In this article, we will show you how to screen shot on PC using the PrtSc key, Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, Game Bar, and third-party apps.

Taking screenshots on a PC can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re capturing a funny meme, saving an important document, or troubleshooting an issue.

Fortunately, there are several easy methods to take screenshots on your computer, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to screenshot on your PC. No matter what version of Windows you’re using, there’s a method for you.

See Also: 6 Ways to Screenshot an App that won’t let you on Android

How to Screen Shot on PC

1. Using the PrtSc (Print Screen) Key: The Quickest Way

One of the most common ways to take a screenshot on a PC is by using the PrtSc (Print Screen) key, which is usually located on the upper-right side of your keyboard. Here’s how to use it:

• Full Screen Screenshot: Simply press the PrtSc key. This captures everything currently displayed on your screen. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard, meaning you need to paste it into an application like Microsoft Word, Paint, or an image editor. To paste the screenshot, press Ctrl + V.

• Screenshot of the Active Window: If you want to capture just the active window instead of the whole screen, press Alt + PrtSc. This method will only screenshot the window you’re working in. Again, paste it into an application by pressing Ctrl + V.

• Save Screenshot as a File: If you want to skip the clipboard and save your screenshot directly as an image file, press Windows + PrtSc. This will save the full-screen capture in the Screenshots folder inside the Pictures library as a PNG file.

See Also: 3 Steps to Screenshot on iPad with or without Home Buttons

2. Using Snipping Tool: A Built-in Screenshot Utility

The Snipping Tool is another great way to take screenshots on your PC, especially if you need to capture specific areas of your screen. This tool allows you to capture full-screen, rectangular snips, free-form snips, and window snips.

Here’s how to use it:

• Open Snipping Tool: Press the Start button and type “Snipping Tool” in the search box. Open the app.

• Choose Your Snip Type: Click on the New button, and a small menu will appear with different snip options. Choose the one that fits your needs:

  • Rectangular Snip: Click and drag to select the area to capture.

  • Free-form Snip: Draw around the area you want to capture with your mouse.

  • Window Snip: Click on a specific window to capture.

  • Full-Screen Snip: Captures the entire screen.

• Save or Share: After taking the screenshot, you can annotate it or save it directly to your computer. If you want to save the screenshot, simply click the Save As icon.

3. Using Snip & Sketch: The Modern Screenshot Tool

For Windows 10 and 11 users, Snip & Sketch is the upgraded version of the Snipping Tool. It offers more features and is integrated with the notification center.

Here’s how to use Snip & Sketch:

• Launch Snip & Sketch: Press Windows + Shift + S to bring up the snipping toolbar. The screen will dim, and you can select from different capture options:

  • Rectangular Snip

  • Free-form Snip

  • Window Snip

  • Full-Screen Snip

• Edit and Save: After taking the screenshot, the image will be copied to the clipboard, and the Snip & Sketch tool will automatically open. From there, you can crop, annotate, and save the image. You can also share it directly from the app.

See Also: 4 Methods to Take a Screenshot on a Chromebook

4. Using Windows + G for Game Bar (Great for Gamers)

If you’re a gamer or need to capture something while using a program, Windows offers an integrated Game Bar tool for screenshots.

Here’s how to use it:

• Open Game Bar: Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.

• Take a Screenshot: Once the Game Bar is open, click on the Camera Icon to take a screenshot. The screenshot will be saved in the Captures folder inside the Videos library.

5. Using Third-Party Apps for More Control

If you need advanced features, third-party apps can provide even more control over your screenshots. Here are some popular options:

• Lightshot: A lightweight app that allows you to capture regions of your screen with one click, and it also lets you annotate and share images instantly.

• Greenshot: A feature-rich app that allows for full-screen captures, window captures, and region captures, along with options to edit and annotate screenshots.

• ShareX: A powerful, open-source screenshot tool with advanced features like custom workflows, editing, and automatic uploads to cloud services.

See Also: 5 Ways to Screenshot on Android Phones

Conclusion: Screenshotting Made Easy on Your PC

Whether you prefer using simple keyboard shortcuts, built-in Windows tools like Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, or third-party apps for more advanced functionality, taking screenshots on a PC is easy and effective. By using the methods outlined above, you can capture exactly what you need, whether for work, gaming, or personal use.

So, next time you need to capture your screen, just pick the method that works best for you and start screenshotting like a pro!

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