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.