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How to take and save screenshots on Windows 10 [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE]
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Sometimes you need to quickly share ascreenshotwith someone online. Creating and sharingthemis relatively simple, and today we’re going to show you where yourscreenshotsgo on Windows 10.
How do I take screenshots on PC?
CreatingscreenshotsonWindows 10is fairly simple, and it doesn’t even require you to use a complex software application.
You can easily createscreenshotsonWindows 10with built-intoolsor with dedicated tools, and today we’re going to show you where yourscreenshotsare saved by default onWindows 10.
Where does Windows 10 save my screenshots?
If you haven’t changed your default settings, you should be able to find your screenshots under the following path: C: Users[User]My PicturesScreenshots.
Of course, you can also create a dedicated folder where you can save your screenshots. You can create the folder on your desktop or use a location of your choice.
Furthermore, you can also upload your screenshots if you need to share them with someone. Followthis articleto find out more about how to upload screenshots and what tools to use.
Editor’s choice: Use a dedicated tool for screenshots
By using a simple yet with enough features to accomplish what you want but not confuse you. Keep your screenshots organized, ready to be used right away with innovative software.
Withscreen recording softwareyou can save your screenshots straight to your hard drive to the destination of your choosing. And, you will be able to store the screenshots in various file formats.
You may quickly capture an image to highlight key areas or sections, capture videos, schedule a screen recording, keep a history of your work, and even edit using a drawing panel.
4 quick methods to take screenshots on PC
Method 1 – Use Print Screen key
This is probably one of the oldest methods of creatingscreenshots. To create ascreenshotsimply press thePrint Screenor PrtScn key on your keyboard. By pressing this key you’ll create ascreenshotof your entire screen.
If you want to create just ascreenshotof your current window, you can do so by usingAlt + PrtScnshortcut.
By using these shortcuts yourscreenshotwill be saved to your Clipboard. In order to save it to your hard drive, you need to startPaintor any otherimageediting software and paste thescreenshotfrom theClipboardby pressingCtrl + Vshortcut.
Although this method is rather simple, we have to warn you that you won’t be able to view any previously madescreenshots.Clipboardsaves only one entry at a time, and if you accidentally copy something else intoClipboardyou’ll remove yourscreenshot.
If you use this method, it’s recommended to paste thescreenshotto yourimageeditoras soon as you can in order not to lose it. By using anyimageediting tool you can save thescreenshotto any folder that you want.
We have to mention that you can somewhat avoid the problem withClipboardsimply by using aclipboard managertool. These types oftoolsallow you to view all items that were copied to yourClipboardso you won’t ever lose your unsavedscreenshotsagain.
If you’re having trouble with copy-pasting on Windows 10, thiscomplete guidewill help you solve any issues with it.
Method 2 – Use Windows Key + PrtScn shortcut
Print Screen shortcut was available in previous versions of Windows, but with Windows 8 Microsoft introduced a new shortcut. In Windows 8 we gotWindows Key + PrtScnshortcut, and this one made its way toWindows 10.
We have to mention that some laptops might use a slightly different shortcut, so be sure to check your laptop’s instruction manual for details.
By using this shortcut your screen will become dim for a half second and you’ll hear the shutter sound. This means that you successfully created ascreenshot.
Keep in mind that this method will create ascreenshotof an entire screen.
By using this method all yourscreenshotsare saved toC:UsersYour_usernamePicturesScreenshotsdirectory.
You can also access yourScreenshotsby openingPhotosappand going toAlbums > Screenshotssection.
We have to mention that you can change the defaultscreenshotdirectory if you wish to do so. To do that follow these steps:
Although this method is rather simple, it has its flaws. By using this method you can’t createscreenshotof a single window, which can be an issue for some users.
If you want to keep all yourscreenshotsnicely organized in a single folder, we suggest that you try this method.
Method 3 – Use theSnipping tool
Windows 10comes with built-in Snipping tool that allows you to easily createscreenshots. This is a simple yet powerfultool, and in order to run it, do the following:
Snipping toolallows you to create window snips so you can easily create ascreenshotof a currently opened window. If you want, you can create full-screenscreenshotsas well.
This application supports free-form and rectangularscreenshotsso you can easilyscreenshotonly the specific parts of the screen.
The application also has a delay function which can be rather useful especially if you want toscreenshotopen menus.
After you create ascreenshot, you can edit it with a pen tool or highlight certain items. If you require any advanced editing, you can copy thescreenshotto theClipboardand paste it to anyphoto editing tool.
Regarding saving, you need to save eachscreenshotmanually while usingthe Snipping Tool.
Also, we have to mention that there’s no dedicatedscreenshotfolder, so you’ll have to manually choose the save location for eachscreenshot.
This is probably one of the most advanced methods to take and savescreenshotsonWindows 10.
Using this method you canscreenshotcertain parts of your screen and perform basic editing operations which can be extremely useful.
If you can’t find the snipping tool in Windows 10, take a look at thiseasy to follow guideto help you get back on track immediately.
Method 4 – Use Game Bar inWindows 10
Windows 10comes with useful feature calledGame Bar. This feature allows you to record videos and takescreenshotswhile in game. Of course, you can use this feature to createscreenshotsfrom any application as well.
To create ascreenshotwith Game Bar, simply pressWindows Key + Alt + PrtScn. Keep in mind that in order to use this feature you need to enable Game DVR option fromXbox app.
When youpress the keyboard shortcuta small window might appear. If that happens, be sure to selectYes, this is a gameoption. After doing so, you’ll be able to createscreenshotswithout any problems.
Regarding yourscreenshots, they will be saved toC:UsersYour_usernameVideosCapturesdirectory.
Also, you can see your savedscreenshotsfrom the Xbox app. To do that, follow these steps:
As you can see, creatingscreenshotsonWindows 10is rather simple, and depending on the method that you use yourscreenshotswill be stored in a different location.
In conclusion, now that you know how to createscreenshotsand where to find them, feel free to try any of our methods. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Screenshot tools & guides,windows 10
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
