Taking a screenshot is one of the most common computer tasks. But the exact command depends on your operating system and what you want to capture. Below is the complete breakdown. 1. Windows (All Versions) Windows offers several built-in commands for print screen.
| Command (Keys) | What it does | Where it goes | | --- | --- | --- | | (Print Screen) | Captures entire screen | Clipboard (paste into Paint, Word, etc.) | | Alt + PrtScn | Captures only the active window | Clipboard | | Win + PrtScn | Captures entire screen | Pictures\Screenshots folder + Clipboard | | Win + Shift + S | Opens Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch (select area, window, or full screen) | Clipboard + Notification (click to annotate/save) | command for print screen
| Command | What it does | Where it goes | | --- | --- | --- | | | Captures entire screen | Desktop (as .png file) | | Shift + Command + 4 | Turns cursor into crosshair – drag to select area | Desktop | | Shift + Command + 4 then Space | Captures a specific window (camera icon appears) | Desktop | | Shift + Command + 5 | Opens Screenshot toolbar (video & screen capture options) | Choose destination | | Control + Shift + Command + 3 | Captures entire screen to Clipboard | Clipboard | Taking a screenshot is one of the most common computer tasks