How to Take a Screenshot on a Laptop
In this article, we will introduce common ways to take screenshots, including Windows notebooks and MacBook screenshot techniques to help users choose the most suitable method according to their own needs.
How to take screenshots on Windows notebooks
Windows system provides a variety of ways to take screenshots, from shortcut keys to professional screenshot tools, users can choose according to their own habits.
1. Use shortcut keys to take a screenshot
Windows comes with a number of shortcut keys, you can quickly intercept the screen content:
PrtScn (Print Screen) key: Press PrtScn to capture the entire screen and save the screenshot to the clipboard, which can be pasted (Ctrl + V) for editing in Word, WeChat, PS and other software.
Alt + PrtScn: Intercept only the current active window, suitable for only want to save an application window.
Windows + Shift + S: invokes the Windows 10/11 built-in Screenshot tool, which allows you to select the area to take a screenshot of (rectangle, freehand, window or full screen).
Windows + PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and automatically saves it to the This PC > Pictures > Screenshots folder, eliminating the need to manually paste it.
Note: If the PrtScn button does not work properly, there may be a problem with the keyboard or graphics driver. It is recommended to open "Driver Sentry" to check and update the driver to make sure the shortcut function works properly.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry. After installation, open the software and click "Scan".
If the software detects outdated or damaged drivers, it will recommend updates. Click "Repair Now" to complete the update.
Restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.
2. Use the Snipping Tool
Windows 7 and above are equipped with the Snipping Tool, which can be used as follows:
Enter "Snipping Tool" in the "Start" menu or search bar and open it.
Click "New" and choose the mode of taking screenshot (Free, Rectangle, Window, Full Screen).
After taking a screenshot, you can directly mark it, save it or copy it to the clipboard.
3. Use "Screenshot and Sketch" tool (Windows 10/11)
Screenshots and Sketches was introduced after Windows 10, replacing the traditional "Screenshot Tool":
Use the Windows + Shift + S key combination to open it.
Select the desired screenshot mode.
After taking a screenshot, you can mark it up, save it or share it in the preview window that pops up in the bottom right corner.
How to take a screenshot on MacBook
MacBook (macOS system) screenshot method is slightly different from Windows, mainly relying on shortcut keys and built-in tools.
1. Using shortcuts to take a screenshot
macOS provides three main shortcuts to take a screenshot:
Command+ Shift + 3: Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and automatically saves it to the desktop.
Command+ Shift + 4: You can select the area to take a screenshot, hold down the left mouse button and drag to select the desired part.
Command+ Shift + 4 + Space: intercept a single window, the cursor changes to the camera icon, click the target window to take a screenshot.
2. Use the "Screenshot" tool.
macOS 10.14 and above has a built-in "Screenshot" app:
Press Command+ Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot tool.
Choose to capture the entire screen, a selected window, or a selected area.
You can also record the contents of the screen, which is great for recording tutorials or presentations.
3. Editing and saving a screenshot
By default, MacBook screenshots are saved directly to the desktop, where you can use the Preview app to annotate, crop, and more. If you want to change the default save location, you can:
Press Command+ Shift + 5 to open the Screenshot tool.
Choose a save location from the menu bar at the bottom of the screen, such as Desktop, Text, or Clipboard.
Both Windows and macOS provide a variety of ways to take screenshots to meet different users' needs. I hope this article can help you better master the screenshot skills on your laptop and improve your work and study efficiency!
See also:
6 Ways to Fix Wireless Headphones Connected but No Sound
Fix Printer Offline Issue on Windows 10
