Learning how to screenshot on pc is one of the most useful computer skills. Whether you need to capture an error message, save a receipt, or share a funny moment, screenshots are essential. Windows offers several built‑in tools. Some capture the entire screen. Others let you select a specific area. This guide covers every method, from keyboard shortcuts to the Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch.
No extra software is needed. All tools are free and already on your computer. Follow along and you will master how to screenshot on pc in minutes.
Method One: Print Screen (PrtSc) – Full Screen Capture
The oldest and simplest method uses the PrtSc (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. Pressing it copies your entire screen to the clipboard. You then paste it into an image editor like Paint, Word, or an email.
Steps:
- Press the PrtSc key (sometimes labeled PrtScn, Print Scrn, or PrtSc).
- Open Paint, Word, or any program that accepts images.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
- Save the file.
Tip: On some laptops, you may need to press Fn + PrtSc. The screenshot does not save automatically. You must paste it manually.
For a dedicated tool that saves automatically, see Method Three (Snipping Tool) or Method Four (Snip & Sketch).
Method Two: Windows + PrtSc – Automatic Full Screen Save
This shortcut saves your screenshot directly to a folder. No pasting required.
Steps:
- Press Windows Key + PrtSc.
- Your screen dims briefly (if enabled).
- Find the screenshot in This PC > Pictures > Screenshots.
This method captures the entire screen and saves it as a PNG file. It is faster than Method One when you want to keep the image for later.
For more on saving and organizing screenshots, see our organizing screenshots on pc guide.
Method Three: Snipping Tool – Select Any Area
The Snipping Tool has been in Windows for years. It lets you capture a rectangular area, a freeform shape, a specific window, or the full screen. It also includes a delay timer.
Steps:
- Type “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar. Open it.
- Click Mode (or New) to choose your snip type:
- Free‑form Snip – draw any shape.
- Rectangular Snip – drag a rectangle.
- Window Snip – capture a specific open window.
- Full‑screen Snip – capture everything.
- Select the area or window.
- The screenshot opens in the editor. Save it from File > Save As.
Tip: Use the Delay option to capture drop‑down menus or tooltips. Set a delay of 3–5 seconds, open the menu, and the tool will capture after the delay.
For advanced editing, see our editing screenshots with snipping tool cluster post.
Method Four: Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11)
Snip & Sketch is the modern replacement for the Snipping Tool. It offers the same capture options but with a better editor for annotation.
Steps:
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S.
- Your screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top:
- Rectangular Snip
- Freeform Snip
- Window Snip
- Fullscreen Snip
- Select your snip type and capture the area.
- A notification appears. Click it to open the Snip & Sketch editor.
- Annotate with pen, highlighter, or eraser.
- Save (floppy disk icon) or copy (clipboard icon).
Shortcut: The toolbar disappears after capture. To reopen Snip & Sketch without re‑sniping, press the notification or search for the app.
This method is the fastest for how to screenshot on pc when you want to capture just a part of the screen. For a full walkthrough, see our snip and sketch beginner guide.
Method Five: Game Bar – For Gaming and Apps
Windows Game Bar captures screenshots and video while gaming. But it works for any app, not just games.
Steps:
- Press Windows Key + G to open Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon (Screenshot) in the Capture widget.
- A notification confirms the screenshot is saved.
- Find it in This PC > Videos > Captures.
You can also customize the keyboard shortcut. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Bar to set your own key combination.
Game Bar is ideal for capturing full‑screen games or apps that resist other screenshot methods. For more details, see our using game bar for screenshots.
Method Six: Alt + PrtSc – Active Window Only
This shortcut captures only the currently active window (the one you are using), not the entire screen. It copies to the clipboard.
Steps:
- Click on the window you want to capture (make it active).
- Press Alt + PrtSc.
- Open Paint or Word and press Ctrl + V to paste.
- Save the file.
This is useful when you have multiple windows open and only want one. It avoids cropping out the rest.
How to Choose the Right Method
| When You Want To… | Use This Method |
|---|---|
| Save the whole screen instantly (no editing) | Windows + PrtSc |
| Copy the whole screen to paste elsewhere | PrtSc then Ctrl+V |
| Capture only the active window | Alt + PrtSc then Ctrl+V |
| Select a specific area and annotate | Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch) |
| Capture a game or app that blocks other tools | Windows + G (Game Bar) |
| Use a delay to capture menus | Snipping Tool with Delay |
For a comparison table, see our which screenshot method to use cluster post.
Where Screenshots Are Saved
- Windows + PrtSc:
This PC > Pictures > Screenshots - Game Bar (Windows + G):
This PC > Videos > Captures - Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch: You choose the location when saving. They do not save automatically.
- PrtSc or Alt + PrtSc: Clipboard only (not saved). Must paste and save manually.
To change default save locations, see our changing screenshot save location guide.
Editing Your Screenshots
All built‑in tools offer basic editing: crop, resize, draw, highlight, and erase. For more advanced editing (blur sensitive info, add arrows, resize), use Paint, Paint 3D, or the Photos app. All are free in Windows.
For a step‑by‑step editing guide, see our how to edit screenshots on pc.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
PrtSc key not working?
- On some laptops, press Fn + PrtSc.
- Check if the key is disabled in keyboard settings.
- Use Windows + Shift + S as an alternative.
Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch not opening?
- Run Windows Update. The tools are part of the OS.
- Search for them directly in the Start menu.
Screenshots are black or blank?
- Some apps (Netflix, DRM‑protected video) block screenshots. Use your phone camera as a last resort.
- Try Game Bar (Windows + G) – it works for some protected content.
For more fixes, see our screenshot not working troubleshooting.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to screenshot on pc is essential for work, school, and fun. Start with Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch) for most needs. Use Windows + PrtSc to save full screens automatically. Use Game Bar for games. Practice each method once, and you will never forget.
All tools are built into Windows. No downloads. No costs. Just press a few keys and capture anything on your screen.