How To Take Screenshot on Laptop and Desktop Computers

Taking a screenshot is one of the easiest ways to save information displayed on your computer screen. Whether you want to keep a copy of an online receipt, capture an error message, save part of a webpage or share something with a friend or colleague, a screenshot lets you do it in seconds.

The good news is that you do not need to install extra software to capture your screen. Windows laptops, desktop computers and Mac computers all come with built-in screenshot tools that make the process quick and straightforward.

Take a Screenshot on Windows Laptops and Desktop Computers

Windows offers several ways to capture your screen, depending on what you want to save.

Use the Print Screen Key

The easiest method is to press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key on your keyboard.

This captures your entire screen and copies it to the clipboard. You can then open an app such as Paint, Microsoft Word or another image editor and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot before saving it.

Use Windows + Print Screen

If you want Windows to save the screenshot automatically, press Windows + PrtScn.

Your screen will briefly dim to confirm the capture. The screenshot is then saved automatically in the Pictures folder under Screenshots.

Capture Only the Active Window

If you only need to capture one open window instead of the entire screen, click the window and press Alt + PrtScn.

The screenshot will be copied to the clipboard, allowing you to paste and save it wherever you want.

Use the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool gives you more control over screenshots.

Open the tool from the Start menu or press Windows + Shift + S. You can capture the entire screen, a selected window or just a specific part of the display before saving or editing the image.

Take a Screenshot on Mac Computers

Mac computers also include built-in screenshot shortcuts.

Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen.

Press Command + Shift + 4 to capture only part of the screen.

Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar, where you can capture the full screen, a selected window or part of the display. The same menu also lets you record your screen.

Where Are Screenshots Saved?

On Windows, screenshots taken with Windows + PrtScn are usually saved in Pictures > Screenshots.

On Mac computers, screenshots are saved to the desktop by default, although you can choose another location through the Screenshot toolbar.

The exact location may vary if you have changed your default screenshot settings.

Share this

Share on FacebookPlus on Google+