This article will teach you how to take a screenshot/printscreen from your machine.


Microsoft Windows


  1. How do I take a screenshot?

    press PrtScn = Windows captures the entire screen and copies it to the (invisible) clipboard.

  2. Where can I find that key?
    Look for this group of keys at the upper right of your keyboard. Note: Print Screen (PrtScn) might have been abbreviated differently on your keyboard.


  3. How do I take a screenshot of a single window?

    Hold down Alt  and press PrtScn = Windows captures only the currently active window and copies it to the clipboard.


  4. I guess it’s in the clipboard now. How can I paste it into a document or something?

    Hold down Ctrl  and press V = Windows pastes the screenshot (that is in the clipboard) into a document or image you are currently editing.


  5. Where should I paste it? I just need a (graphics) file.


    Start “Paint” -> Paste -> Save

  6. How do I take a screenshot and have it directly as a file?

    Hold down Windows Key   and press PrtScn  = Windows (8 or 10) captures the entire screen and saves it as a file to your Pictures > Screenshots folder.


  7. Is there a dedicated program for taking screenshots? How can I find it?