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:
- Locate the PrtScn key—usually at the top‑right of the keyboard.
- Press PrtScn. The whole screen is copied to the clipboard.
- Open Paint or any image editor.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
- 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.
- Open the Snipping Tool: click the Start button, type “Snipping Tool,” and press Enter.
- Click the drop‑down arrow next to New and choose a snip type:
- Free‑form – draw any shape.
- Rectangular – drag a box.
- Window – select a specific window.
- Full‑screen – capture the entire screen.
- After drawing or selecting, the snip appears in the editor.
- Use the toolbar to annotate, then click File → Save As to store the image.
This method is demonstrated in my updated video tutorial, which walks you through both the rectangular and free‑form options. Want the