How to screenshot on Windows
A screenshot is a photo of what is on your computer’s screen.
This is also known as ‘Print screen’ on a PC. The screenshot is usually saved in the Pictures folder unless you have changed the default setting.
Full screen on Windows
- Press ‘Print Screen/PrtScrn’ or press ‘Alt’ and ‘Print Screen/PrtScrn’ (different for each PC).
- Click ‘Start’.
- Open ‘Paint’. Do a search for ‘Paint’ if you can’t find it.
- Click ‘File’.
- Click ‘New’ to open a new page.
- Click on ‘Paste’ in the new page.
- Click on ‘File’.
- Click on ‘Save As’.
- Name the new file, choose where you want it to save on your computer, and click ‘Save’.
Part of the screen on Windows
- Click ‘Start’.
- Click ‘Snipping Tool’. Do a search for ‘Snipping Tool’ if you can’t find it.
- In the ‘Snipping Tool’ select ‘New’.
- The cursor will then change to a crosshair pointer.
- Move the crosshair to where you want to capture.
- Click and drag to select an area.
- When you have selected the area you need, release your Mouse or Trackpad.
- Click on ‘File’.
- Click on ‘Save As’.
- Name the new file, choose where you want it to save on your computer, and click ‘Save’.
Users running Windows 10
- Use the ‘Print Screen’ button (PrtSc). You'll find it on the upper-right side of most keyboards (or next to the Space Bar on some). It will copy an image of your entire screen to the clipboard. You can then hit ‘Ctrl + V’ to paste it into a document.
Screen recording on Windows
Xbox Game Bar is built into Windows 11 and Windows 10 and lets you make a screen recording one application at a time.
- Press together the ‘Windows Key’ + ‘Alt’ + ‘R’ at the same time.
- A recording widget will appear in the corner of your screen to start recording.
- Turn on or off your microphone for your audio preferences.
- Stop recording your screen by holding together ‘Windows Key’ + ‘Alt’ + ‘R’ at the same time or press the ‘Stop’ button in the recording widget.
- You will usually find the recording in your Videos/Captures folder from File Explorer.
Note: Xbox Game Bar won’t be able to record your Windows desktop or File Explorer. You may need to download a third-party application to your desktop to do this.
What to do if you have a different computer or device
We also have advice on:
- How to screenshot on a Samsung or Android device
- How to screenshot on an iPad or iPhone
- How to screenshot on a Mac
If none of these screenshot methods work on your device, we suggest you open your search engine and search ‘How do I take a screenshot/screen recording with a [add your device type/model]’.
There are also some apps that can be used to take a screenshot or take a screen recording. Open Google Play and search ‘screen capture’ or ‘screen recorder’.
How to screenshot on Windows (video)
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To take a screenshot from a PC, you can use the print screen function. Begin by opening the window you want to capture, then press alt and print screen by holding down the alt key and then pressing the print screen key. The print screen key is often in the top row of keys on a keyboard near the upper right corner. Click Start. Then select Paint. In the Paint window, open a new page and click Paste. Click File, and then click Save As. In the Save As dialog box in the File Name box, type a name for the screenshot. And then click Save. The file is now ready to be sent. You can also use the snipping tool. Go to Start, then select the Snipping Tool. In the Snipping Tool, select New. Use your cursor to select the area that you want to snip. Save the snip or send it. You can also print the actual page using a printer. Select the Print option from the menu. Select the preferred printer and Options. Then select Print. Before printing the page, it's a good idea to check Print Preview to make sure the page will print in a suitable format and includes all items on the page. If not, it's best to take a screenshot instead. Once it is printed, the URL or web address will appear at the bottom of the page. |
Taking a screenshot on a Windows PC
Last updated: 29/08/2024