How To Screenshot In PC Windows 8: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Capturing a screenshot on a Windows 8 PC is quick and requires no extra software. Whether you need a snapshot for work, school, or sharing on social media, the built‑in tools can do the job. This tutorial covers three reliable methods, each illustrated with a short video tutorial and a text review you can find on my website.

Method 1 – Using the Print Screen Key

The simplest way to grab the entire screen is with the Print Screen (PrtScn) key on your keyboard. Follow these steps:

  1. Locate the PrtScn key—usually at the top‑right of the keyboard.
  2. Press PrtScn. The whole screen is copied to the clipboard.
  3. Open Paint or any image editor.
  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
  5. Save the file by selecting File → Save As and choosing a format (PNG, JPEG, etc.).

If you want a faster workflow that saves the image automatically, press Windows + PrtScn. The screen will dim briefly, and the screenshot is stored in Pictures → Screenshots. This method is highlighted in the video “How to take a screenshot in Windows 8” – a quick tutorial you can watch here.

Method 2 – Using the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool lets you capture a specific region, a window, or the whole screen. It’s perfect when you only need part of the display.

This method is demonstrated in my updated video tutorial, which walks you through both the rectangular and free‑form options. Want the