Ever tried to take a screenshot from your computer screen but stopped because you didn’t know what to do? You’re not alone! Screenshots are helpful for work, sharing information, or troubleshooting issues. The good news? It’s easier than you think! In this guide, you’ll learn about the different methods of taking a screenshot and easier ways to perfect your screenshot game.
So if you want to capture your entire screen, just a window, or something specific, this guide has got you covered. And if you ever get stuck, don’t forget—call Nimble Nerds at 02 8091 0815, and one of our experienced technicians can help you out within 30 minutes! Don’t worry! This is a no-obligation call. At Nimble Nerds, we’re here to make your tech life easier!
The Print Screen Key: Your Computer Screenshot Go-To Key
You can find this screen capture key in the upper right corner of your laptop keyboards, and oftentimes, it is abbreviated as “PrtScn” or “PrtSc”. Are you a first-timer using this key? AT first, you might think that it seems to not do anything at all, but don’t worry. Although you may not see it, the print screen key actually copies your entire screen shot to your clipboard. Now, you can paste it either in a Microsoft Paint window or in another image editing program on your computer.
Quick Steps for Print Screen Success
Want to know the fastest way to take a screenshot of your computer screen? Here’s my tried-and-true method that I’ve shared with countless relieved clients:
- Find that Print Screen key (usually in the upper right side, in the same row as the function keys or next to the Space Bar for some devices).
- Press Windows logo + Print Screen for an instant save of your screen grabs to your Screenshots or Pictures folder.
- If you want to screen shot a specific window, click on it and press Alt + Print Screen.
Some devices are different though. For instance, if you are using a laptop, you might need a certain key combination to take a screenshot. For some, it might be holding the Function (Fn) key first. Whatever it may be, this is assured to help you get the screen capture you need.
Computer Screenshots: When Print Screen Plays Hard to Get
During some rare occasions, the Print Screen function may not perform and act stubborn or your computer may ignore the Print Screen button completely. This may be due to:
- The keyboard shortcut for the Print Screen function may be disabled.
- Another program may be interfering with your screenshot function.
- Your clipboard is having some problems or taking time loading the captured image.
The quickest fix I’ve found? A simple restart of your computer usually does the trick. If that doesn’t work, check your keyboard settings in Windows to see if some of the other keyboard functions are disabled.
Meet Your New Best Friend: The Modern Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a free program included on Windows PC 7, Windows Vista and other Windows products. Since the launch of this tool, capturing screenshots has been easier and faster especially when capturing small pop-ups on your screen like a dialog box. But as Windows moved to a newer Windows 11, they also introduced a new snipping tool-like partner- the Snip & Sketch tool. Compared to the snipping tool, the Snip & Sketch tool has a modern interface with enhanced editing tools and better integration than the snipping tool’s basic features.
The Snipping Tool has helped out a lot of my business-owner clients who needed to capture just a specific part of their entire screen for a presentation or report. Plus with its Windows + Shift + S shortcut, they truly understand how the Snipping Tool is a priceless gem for their operations!
Snipping Like a Surgeon
Here’s where it gets good – when you use the Snipping Tool, you’ve got a few options depending on how you would like to take a screenshot:
- Rectangular Snip: Good choice if you want to capture less of the full screen and for precise areas
- Free-form Snip: Perfect for those oddly shaped elements
- Window Snip: One click for a full-screen capture
- Full-screen Snip: When you need the whole enchilada
Pro tip: after taking screenshots, look for that notification in the bottom right corner. Click it, and you’ll open a powerful editing window where you can annotate, highlight, or even scribble on your screenshot. It’s like having a mini Photoshop just for screenshots!
Beyond Basic Snipping
The modern Snipping Tool also has some advanced features that help capture screenshots perfectly- the time-delay feature. This feature is especially useful when capturing dynamic content, drop-down menus or hover states that collapse quickly once we move the mouse button. You can set up a delay for 3,5, or 10 seconds to set your perfectly before a screen capture. The Snipping tool also has a record button feature that lets you record videos of your full screen or a part of it.
Here are steps to open Snipping Tool or SNip & Sketch on your Windows desktop:
- Press Windows Key + Shift +S (Snip & Sketch) or type “Snipping Tool” on your search bar.
- Once the Snipping Tool window is open, you will see its different features:
- Camera icon: For a quick screen snip.
- Camera recorder icon: Used to record a video clip (i.e. tutorials, walkthroughs)with an option to include audio using the microphone icon.
- Snip shape: Rectangle, window, full-screen capture or free form.
- Time delay: Choose among the 3, 5, or 10 seconds delay before you take a screenshot.
Xbox Game Bar: Not Just for Gamers
Just press Windows key + G, and welcome to what I like to call “Screenshot Central.” Microsoft really outdid themselves with this one, and I’ve converted many sceptical clients into Xbox Game Bar believers. The best part? It’s already installed on your Windows 10 or 11 PC – no extra downloads needed!
Beyond Basic Computer Screenshots
Here’s what makes this screenshot tool special:
First up, hit the Windows key + Alt + PrtScn to capture the active window, and boom – you’ve got an instant screenshot with automatic saving. They’re all neatly organized in your Videos/Captures folder.
But here’s another helpful feature of this tool: you can use it to record your screen activities too. This is extremely helpful when creating quick tutorial videos for your students, colleagues or family members who need help with their Windows computers.
The Hidden Power Features
Want to know my favorite Game Bar trick? You can capture a specific window even if it’s not in focus. This is perfect for when you’re juggling multiple windows.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with multiple monitors (and I see this all the time in my line of work), the Game Bar becomes even more valuable. This screenshot tool lets you select which screen to capture without playing the “which monitor is it going to screenshot?” guessing game.
Keyboard Ninja: Computer Screenshot Shortcuts That’ll Change Your Life
After years of experience at Nimble Nerds, I learned that keyboard shortcuts make your screenshot game easier and faster. Moreover, once you know them, you’ll never go back to the long way around. And when it comes to screenshots, these shortcuts aren’t just convenient; they’re absolute lifesavers.
The Holy Trinity of Screen Capture Shortcuts
Here’s my top three keyboard combinations that’ll help you take a screenshot like a tech wizard:
- Windows key + Print Screen: Captures and saves the whole screen instantly to your Screenshots folder.
- Alt + Print Screen: Snags just the active window.
- Windows key + Shift + S: This tool lets you select exactly what you want to capture from your Windows desktop screen.
Pro tip that’s saved many of my clients’ sanity: If you’re on a Surface tablet or similar device, try Windows + Volume Down instead. You wouldn’t believe how many confused calls I’ve gotten about this one!
Finding Your Screenshots: No More Digital Hide and Seek!
Mission Control: Your Screenshot Command Center
First things first – if you’re using the Windows key + Print Screen, your screenshots automatically go straight to This PC > Pictures folder > Screenshots. This is the default destination for your screenshots unless you want to customize them. But here’s a pro tip I share with all my clients: create a shortcut to this folder right on your desktop. Once you find the screenshots folder, right-click on it and select “Create Shortcut” from the menu. It’s convenient and helps you save time when you need to look for your screen grabs.
Next, for Game Bar screenshots, they’re hanging out in Videos > Captures. And if you’re using the Snipping Tool? Those crafty little files go wherever you tell them to – but I always recommend saving them to a dedicated Screenshots folder. After helping thousands of users, I’ve learned that organizing my screenshots as to date, name, or purpose is key to avoiding the dreaded “screenshot scramble.”
My Tried-and-True Organization System
Here’s my system that’s been battle-tested through years of tech support:
- Create monthly folders for your screenshots (like “January 2024 Screenshots”)
- Use descriptive names when saving, such as “Error404_date” (instead of “Screenshot(1)”)
- Keep a “Temporary” folder for those one-and-done captures
Windows’ built-in search function also helps you easily find your screenshots. Just type “.png” file or “.jpg” file in the folder search bar, and all your screenshots appear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screenshots
At Nimble Nerds, we encounter different concerns about our clients’ tech needs, and screenshots are one of them. Let me share the answers that have helped countless frustrated users get their screenshot game on point!
Q: “Help! My Print Screen button isn’t working!”
- First, check if you need to use the Fn (Function) key with the Print Screen on your laptop, if your keyboard drivers are up-to-date, or if other settings in your operating system are interfering with the screenshot.
- If that doesn’t work, try closing any programs that might be hogging your keyboard shortcuts.
If the problem persists, you can contact one of our Nimble Nerds experts at 02 8091 0815 and they will help you through your tech needs.
Q: “Where do my screenshots go when I press Windows + Print Screen?”
They’re automatically saved in This PC > Pictures > Screenshots. You can further verify this location by taking the latest screenshot and checking it in the Screenshots folder. I always tell my clients to think of it as their computer’s personal photo album for screenshots. If you can’t find this folder, don’t panic – just type “screenshots” in your Windows search bar, and it’ll pop right up, or create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking on the folder and selecting “Create Shortcut” from the menu.
Q: “What’s the fastest way to take a screenshot of just one window?”
Alt + Print Screen is definitely your best friend here! You can use it to capture only the active window and not your entire desktop. It’s one of the methods I constantly use when assisting clients remotely. Truly a game-changer!
Q: “Do screenshots take up a lot of space on my computer?”
While individual screenshots are usually pretty small and on average at 100kb-500kb, they can add up over time. That is why, I recommend doing a monthly cleanup of your Screenshots folder. You can also try organizing your screenshot files, using external storage or cloud services to free up space taken by your screen grabs.
Q: “Can I edit my screenshots after taking them?”
Absolutely! The Snipping Tool (Windows + Shift + S) gives you basic editing tools right, like annotation and highlighting after you take the screenshot. Now if you’re into more advanced editing, you can use Paint or Photos app to work on your screenshots. these tools are readily available on your Windows computer. You can also use any image editor like GIMP or Adobe Photoshop for more precise and elaborate editing of your screenshots.
Remember, if you’re still unsure and feel stuck with your screenshot game, Nimble Nerds is just a phone call away at 02 88091 0815. We can assist you with your tech needs! At Nimble Nerds, we believe that no problem is too small, and we’re always happy to help!
