Windows

How To Screenshot On Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcut

Are you tired of fumbling through menus and options just to capture a screenshot on your Windows 8 device? Well, fret no more! There's a quick and efficient keyboard shortcut that will make the process a breeze. Say goodbye to the hassle and embrace the simplicity of taking screenshots on Windows 8 with just a few simple keystrokes.

With the evolution of technology, Windows 8 introduced a convenient keyboard shortcut for capturing screenshots. By pressing the Windows key and the Print Screen key simultaneously, your screen will instantly be captured and saved to your computer's Screenshots folder. This handy feature eliminates the need for third-party software or complicated steps, allowing you to effortlessly capture and save screenshots for personal or professional use. So whether you're documenting an error message, sharing a memorable moment, or capturing important information, the Windows 8 keyboard shortcut for screenshots is your go-to solution.



How To Screenshot On Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcut

Taking Screenshots on Windows 8 Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 8 introduced a range of new features and functions, including a variety of keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity. One such keyboard shortcut is the ability to take screenshots easily. Whether you want to capture a specific window, the entire screen, or a customized selection, Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts make it simple and efficient. In this article, we will explore the various keyboard shortcuts available and how to use them to take screenshots on Windows 8.

1. Taking a Full-Screen Screenshot

To capture the entire screen on your Windows 8 computer, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key and the PrtScn (Print Screen) key simultaneously.
  • The screen will dim momentarily to indicate the screenshot has been taken.
  • The screenshot is automatically saved to the Screenshots folder in your Pictures directory.

By using this keyboard shortcut, you can quickly capture the entire screen without any additional software or tools.

Why Use Full-Screen Screenshot?

A full-screen screenshot is useful when you need to capture everything that is currently visible on your screen. This is particularly handy when you want to preserve a record of an entire webpage, an application interface, or your desktop setup. It allows you to easily share the captured image or refer back to it at a later time without any loss of information.

Tips for Full-Screen Screenshots

Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results when taking full-screen screenshots on Windows 8:

  • Make sure you have the desired content visible on your screen before taking the screenshot.
  • Ensure you have ample storage space in your Pictures directory to save the screenshot.
  • If the screen doesn't dim when you press the shortcut keys, check your keyboard settings or try using a different keyboard.

2. Taking a Screenshot of a Specific Window

If you want to capture a screenshot of a specific window, such as a particular program or application, follow these steps:

  • Click on the window to make it active.
  • Press Alt + PrtScn (Print Screen) on your keyboard.
  • The screenshot is automatically saved to the Screenshots folder in your Pictures directory.

This keyboard shortcut allows you to capture the content of a specific window without including any unnecessary elements from your desktop or other open applications.

Why Use Window-Specific Screenshots?

Window-specific screenshots are useful when you want to focus on a particular program, application, or dialog box. It allows you to capture the exact content you need without any distractions from other open windows. This can be helpful when creating tutorials, troubleshooting steps, or documenting specific software settings.

Tips for Window-Specific Screenshots

Here are some tips to make the most out of taking window-specific screenshots on Windows 8:

  • Ensure the window you want to capture is fully visible on your screen.
  • Close any unnecessary windows or applications to avoid clutter in the screenshot.
  • Make sure you have sufficient storage space for saving the screenshot.

3. Taking a Customized Selection Screenshot

If you only want to capture a specific portion of your screen, such as a specific area or an error message, you can use the Snipping Tool utility in Windows 8. Here's how:

  • Press the Windows key and type Snipping Tool. Click on the Snipping Tool application that appears in the search results.
  • Click on New to start a new snip.
  • Drag your cursor over the area you want to capture.
  • The captured image will open in the Snipping Tool editor, where you can annotate or save it.

The Snipping Tool offers more flexibility and control over the exact portion of the screen you want to capture. It allows you to capture rectangular snips, free-form snips, window snips, or full-screen snips, depending on your specific needs.

Why Use Customized Selection Screenshots?

Customized selection screenshots are useful when you only need to focus on a specific portion of your screen. Whether it's an error message, an important detail, or a specific area of interest, being able to select and capture only what you need can save time and effort. It allows you to capture precisely what you want without including unnecessary elements from the rest of the screen.

Tips for Customized Selection Screenshots

Consider these tips to optimize your experience when taking customized selection screenshots on Windows 8:

  • Experiment with different snipping options available in the Snipping Tool to find the most suitable capture method for your needs.
  • Take advantage of the editing and annotation features in the Snipping Tool to enhance your captured screenshots.
  • Save your screenshots in a safe and organized manner for easy access and reference.

Capturing Screenshots Made Easy

By utilizing the various keyboard shortcuts and the built-in Snipping Tool, capturing screenshots on Windows 8 has never been easier. Whether you need to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a customized selection, these methods offer convenience and efficiency. With a few simple keyboard combinations or the help of a dedicated tool, you can preserve important information, share visual references, or document troubleshooting steps effortlessly.


How To Screenshot On Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcut

Capture Screenshots on Windows 8

Windows 8 offers several keyboard shortcuts to easily capture screenshots. These shortcuts are quick and efficient, saving you time and effort. Here are two common methods:

Method 1: PrtScn (Print Screen) Key

This is the easiest and most commonly used method to take screenshots on Windows 8. Simply follow these steps:

  • Press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. It may be labeled as PrtScn, PrtSc, or similar.
  • The screenshot is now saved to your clipboard. You can paste it into an image editing software, such as Paint, by pressing Ctrl + V.

Method 2: Win + PrtScn Key

This method not only captures the screenshot but also saves it directly to your computer. Here's how to use this method:

  • Press the Win key (Windows logo key) and the PrtScn key at the same time.
  • The screen will dim for a moment, indicating that the screenshot has been captured and saved in the "Pictures" folder under "Screenshots".

With these handy keyboard shortcuts, you can easily capture screenshots on your Windows 8 device. Whether you need to take a quick snapshot or capture specific sections of your screen, these methods will make the process seamless and efficient.

Key Takeaways

  • To take a screenshot on Windows 8 using a keyboard shortcut, press the Windows key + Print Screen key.
  • The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Pictures folder, in a subfolder called "Screenshots".
  • If you want to capture a specific window or area of the screen, you can use the Alt + Print Screen key combination to screenshot just the active window.
  • For more advanced screenshot options, you can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch app, which allow you to capture specific parts of the screen and annotate the screenshots.
  • Remember to check your keyboard layout and make sure you are using the correct keys for taking screenshots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about taking screenshots using keyboard shortcuts on Windows 8:

1. How can I take a screenshot on Windows 8 using a keyboard shortcut?

To take a screenshot on Windows 8 using a keyboard shortcut, simply press the "Windows logo key + Print Screen" keys simultaneously. The screen will dim momentarily, indicating that the screenshot has been captured. The screenshot will be saved in the "Screenshots" folder within the "Pictures" folder on your computer.

If you only want to capture a specific area of the screen, you can use the "Windows logo key + Shift + S" keyboard shortcut. This will activate the built-in Snipping Tool, allowing you to select the area you want to capture.

2. How do I access the "Screenshots" folder on Windows 8?

To access the "Screenshots" folder on Windows 8, open the "File Explorer" by pressing the "Windows logo key + E" keys. Then, navigate to the "Pictures" folder, and you will find the "Screenshots" folder inside it. Click on the "Screenshots" folder to view and manage all your captured screenshots.

You can also directly open the "Screenshots" folder by typing "%userprofile%\Pictures\Screenshots" in the address bar of the File Explorer and pressing Enter.

3. Can I change the default location for saving screenshots on Windows 8?

Yes, you can change the default location for saving screenshots on Windows 8. Here's how:

1. Open the "File Explorer" by pressing the "Windows logo key + E" keys.

2. Navigate to the current location of the "Screenshots" folder (usually located in the "Pictures" folder).

3. Right-click on the "Screenshots" folder and select "Properties" from the context menu.

4. In the "Properties" window, go to the "Location" tab.

5. Click on the "Move" button and select the new location where you want to save your screenshots.

6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

4. Is there a way to take a screenshot of a specific window on Windows 8?

Yes, you can take a screenshot of a specific window on Windows 8 using keyboard shortcuts. Here's how:

1. Make sure the window you want to capture is in focus.

2. Press the "Alt + Print Screen" keys simultaneously. This will capture a screenshot of the active window only.

3. The screenshot will be saved in the "Screenshots" folder within the "Pictures" folder on your computer.

5. How can I paste a screenshot into a document or image editing software?

Once you have taken a screenshot on Windows 8 using a keyboard shortcut, you can paste it into a document or image editing software using the following steps:

1. Open the document or image editing software where you want to paste the screenshot.

2. Press the "Ctrl + V" keys simultaneously. This will paste the screenshot into the active document or canvas.

3. You can then edit or save the screenshot as desired.



In conclusion, taking a screenshot on Windows 8 using a keyboard shortcut is a simple and efficient way to capture essential information on your screen. By following the straightforward steps outlined in this article, you can easily take screenshots without the need for any additional software or tools.

Remember, the keyboard shortcut for taking a screenshot on Windows 8 is the Windows key + Print Screen key. This shortcut allows you to capture your entire screen and save the screenshot directly to a designated folder. With this knowledge, you can easily preserve important moments or share valuable information with others.


Recent Post