How To Create A Screenshot Using A PC (Windows)
Overview
This article describes how to create a screenshot using a PC. Screenshots are a useful tool in troubleshooting and can provide insight into what your machine is actually experiencing. Windows provides a free tool called the “Snipping tool” which this article will cover.
Audience
Public
Information
When using the screenshot tools make sure to capture the problem. For example, the error message you are getting or the odd behavior. If you have multiple errors, see if you can move them in a way that is viewable and does not cover the other message. If you are unsure, we recommend taking a screenshot of your entire screen. Windows 7 and Windows 10 use a tool called the “Snipping Tool” for capturing and saving images.
How to find the snipping tool for Windows 10
- Click the Windows icon to bring up the Start Menu
- Search for Windows Accessories.
- Inside this folder, you’ll find a shortcut to Snipping Tool.
- Note* You can also use the Start menu search and type “Snipping Tool”
How to find the snipping tool for Windows 7:
- Click the Windows icon to bring up the Start Menu
- Accessories
- Click on Snipping Tool
- Note* You can also use the Start menu search and type “Snipping Tool”
How to use the Snipping Tool:
1. When you open the Snipping Tool, a window will open. To capture a screenshot, click on the New button and select Rectangular Snip from the menu.
Note* If you click the down arrow next to “New”, there are additional Snip types that are optional such as:
- Free-form Snip: A free-form snip, the name says it all.
- Rectangular Snip: A snip enclosed in a rectangle designated by you
- Window Snip: A snip of a selected window
- Full-screen Snip: A snip of the entire screen
2. Click and drag (while holding down the left mouse key) a rectangle around the area you wish to capture. The red lines indicate the boundaries of the current capture. When you’re happy with your selection, release the left mouse key to finalize your selection.
3. Your selection should now appear in the Snipping Tool window.
4. Click on the Save (Floppy) button located on the menu bar afterward to save.
5. Locate the directory you wish to save the screen capture, name your screen capture and click Save to the location selected.
