Tech & Gadget

Latest Guide on How to Screenshot on Computer

Published by
Mountain

Latest Guide on How to Screenshot on Computer

Method screenshots on a computer may seem complicated if you don't know how. But don't worry, it's actually very easy!

This article will explain how to take a screenshot on a computer, including the differences with a laptop. Come on, read until the end and don't forget there are tips for economical game top ups at the end of the article!

Also read:

How to Screenshot on a Computer with a Keyboard

Screenshot on computer. Source: Eraspace.

On a computer, you can use the keys on your keyboard to take a screenshot. Here are the most common ways:

Using the Print Screen Key (PrtScn)

  • Function: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
  • How to: Press the PrtScn button (usually at the top) keyboards). The screenshot will be saved to the clipboard.
  • Next steps: Open an application like Paint, press Ctrl + V to paste the image, then save the file.
 

Using Alt + Print Screen

  • Function: Takes a screenshot of only the active window.
  • How to: Press the Alt + PrtScn combination, then paste it into an application such as Paint or Word.

Using Windows + Print Screen

  • Function: Screenshots are directly saved as files.
  • How to: Press Windows + PrtScn. The image will be saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder automatically.

How to Screenshot on a Laptop: Is It the Same?

Laptop illustration. Source: Pexels.

Basically, the way to screenshot on a laptop is the same as on a computer. However, some laptops have a PrtScn button combined with other buttons such as Fn (Function).

Here's how to take a screenshot on a laptop:

  • Fn + PrtScn: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
  • Fn + Alt + PrtScn: Take a screenshot of the active window.
  • Fn + Windows + PrtScn: Saves a screenshot directly to the Screenshots folder.

If your laptop has built-in features like Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, use these tools to take screenshots more flexibly.

For those of you who prefer to use built-in tools, Windows provides the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch. Here are the steps:

  • Open Snipping Tool: Search for this app in the Start menu.
  • Select Mode: Rectangle, Free-form, Window, or Full-screen.
  • Take a Screenshot: Click “New,” select the area you want to screenshot, then save the file.

Snip & Sketch has similar steps, but it has a more modern look and supports direct annotation on images.

How to Screenshot on MacBook

Illustration of MacBook. Source: Media Indonesia.

Here are the two easiest ways to take a screenshot on a MacBook:

Shift + Command + 3

  • Press the Shift + Command + 3 keys simultaneously.
  • The image will be immediately saved on the desktop in PNG format.

Shift + Command + 4

  • Press Shift + Command + 4 keys.
  • The cursor will change to a crosshair icon.
  • Click and drag to select the area you want to screenshot.
  • Release the mouse, and the image will automatically be saved to the desktop.

Both of these methods are fast and do not require additional applications, so they are very practical for everyday needs.

Solution If Screenshot Doesn't Work on Computer

PrtSC is not working. Source: MiiTool.

Sometimes, the screenshot feature on your computer can experience problems. Don't worry, here are some solutions you can try to solve the problem:

Check Keyboard Buttons

  • Make sure the PrtScn button is not damaged or locked.
  • If you are using a laptop, try pressing a key combination such as Fn + PrtScn or Windows + PrtScn.
  • Use an external keyboard to make sure the keys are not the problem.

Use Windows Built-in Screenshot Tool

  • Try using the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch as an alternative.
  • Steps: Type “Snipping Tool” or “Snip & Sketch” in the Start menu, then use the screenshot feature in the application.

Keyboard Driver Update

  • Open Device Manager by typing its name in the Start menu.
  • Find the Keyboards section, right-click on the keyboard driver, and select Update driver.
  • If so, try repeating the screenshot method.

Sometimes, the Windows operating system experiences minor bugs that can be fixed by restarting. Close all applications, then restart your computer.

How to screenshot on a computer or laptops It turns out to be very easy, right? With the various methods explained above, you can choose the method that best suits your needs, either using the keyboard buttons, Snipping Tool, or additional applications.

Also read:

Don't forget, after mastering how to screenshot, complete your gaming experience by topping up at VCGamers Marketplace!

Mountain