How to Take a Screenshot of the Entire Screen
Find a key on your keyboard labeled "Prt Sc"., Open Microsoft Paint., Click "Paste" to view your screenshot., Save your screen shot., Alternatively, use the Snipping Tool on Windows Vista, 7, or 8.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find a key on your keyboard labeled "Prt Sc".
This stands for "Print Screen," and pressing this button saves an image of your screen to your clipboard.
This is similar to clicking "copy" on a picture.
The button is usually in the upper-righthand corner of your keyboard, above "Backspace." Press "Prt Sc" once to take a picture of your current screen.
If you hold the "Alt" key while doing this it will take a picture of just the window you are using, such as your internet browser.
So if you want a shot of only your internet browser, click into that window and press Alt & Prt Sc keys together. -
Step 2: Open Microsoft Paint.
This free program comes pre-installed on every Windows computer, and it allows you to paste your screenshot and edit it if you'd like.
You can find paint through the Start Menu.
Click "All Programs" → "Accessories" → "Paint" to open it.
You may use any program that allows you to paste images
-- Photoshop, Microsoft Word, InDesign
-- but Paint is the simplest and fastest way to save a screenshot. , The paste button is in the upper left corner of Microsoft Paint, but you can also press the CTRL and V keys simultaneously to paste. , You can now save your screenshot through Paint.
Click the small purple save button (it looks like a purple floppy disc) or press CTRL and S simultaneously.
You will be given a chance to name the picture and choose the image quality. , Microsoft put a small tool on every windows machine that lets you take custom screenshots.
In the start menu, search for "Snipping Tool" to find the program.
From here, you can create a custom sized screenshot and save it directly through the Snipping Tool program:
Click "New" Click and drag over the area you want a picture of.
Click "Save Snip" (square, purple floppy disc button). -
Step 3: Click "Paste" to view your screenshot.
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Step 4: Save your screen shot.
-
Step 5: Alternatively
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Step 6: use the Snipping Tool on Windows Vista
Detailed Guide
This stands for "Print Screen," and pressing this button saves an image of your screen to your clipboard.
This is similar to clicking "copy" on a picture.
The button is usually in the upper-righthand corner of your keyboard, above "Backspace." Press "Prt Sc" once to take a picture of your current screen.
If you hold the "Alt" key while doing this it will take a picture of just the window you are using, such as your internet browser.
So if you want a shot of only your internet browser, click into that window and press Alt & Prt Sc keys together.
This free program comes pre-installed on every Windows computer, and it allows you to paste your screenshot and edit it if you'd like.
You can find paint through the Start Menu.
Click "All Programs" → "Accessories" → "Paint" to open it.
You may use any program that allows you to paste images
-- Photoshop, Microsoft Word, InDesign
-- but Paint is the simplest and fastest way to save a screenshot. , The paste button is in the upper left corner of Microsoft Paint, but you can also press the CTRL and V keys simultaneously to paste. , You can now save your screenshot through Paint.
Click the small purple save button (it looks like a purple floppy disc) or press CTRL and S simultaneously.
You will be given a chance to name the picture and choose the image quality. , Microsoft put a small tool on every windows machine that lets you take custom screenshots.
In the start menu, search for "Snipping Tool" to find the program.
From here, you can create a custom sized screenshot and save it directly through the Snipping Tool program:
Click "New" Click and drag over the area you want a picture of.
Click "Save Snip" (square, purple floppy disc button).
About the Author
Nicholas Howard
A passionate writer with expertise in home improvement topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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