How To Take Screenshot on Laptop : A Complete Guide

In the digital world of today, screenshots are an essential tool. Many people rely on it, from professionals who need to obtain data presented in various documents and applications to students who want to save lecture materials to everyday users who want to screenshot the confirmation of a friend’s concert attendance. But a new laptop user don’t know how to take screenshot on laptop.

If you own a windows,Linux and mac OS laptop, you want to understand how to screenshot it. The good news is that there is more than one way to do it, depending on whether you want to screenshot a specific window and Mac OS, an active screen, or a custom area.

Let me guide you through the process and help you choose the most suitable approach how to take screenshot on laptop.

How to take Screenshot on Laptop

How to take screenshot laptop step-by-step guideline giving below:

How to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop

Taking a screenshot on an HP laptop is a simple process that varies slightly depending on your model and the Windows version it operates on. Here’s how to take a screenshot using various methods:

1. Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen key is the most straightforward way to capture your entire screen. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Press the PrtScn key (sometimes labelled PrtSc, Print Scrn, or similar) on your HP laptop keyboard.
• Step 2: Go to This PC>Image> Screenshot Folder to find the screenshot.

2. How to Screenshot on HP Laptop Using Windows + PrtScn

This method allows you to automatically save a screenshot of the entire screen without needing to paste it manually:

• Step 1: Press the Windows key + PrtScn keys together.
• Step 2: The screen will briefly dim, indicating that a screenshot has been taken.
• Step 3: The screenshot is automatically saved in the Screenshots folder under Pictures.

3. How to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop Using Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility for capturing specific parts of your screen. Here’s how to use it:

• Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Step 2: Click on New to start a new screenshot.
• Step 3: Select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging your cursor.
• Step 4: After capturing, you can edit or save the screenshot directly.

4. How to Screenshot on HP Notebook Laptop Using Snip & Sketch

Windows 10 and later versions offer a more advanced tool called Snip & Sketch. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Press Windows + Shift + S.
• Step 2: The screen will dim, and you’ll be able to select from Rectangular Snip, Free form Snip, Window Snip, or Full-screen Snip.
• Step 3: Select your desired snip type and take the screenshot.
• Step 4: The screenshot will be saved to your clipboard, where you can paste it into an application or save it via Snip & Sketch’s editor.

5. How to Screenshot on HP Envy Laptop Using Game Bar

The Game Bar is a feature primarily for gamers, but it can also be used to take screenshots:

• Step 1: Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
• Step 2: Click on the Camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot.
• Step 3: Screenshots taken using the Game Bar are saved in the Videos > Captures folder.

6. How to Take a Screenshot on HP Elite-book Laptop Using Third-Party Tools

If you need more advanced features like annotating or instant sharing, third-party tools such as Light-shot or Green-shot may be more suitable:

• Step 1: Download and install the third-party application. Such as Light-shot, Greenshot, Snagit, ShareX, PicPick, Gyazo, Screenpresso, TinyTake, etc.).
• Step 2: Use the shortcut keys provided by the application to capture screenshots.
• Step 3: With most third-party tools, you can edit, annotate, and save screenshots in various formats.

How to Screenshot on HP Laptop for Specific Use Cases

A. Capturing a Specific Window

To capture a specific window rather than the entire screen:

• Step 1: Press Alt + PrtScn.
• Step 2: This captures only the active window and copies it to the clipboard.
• Step 3: Paste it into an image editor or document with Ctrl + V.

B. Taking a Custom Area Screenshot

For capturing a specific portion of the screen:

• Step 1: Use the Windows + Shift + S shortcut for Snip & Sketch.
• Step 2: Select the Rectangular Snip or Free-form Snip option.
• Step 3: Drag to outline the area you want to capture.

How to Screenshot on HP Laptop: Troubleshooting

Sometimes, you may face issues with taking screenshots on your HP laptop. Below are some common troubleshooting tips:

• Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working: Ensure that your keyboard’s Fn lock is not enabled. Some HP laptops require pressing the Fn key along with the PrtScn key.
• Screenshot Not Saved Automatically: Double-check the Screenshots folder under Pictures or adjust your save location by changing settings in the Snip & Sketch tool.
• Game Bar Not Opening: If the Game Bar doesn’t open, check that it is enabled under Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

How to Take Screenshot a Lenovo Laptops

Lenovo laptops, including the popular Think-pad and Idea-pad series, also use standard Windows shortcuts for screenshots:

Using the Print Screen Key:

• Press PrtScn for a full-screen capture. For Lenovo keyboards with the Fn key integrated, you may need to press Fn + PrtScn.
• Use Windows Key + PrtScn to save directly to the Screenshots folder.

Snip & Sketch

• Press Windows Key + Shift + S to open Snip & Sketch for custom screenshot options.
• Think-pad-Specific Features:
  • Many Think-pad models come with a dedicated keyboard button for screenshots, especially if they’re running Lenovo Vantage software. This tool may also offer screen capture functionalities.

Dell Laptops

Dell laptops like the XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude series also have standard screenshot options with some additional Dell utilities:

Print Screen Key

• Use PrtScn for full-screen capture, or Windows Key + PrtScn to save the screenshot directly. If your Dell laptop has a compact keyboard, the PrtScn function might be shared with another key, requiring Fn + PrtScn.

Dell-Specific Features

• Dell laptops may come with Dell Support-assist, which occasionally includes additional tools for screen capturing. Check the Start Menu or Dell’s website for more details on using Support-assist.

How to Take screenshot MSI Laptops

MSI laptops, particularly gaming models, may have additional screenshot features through gaming software:

Print Screen Key:

• Standard MSI laptops use the PrtScn or Windows Key + PrtScn shortcuts.

Using the MSI Dragon Center (for gaming laptops):

• MSI gaming laptops often come with the Dragon Center utility, which may offer screen recording and capture options under its Game Highlights or Tools sections.

Xbox Game Bar for Gaming:

• For gamers, MSI laptops support the Xbox Game Bar (Windows Key + G) to take screenshots and record game-play. This is useful for in-game captures and sharing.

How to Take Screenshot a Linux Laptop

1. Print Screen Key (PrtScn)

• Full-Screen: Press PrtScn to capture the entire screen and save it to your clipboard.
• Active Window: Use Alt + PrtScn to capture only the active window.
• Selected Area: Press Shift + PrtScn or Ctrl + Shift + PrtScn to select an area.

2. GNOME Screenshot Tool (for GNOME users)

• Open Screenshot from the applications menu.
• Choose to capture the whole screen, a window, or a specific area.
• Set a delay if needed for timed captures.

3. KDE Spectacle (for KDE Plasma users)

• Open Spectacle from the applications menu or by pressing PrtScn.
• Select Full Screen, Active Window, or Rectangular Region.
• Save, edit, or annotate screenshots directly.

4. XFCE Screenshooter (for XFCE users)

• Find Screenshooter in the applications menu.
• Choose full screen, active window, or area capture, with optional upload to imgur.

5. Command Line Options

• ImageMagick: Use import -window root screenshot.png to capture the full screen.
• scrot: Install with sudo apt-get install scrot, then use scrot screenshot.png for full screen or scrot -s screenshot.png for selected area.

6. Third-Party Tools

• Flame-shot: Install with sudo apt-get install flame-shot. Run flame-shot gui to capture, annotate, and save.
• Shutter: Install with sudo apt-get install shutter. Open Shutter for advanced capture and editing features.

How to Take Screenshots on mac OS Laptops

1. Capture the Entire Screen

• Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3.
• The screenshot will be saved directly to your desktop.

2. Capture a Selected Portion of the Screen

• Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4.
• Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture, then release the mouse or track-pad button.
• The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

3. Capture a Specific Window

• Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4, then press the Space-bar.
• Your cursor will change to a camera icon. Hover over the window you want to capture and click.
• The screenshot will be saved to your desktop.

4. Using the Screenshot Tool (for more options)

• Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 5.
• A toolbar will appear with options to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected portion. You can also choose to record the screen.
• You can customize where the screenshots are saved, set a timer, and other options by clicking on “Options” in the toolbar.

5. Copying to Clipboard Instead of Saving

To copy the screenshot to your clipboard instead of saving it, hold Control along with the above shortcuts.

For example, Command (⌘) + Control + Shift + 4 will capture a selected portion of the screen and copy it to the clipboard.en, a window, or a selected area.

How to Editing and Annotating Screenshots

Whether you use built-in tools or third-party software, editing and annotating screenshots is a great way to make them more informative.

Windows Paint

Paint is available on all Windows devices and allows basic editing, such as cropping, resizing, and adding text.

Preview on mac OS

Preview on mac OS offers a range of annotation tools. You can add text, shapes, and even signatures to your screenshots.

Advanced Tools: Photoshop and GIMP

For more in-depth editing, Photoshop and GIMP provide professional-grade features. Adjust colors, add layers, and refine details to create polished images.

How to Storing and Sharing Screenshots

Local Storage

Most users save screenshots on their hard drive, which is convenient for quick access.

Cloud Storage

Saving screenshots to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or i Cloud can make them accessible from any device.

Sharing Methods

You can share screenshots via email, messaging apps, or social media. Most tools let you copy the screenshot to the clipboard for easy pasting.

Tips and Tricks for Taking Better Screenshots

• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: They’re faster and often provide more control over what you capture.
• Capture Tool-tips and Menus: Use timed captures or delayed screenshot options to capture menus and tool-tips that disappear when you click elsewhere.
• Batch Rename and Organize: Name and organize your screenshots as soon as you take them to avoid clutter.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots is an essential skill for any laptop user, and now you have all the tools and techniques to do it efficiently. Try out these methods and see which ones suit your workflow best. Whether you’re a casual user or need to take screenshots frequently for work, these tips will help you capture and share your screen with ease.

Now, it’s your turn! What’s your favourite screenshot method? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with friends who might find it useful.

Related FAQ