Taking a screenshot on your computer is one of those small but powerful tricks that can make your life easier — whether you’re saving an error message, sharing a funny meme, or documenting work.
If you’re wondering how to print screen on Windows 10, you’re in the right place! This comprehensive step-by-step guide will show you every method — from simple keyboard shortcuts to advanced tools like Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool.
🧠 What Does “Print Screen” Mean?
The Print Screen function (often labeled as PrtScn on keyboards) lets you capture what’s currently displayed on your screen.
On Windows 10, there are multiple ways to take screenshots:
- Capture the entire screen
- Capture a specific window
- Capture a custom area
- Automatically save screenshots to a folder
Let’s go through all of them step by step.
⚙️ Step 1: Use the PrtScn (Print Screen) Key
The easiest way to take a screenshot is by pressing the PrtScn key.
How it works:
- Press the PrtScn key once.
- The entire screen is copied to your clipboard.
- Open Paint or Word, then press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
- Save the file.
📝 Tip: Some keyboards may require you to press Fn + PrtScn instead.
🖼️ Step 2: Use Windows + PrtScn (Auto Save Screenshot)
Want to save your screenshots automatically?
- Press Windows + PrtScn.
- The screen will dim briefly — that means your screenshot was captured.
- Find it under:
This PC → Pictures → Screenshots
This is one of the best shortcuts for quickly saving full-screen captures.
🪟 Step 3: Use Alt + PrtScn (Capture Active Window Only)
If you only want to capture the current window, not the entire screen:
- Click on the window you want to capture.
- Press Alt + PrtScn.
- Open Paint or Word and paste (Ctrl + V).
- Save your image.
This is ideal for capturing just a single app or dialog box.
✂️ Step 4: Use Snipping Tool (Classic Screenshot Tool)
The Snipping Tool has been around for years and is still available in Windows 10.
To use it:
- Type Snipping Tool in the Start Menu search bar.
- Click New.
- Select the area you want to capture.
- Use File → Save As to save the screenshot.
🧩 Modes available:
- Free-form Snip
- Rectangular Snip
- Window Snip
- Full-screen Snip
🖋️ Step 5: Use Snip & Sketch (Modern Screenshot Tool)
Windows 10 introduced Snip & Sketch, an upgraded screenshot tool with annotation options.
To open Snip & Sketch:
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear.
- Choose one of these:
- Rectangular snip
- Freeform snip
- Window snip
- Fullscreen snip
- The image is copied to the clipboard and a notification appears.
- Click the notification to edit or save the image.
💡 Bonus: You can highlight, crop, or draw on screenshots directly within Snip & Sketch.
🎯 Step 6: Use the Game Bar for Screenshots
Windows 10’s built-in Game Bar is mainly for gamers, but anyone can use it for screenshots.
How to enable and use it:
- Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.
- Screenshots are saved automatically in:
Videos → Captures
📸 Step 7: Take Screenshots with the On-Screen Keyboard
If your physical PrtScn key doesn’t work, try the on-screen keyboard.
- Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open it.
- Click PrtScn on the virtual keyboard.
- Paste the image into Paint or another app.
🔧 Step 8: Use OneDrive for Automatic Screenshot Backup
Microsoft OneDrive can automatically save every screenshot you take.
To enable:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
- Go to Settings → Backup → Manage backup.
- Check Automatically save screenshots I capture to OneDrive.
Now, every time you press PrtScn, the image is uploaded to your cloud storage.
📱 Step 9: Capture a Specific Area (Without Tools)
You can also capture a custom area directly with a shortcut:
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Drag your mouse to select an area.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard.
- Paste (Ctrl + V) wherever you need.
🧩 Step 10: Use Third-Party Screenshot Tools
If you need advanced options, third-party tools can make the process faster and more powerful.
Popular choices:
| Tool | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lightshot | Easy editing & upload | Quick sharing |
| Greenshot | Annotate & export options | Office use |
| ShareX | GIFs, videos, automation | Power users |
| Snagit | Pro-level editing | Professional work |
🧠 Step 11: Check Screenshot Folder Location
By default, screenshots are saved under:
C:\Users\[YourName]\Pictures\Screenshots
If you don’t see your screenshots, check OneDrive or Game Bar folders.
🧰 Step 12: Change Screenshot Save Location
To save screenshots somewhere else:
- Open Pictures → Screenshots.
- Right-click and select Properties.
- Under the Location tab, choose a new folder.
- Click Apply → OK.
🧩 Step 13: Troubleshooting — Print Screen Not Working?
If your Print Screen button isn’t working:
- Ensure Fn Lock isn’t enabled (try Fn + Esc).
- Check if OneDrive is capturing screenshots automatically.
- Restart your PC.
- Update your keyboard drivers via Device Manager.
- Try an alternative method like Windows + Shift + S.
🏁 Conclusion
Knowing how to print screen in Windows 10 is an essential skill for anyone — whether you’re a student, professional, or gamer.
You can capture anything on your screen using shortcuts like PrtScn, tools like Snip & Sketch, or apps like ShareX. Experiment with these methods and find what fits your workflow best!
❓ FAQs About Taking Screenshots on Windows 10
1. Where are screenshots saved in Windows 10?
By default, screenshots taken with Windows + PrtScn are saved in the Pictures → Screenshots folder.
2. How do I take a screenshot of one window only?
Press Alt + PrtScn while the window is active.
3. Can I take a delayed screenshot in Windows 10?
Yes, open Snipping Tool → Delay and set a timer before capturing.
4. What’s the best free screenshot tool?
Lightshot and ShareX are popular, free, and user-friendly.
5. How do I capture a part of the screen?
Press Windows + Shift + S, then drag to select the area you want.
🔍 Key Takeaways
- PrtScn captures the full screen to the clipboard.
- Windows + PrtScn saves automatically to the Screenshots folder.
- Alt + PrtScn captures only the active window.
- Use Snip & Sketch for advanced editing.
- Try OneDrive or Game Bar for automatic saves and sharing.
Now you’re ready to capture anything on your Windows 10 screen like a pro!