How to take and save a print screen: complete guide

How to take and save a print screen - The complete guide

The Print Screen key (often abbreviated as PrtSc, PrtScn or Print Scr) has been the standard way to take screenshots for decades. In this guide we explain all the options, from the basics to advanced features.

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Method 1: Windows + PrtSc (save directly)

The fastest way to save a print screen directly as a file:

1. Press Windows key + Print Screen at the same time
2. Your screen flashes briefly (confirmation that the screenshot was taken)
3. The screenshot is saved automatically in:
   • Location: This PC > Pictures > Screenshots
   • File name: Screenshot (1).png, Screenshot (2).png, etc.

Advantage: No extra steps needed - saved directly as a PNG file!

Method 2: PrtSc + Paint (classic method)

The traditional way that always works:

1. Press the Print Screen key
2. The entire screen is copied to your clipboard
3. Open Paint (search in the Start menu)
4. Press Ctrl + V to paste
5. Edit if you like (crop, draw, add text)
6. Go to File > Save as
7. Choose a format (PNG for the best quality) and a location

Tip: You can also paste the screenshot into Word, PowerPoint or an email!

Method 3: Alt + PrtSc (active window only)

Want to capture only the current window without the taskbar and other windows?

1. Click the window you want to capture (so it is active)
2. Press Alt + Print Screen at the same time
3. Only the active window is copied to your clipboard
4. Paste into Paint or another program with Ctrl + V

Perfect for: Error messages, specific program windows, forms

Editing and saving a screenshot

In Paint (included with Windows):

1. Crop: Select > Crop
2. Add text: A icon > Click and type
3. Highlighter effect: Brush with yellow color
4. Draw arrows: Shapes > Arrow

Saving in different formats:

• PNG - Best quality, supports transparency, larger files
• JPG/JPEG - Smaller files, good for photos, no transparency
• BMP - Uncompressed, very large files (not recommended)
• GIF - Limited colors, small file format

Recommendation: Use PNG for screenshots with text, JPG for screenshots with photos.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where is the Print Screen key on my keyboard? The PrtSc key is usually at the top right of your keyboard, next to F12 or near the arrow keys. On laptops you sometimes have to use Fn + PrtSc.

My print screen isn't working, what now? Try: 1) Fn + PrtSc on laptops, 2) Windows + Shift + S as an alternative, 3) Check whether other software is using the key.

Can I take a delayed print screen? Yes! Use Windows + Shift + S and then the Snipping Tool with the timer feature (3 or 10 second delay).

Keyboard shortcuts overview

Summary: For the fastest workflow, use Windows + PrtSc (save directly) or Windows + Shift + S (with selection option).