How to Take a Screenshot on a PC Laptop: 5 Easy Tips

  

Intro – My First Screenshot Experience

I remember, the first time I wanted to take a screenshot on a laptop, I was literally confused. I kept looking at the keyboard and thinking, “Which button should I press?” You too must have felt the same. I honestly went through it, because the teacher had said to send the screenshot and I was not able to understand it. Then I found out how to take a screenshot on a PC laptop, and believe me, from that day onwards taking screenshot became a routine.

 

Basic Method – Print Screen Button (PrtSc)

First of all I tried this: Press the PrtSc button on the keyboard. It is simple, but earlier I did not know what happens after pressing it.

When you press PrtSc, the entire screen is copied to clipboard.

After that you have to paste (Ctrl+V) it in Paint, Word or any image editor.

Save it, and the screenshot is ready.

I think this is the easiest trick for beginners. You will notice that it may seem confusing at first, but after trying it once, it is super simple.

By pressing Alt + PrtSc, one can view the screen of only the active window.

I personally liked this a lot. Because sometimes I only needed to take a screenshot of one window, not the whole screen.

Just press Alt + PrtSc.

This will only take the screenshot of the window that is active.

Then follow the same process, paste it in Paint or Word.

Imagine if 10 windows are open simultaneously and you only need a screenshot of one, then this trick is a lifesaver.

Windows + PrtSc – Direct Save Option

One day I felt that pasting again and again is a bit irritating. Then I learned that if you press Windows Key + PrtSc then the screenshot gets saved directly in the “Pictures > Screenshots” folder.

Honestly, I liked this feature the best. No need to copy-paste, one button and the screenshot is ready in its own folder.

Snipping Tool – My Favorite Trick

I think everyone should definitely try this tool. It comes by default in Windows laptops. When I used it for the first time, I literally enjoyed it, because in it you can cut the part of the screen according to your requirement.

The steps are simple:

1. Search Snipping Tool in the Start Menu.
2. Click on “New” and pick where you want to take a screenshot.
3. Save it or directly copy and send it.

In a previous project, I only needed to capture an image of Graph. There was no need to take the whole screen. Snipping Tool made the job easy.

Snip & Sketch – Updated Version

This is the updated version for Windows 10 and 11 users. The shortcut is also simple: Windows + Shift + S.

The screen becomes a little dark.

You select the area.

The screenshot goes to the clipboard.

I honestly think this is the fastest method, especially when you want to send it quickly via WhatsApp or email.

Third-Party Tools – Which I Use

Sometimes I need more advanced options, like adding arrows, text or highlight. I use these in a tab:

Lightshot 

Easy and lightweight. It enables you to take an image of your screen and modify it.

Greenshot 

Free and open-source. I once took a screenshot of an entire webpage using it.

Snagit 

Professional level. It is a little paid, but the features are amazing. I remember, a client had demanded step-by-step screenshots with arrows. Snagit made the job easy.

Imagine if…

You are attending an online class and the teacher explained a chart. At that time, you don’t have time to write notes. If you know how to take a screenshot on a PC laptop, then you can save the entire chart by pressing a button. Read it later comfortably.

I personally feel, this is a must-know skill for both students and freelancers.

Tips that I follow every time

If you have to take multiple screenshots then create a folder. Otherwise it gets mixed up.

Use Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch for specific area.

If you have to take it for presentation, then use editing tools for arrows and highlights.

Always rename files, otherwise “Screenshot (10)” confuses.

Outro – Final Words

I honestly think that how to take a screenshot on a PC laptop is a skill that everyone should know. You will notice that there are several shortcuts or tools for understanding screens taking hot water will feel very natural.

And if you need more guides like boosting laptop speed, recovering Gmail, or reinstalling Windows step-by-step, visit the homepage of TechEaselyBlog.com. There you will find beginner-friendly and real-life tested tech guides.

FAQs – how to take a screenshot on a pc laptop

Q1: Which is the fastest screenshot method in PC laptop?

Windows + PrtSc is the fastest, because the screenshot is saved directly.

Q2: Are screenshots saved automatically?

Yes, if you use Windows + PrtSc. Otherwise, you have to paste.

Q3: Are there better free third-party tools?

I think Lightshot is the best for beginners, because it is simple and free.

Q4: Is Snipping Tool available in all Windows laptops?

Almost all have it, especially Windows 7, 8, 10, 11.