How to Screenshot on PC

The three Windows PC methods worth knowing: capture a region, save the full screen, and copy the active window.

1. Capture a region

Press Windows + Shift + S. When the screen dims, choose rectangular, window, full-screen, or freeform capture. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard so you can paste it into a chat, document, or image editor.

2. Save a full-screen screenshot

Press Windows + PrtSc. Windows saves a full-screen screenshot. To find it, open File Explorer, choose Pictures, then open Screenshots.

If you press only PrtSc, Windows usually copies the full screen to the clipboard instead of saving a file.

3. Capture the active window

Click the window you want, then press Alt + PrtSc. This copies the active window to the clipboard. Snipping Tool's window mode is another good option when you want a visible selection step.

4. Common PC Screenshot Software

If you need annotation, scrolling capture, delayed capture, upload workflows, or reusable capture regions, useful screenshot software keywords include Snipping Tool, ShareX, Greenshot, Lightshot, PicPick, and Snagit. These terms cover Windows screenshot software, PC screenshot software, screenshot tool, screen capture app, and screenshot utility search intent.

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