Introduction

Taking screenshots is needed in day-to-day activities to keep records and share some important pages, errors, or even critical information you cannot share via usual means. It’s easy to take a screenshot on a windows laptop or personal computer and if you still find it difficult here’s how you can take screenshots quickly and like a pro! There are 2 quick methods to take a screenshot on a laptop or a personal computer (PC). Follow the steps given below and you will be able to take a screenshot in no time.

What do I need to take a screenshot on my windows laptop or computer?

For both methods all you need is a keyboard, the in-built snipping tool, Microsoft Paint (MS Paint), and Microsoft Word (MS Word)

Please note: These methods will work on windows based laptops by companies like Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Acer etc and will not work on Apple based computers.

What are the 2 ways to take a screenshot on windows computer/laptop ?

Alright, let us take a look at the first method using just your keyboard and MS Paint or Word.

• First, open the page or window you wish to capture
• Look for the key in the top right corner or right section of your keyboard named PrtScr or Print Screen
• Then near the bottom left corner of your keyboard, you will come across the Windows key with the windows logo (4 square boxes) or Alt key.
• Press the windows/Alt key first, keep it pressed and then press the PrtScr/Printscreen key.
  On some keyboards, you might have to press the Fn (Function) Key instead of the Alt/ windows key.  It varies from keyboard to keyboard so you can try both the options.

The screen is captured, all you have to do now is paste it in paint or word.

1. Now click on the start button on your screen monitor or the windows (4 boxes) icon displayed in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Open Paint, if you cannot find paint, in the search box on the left bottom corner of your screen, type paint and you will come across a palette and brush icon.
   
3. Now, on the top left corner of the paint application you will see the Paste option, click on it and your captured screen will be pasted there.
4. Now click on File (top left corner) in the paint application and click on save
5. Enter your desired filename and save it.

   

6. Similarly, you can go to the start button like point number 1, search for word and open the Word application
7. Once word opens, press Ctrl and V keys together on your keyboard to paste the screenshot.
8. Then click on file menu at the top and save. 

What is the second method?

• Open the window or page of which you want to capture a screenshot
• Then click on the windows icon in the left corner or the search box on your screen and search for the snipping tool
• You will see an icon with a pair of scissors on an oval shape. Click on it to open the tool.

• Once the application is open, on the left top menu you will find New, click on it, your screen will change and you will see a white/black layer on your screen

• Now click with your mouse and drag across the area that you want to capture.
• Release the mouse and you will see your chosen area is captured. Now click on file in the menu and then save
• Choose a file and location to save your file on your computer

And Voila! You have your screenshot from your laptop or computer!

Is there a video that I can refer to take a screenshot on my PC / Laptop?

Yes, check out the video below to check out how to take a screenshot on your windows PC or laptop.