?

Yes, you can take a screenshot of a video playing. However, it may not capture the video at the exact moment you want due to the video’s frame rate.

7. Can I take screenshots while in Safe Mode?

Yes, you can take screenshots while in Safe Mode. However, some third-party software may not work properly in Safe Mode.

8. How do I take a screenshot of the login screen?

To take a screenshot of the login screen, you will need to use third-party software such as Snagit or Greenshot, as the default keyboard shortcuts will not work on the login screen.

9. What if I accidentally deleted a screenshot I took?

If you accidentally delete a screenshot you took, you may be able to retrieve it from the “Recycle Bin”. If it is not there, you may need to use data recovery software.

10. Can I take screenshots in tablet mode?

Yes, you can take screenshots in tablet mode. You can use the same keyboard shortcuts or use the “Snipping Tool”.

11. How do I edit a screenshot after taking it?

To edit a screenshot after taking it, you can use the default “Paint” program or a third-party editing software such as Adobe Photoshop.

12. Can I take screenshots while playing games?

Yes, you can take screenshots while playing games. However, some games may have features that prevent screenshots from being taken.

13. Can I take screenshots on a Windows 10 laptop without a keyboard?

Yes, you can take screenshots on a Windows 10 laptop without a keyboard by using the “Snipping Tool” or a third-party software with touchscreen capabilities.

How to Screenshot on Windows 10 Laptop

If you are a Windows 10 laptop user and want to take a screenshot, you are in luck! There are several ways to take a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop, and it’s a simple process that anyone can do. In this article, we will discuss the different methods of taking a screenshot on your Windows 10 laptop, so let’s get started!

The first method involves using the “Print Screen” button on your keyboard. This button is usually located near the top right of your keyboard. To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply press the “Print Screen” button. This will copy the image of your screen to your clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot in an image editor or a document by pressing “Ctrl + V” command.

If you only want to take a screenshot of a specific window, press “Alt + Print Screen” button. This will capture only the window that is currently active. The screenshot will be saved to your clipboard and can be pasted as described in the previous method.

If you want to take a screenshot of a selected area of your screen, Windows 10 has a built-in Snipping Tool that you can use. To open the Snipping Tool, simply type “snipping tool” in the search bar located in the bottom left corner of your screen. Once the tool is open, select the type of snip you want to use by clicking on “New”. You can choose between a rectangular snip, free-form snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.

Once you have selected the type of snip, the tool will darken the screen, allowing you to select the area you want to capture. You can then save the screenshot by clicking on “File” and selecting “Save As”. This will save the screenshot as an image file in the directory of your choice.

Conclusion and Closing

Taking a screenshot on a Windows 10 laptop is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Whether you want to capture your entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area, Windows 10 has built-in tools to make the process easy. If you need to take screenshots regularly, you may want to explore third-party software options that offer additional features and customization. Now that you know how to take a screenshot on your Windows 10 laptop, you can easily capture and share images with others. Remember to practice and try different methods to find the one that works best for you. Happy screen capturing!