// WINDOWS

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows

A screenshot — a picture of what’s on your screen — is the quickest way to show someone an error or a problem. Here is how to take one on a Windows computer.

Published 16 June 2026 · Windows · by the 365 Techies team — Microsoft Partners & Dell specialists, looking after Dorset since 1995

Screenshots are brilliant for showing us exactly what you’re seeing. There are two easy ways.

Snip just part of the screen

Press Windows key + Shift + S together. The screen dims and you drag to select the area you want. The picture is copied, ready to paste with Ctrl + V into an email or message. This is the handiest method day to day.

Capture the whole screen

Press Print Screen (often labelled PrtScn) to copy everything. To save rather than just copy, open the Snipping Tool app, where you can capture, annotate and save your screenshot as an image file. Sending us a screenshot of an error helps us help you faster — see our get-ready checklists.

Key points

  • Press Windows key plus Shift plus S to snip part of the screen
  • Drag to select the area you want
  • Paste it with Ctrl plus V into an email or message
  • Press Print Screen to copy the whole screen
  • Open Snipping Tool to capture, annotate and save
  • Save it as an image where you can find it
  • Attach or paste it to send it to us

Prefer to let us handle it? Our monthly IT support plans include this and much more, from £18.25/month per computer — with a friendly techie on hand whenever you need one. Call 01202 775566 or view our plans.

// GOOD QUESTIONS

Frequently asked

Where do my screenshots get saved?

With Windows + Shift + S the image is copied ready to paste. Print Screen copies it too. The Snipping Tool lets you save it as a file wherever you choose.

How do I screenshot just one window?

Click the window first, then press Alt + Print Screen to capture only that window, ready to paste.

How do I send a screenshot to you?

Paste it straight into an email (Ctrl + V) or save it and attach it. It’s the fastest way for us to see what’s happening.

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