Taking screenshots on your Windows 8 computer can be a useful way to capture and share information, troubleshoot issues, or save important documents. Whether you want to capture the entire screen or just a specific window, Windows 8 offers several built-in methods to take screenshots. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to take screenshots on a Windows 8 computer.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + PrtScn.
When you want to capture the entire screen, simply press the Windows key and the PrtScn (Print Screen) key at the same time. The screen will briefly dim, indicating that a screenshot has been taken. The screenshot will be automatically saved in the "Pictures" folder under "Screenshots".
Step 2: Use the Snipping Tool.
Windows 8 comes with a built-in Snipping Tool that allows you to capture a specific area of the screen. To access the Snipping Tool, go to the Start screen and search for "Snipping Tool". Open the tool and click on "New" to start the screenshot capture. You can then select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging the cursor. Once the screenshot is taken, you can save it to any desired location on your computer.
Step 3: Utilize the Alt + PrtScn shortcut.
If you want to capture a specific window rather than the entire screen, you can use the Alt + PrtScn shortcut. First, click on the window you want to capture to make it active. Then, hold down the Alt key and press the PrtScn key. The screenshot will be saved to the clipboard, and you can paste it into an image editor or document of your choice.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy method to capture the entire screen.
2. The Snipping Tool provides more advanced screenshot features, including capturing specific areas.
3. Alt + PrtScn allows you to take screenshots of individual windows.
Cons:
1. Screenshots are automatically saved as image files, which may take up storage space.
2. The Snipping Tool may not be available on all Windows 8 editions.
3. The Alt + PrtScn shortcut does not offer the same flexibility as the Snipping Tool for capturing specific areas.
Taking screenshots on a Windows 8 computer is a straightforward process that can be helpful in various situations. Whether it’s for personal or professional use, knowing how to take screenshots will allow you to easily capture and share information as needed. Experiment with these methods to find the one that suits your needs, and start taking screenshots on your Windows 8 computer today.
Video Tutorial:How do I take a screenshot on Windows without Print Screen?
Why can’t I take a screenshot on Windows 8?
Windows 8 had a different method for taking screenshots compared to previous versions of Windows. Instead of using the traditional Print Screen button on the keyboard, Windows 8 introduced a new keyboard shortcut: Win key + Print Screen.
Here are a few possible reasons why you might be unable to take a screenshot on Windows 8:
1. Keyboard issue: Ensure that the Win key on your keyboard is functioning properly. If it’s not working, you may need to troubleshoot or replace your keyboard.
2. Compatibility: Check if your Windows 8 version is up to date and compatible with the hardware you are using. Sometimes outdated drivers or incompatible software can cause issues with screenshot functionality.
3. Software conflict: Certain software applications, especially those that modify or enhance the Windows interface, can interfere with the screenshot feature. Temporarily disable any third-party software running in the background and try taking a screenshot again.
4. Storage space: If your system has low storage space, it may affect the ability to capture and save screenshots. Clearing up storage or freeing up disk space might resolve the issue.
5. User account permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to take screenshots on your Windows 8 system. This is particularly relevant for shared or restricted user accounts.
6. Security software: Some security software may have options that prevent or limit the ability to take screenshots for privacy or security reasons. Check your security software settings and temporarily disable them to test if that resolves the problem.
7. Hardware limitations: If you are using a device without a physical keyboard, such as a tablet or touchscreen laptop, the method for taking screenshots might be different or require special gestures. Review the documentation or support resources specific to your device for instructions on how to capture screenshots.
Remember, these are general troubleshooting steps and may not cover all possible reasons for the issue you are facing. It’s recommended to consult official documentation, support forums, or reach out to Windows support for more specific guidance related to your situation.
How to take screenshot on laptop Windows 8 without Windows key?
Taking a screenshot on a laptop running Windows 8 without a Windows key can be a bit tricky, but it can still be done using alternative methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Method 1: Snipping Tool
– Open the Start menu by clicking on the Start button or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
– Type "Snipping Tool" in the search bar and select it when it appears in the search results.
– The Snipping Tool window will open. Click on the "New" button to start the screenshot selection.
– Use the crosshair cursor to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
– Once you release the mouse button, the captured screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool window.
– To save the screenshot, click on the "File" menu and select "Save As." Choose a location on your computer and save the screenshot as an image file.
2. Method 2: Print Screen (PrtScn)
– Locate the "Print Screen" key on your laptop’s keyboard. It’s typically labeled as "PrtScn" or "Print Screen" and might be found in the top row or in conjunction with the "Fn" key.
– Press the "Print Screen" key to capture a screenshot of the entire screen.
– Open an image editing software like Paint or Photoshop.
– Paste the screenshot by pressing "Ctrl" and "V" simultaneously or by right-clicking and selecting "Paste."
– Edit or crop the screenshot if desired, and then save it as an image file.
3. Method 3: Snipping Tool Alternative
– If you prefer an alternative to the Snipping Tool, you can download and use third-party screenshot software such as Greenshot, Lightshot, or ShareX.
– Search for the software online and follow the instructions to install it on your Windows 8 laptop.
– Once installed, open the software and use its built-in screenshot capture functions to capture screenshots without using the Windows key.
Remember that these methods may vary depending on your specific laptop model or any additional software you have installed. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website or consult the laptop’s user manual for more specific instructions.
By following these steps, you can take screenshots on a Windows 8 laptop without using the Windows key.
How to take a screenshot on Chrome?
To take a screenshot on Chrome, you can follow these steps:
1. Locate the specific content or screen you want to capture on Chrome.
2. On your keyboard, press the "Print Screen" (PrtScr) key. This will capture a screenshot of your entire screen.
3. Open an image editing software such as Paint or Photoshop.
4. Paste the screenshot by pressing Ctrl + V (or right-click and select "Paste").
5. Edit and save your screenshot as desired.
If you prefer to capture only a specific portion of the Chrome screen, you can use the built-in screenshot tool in Chrome’s Developer Tools. Here’s how:
1. Right-click on the desired content or screen on Chrome.
2. Select "Inspect" from the context menu. This will open the Chrome Developer Tools panel.
3. On the Developer Tools panel, click on the "Toggle device toolbar" icon (or press Ctrl + Shift + M) to activate the mobile device view.
4. Once in mobile device view, you’ll see a small icon resembling a phone or tablet in the top-left corner of the Developer Tools panel. Click on it to enable the device toolbar.
5. On the device toolbar, you’ll find a camera icon. Click on it to activate the screenshot tool.
6. You can now click and drag on the Chrome screen to capture the desired portion.
7. After selecting the portion, you can annotate or save the screenshot using the options available.
These steps should help you take a screenshot on Chrome efficiently. Remember that Chrome’s built-in screenshot tool offers more flexibility in capturing specific portions compared to the traditional PrtScr method.
What is shortcut key for screenshot?
The shortcut key for taking a screenshot may vary depending on the operating system you are using. Here’s a breakdown of the shortcut keys for taking screenshots on popular operating systems:
1. Windows:
– Full-screen screenshot: Press the "Print Screen" (PrtScn) key on your keyboard. You can then paste the screenshot into an image editing software or a document by pressing Ctrl + V.
– Active window screenshot: Press Alt + Print Screen to capture the currently active window. Again, you can paste the screenshot into an image editing software or a document using Ctrl + V.
2. Mac:
– Full-screen screenshot: Press Command + Shift + 3. The screenshot will be automatically saved as a file on your desktop.
– Active window screenshot: Press Command + Shift + 4. The cursor will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag the crosshair to select the portion of the screen you want to capture and release the mouse button. The screenshot will be saved as a file on your desktop.
3. Linux:
– Full-screen screenshot: Press Print Screen (PrtScn) on your keyboard. The screenshot will be saved directly to your Pictures or Home folder, depending on your distribution.
– Active window screenshot: Press Alt + Print Screen to capture the currently active window. The screenshot will also be saved directly to your Pictures or Home folder.
Please note that these shortcuts are general and may vary slightly depending on your specific system configuration or any customizations you have made.
How do I enable snipping tool in Windows 8?
To enable the snipping tool in Windows 8, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard to access the Start menu.
2. Type "Snipping Tool" in the search bar located at the bottom of the Start menu.
3. The Snipping Tool application should appear in the search results. Click on it to launch the program.
4. If the Snipping Tool does not appear in the search results, it is possible that it is not installed on your system. In that case, you can install it by following these steps:
a. Open the Control Panel by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Control Panel."
b. In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features."
c. Look for "Windows Accessories" or "Features" and click on it.
d. Locate the "Snipping Tool" in the list of features, and check the box next to it to enable it.
e. Click on "OK" or "Apply" to save the changes and install the Snipping Tool.
5. Once you have launched the Snipping Tool, you can use it to capture screenshots by selecting the desired snip type (e.g., rectangular, free-form, window, or full screen) from the toolbar.
6. After capturing a snip, you can annotate, save, or share it using the available tools and options in the Snipping Tool interface.
Remember that this guide is specifically for Windows 8. If you are using a different version of Windows, the steps may slightly vary.
Where are the screenshots saved in Windows 8?
In Windows 8, screenshots are saved in a specific folder within the system. Here are the steps to locate the folder where screenshots are saved:
Step 1: Press the "Windows" key on your keyboard or click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen to open the Start menu.
Step 2: Type "File Explorer" in the search bar and click on the "File Explorer" app.
Step 3: In the File Explorer window, navigate to the "Pictures" folder. You can usually find it under "This PC" or "My Computer."
Step 4: Within the "Pictures" folder, look for a subfolder called "Screenshots." This is the default location where Windows saves screenshots.
Step 5: Open the "Screenshots" folder to access your captured screenshots. You can view, move, or delete them from within this folder.
By following these steps, you will easily locate the folder where Windows 8 saves screenshots. Remember that Windows assigns default names to the screenshots based on the date and time they were captured.