Need to capture lecture notes, save an error message or share something on your screen? You do not need to photograph your laptop with your phone. Built-in screenshot shortcuts give you a clearer image in seconds.
The right shortcut depends on your operating system, not the laptop brand. An HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS or Acer laptop running Windows uses the same core Windows shortcuts.
The quickest way to take a screenshot
- Windows: Press Windows + Shift + S, then drag over the area you want to capture.
- MacBook: Press Shift + Command + 4, then drag to select an area.
- Chromebook: Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, then select the screenshot option and capture area. Show windows is usually the key with a rectangle and two lines.
How to screenshot on a Windows laptop
1. Capture part of your screen with Snipping Tool
- Open the page, document or app you want to capture.
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Choose the rectangular snip option and drag over the area you need.
- Paste the screenshot into a document, email or chat with Ctrl + V.
- To edit or save a file, click the capture notification to open Snipping Tool, then use its save option.
The capture is copied to your clipboard. Some versions of Snipping Tool also save captures automatically, depending on your settings. If you need a file for an upload, explicitly save it and note the folder.
2. Save the whole screen as a file
Press Windows + PrtScn. On some keyboards you may need Windows + Fn + PrtScn. The image is normally saved in Pictures > Screenshots. If OneDrive manages your Pictures folder, check there too.
3. Copy only the active window
Click the window you want, then press Alt + PrtScn. Paste it into Paint, Word or another compatible app using Ctrl + V. Save it from that app if you need an image file. Some laptops require the Fn key as well.
4. Use the Print Screen key
The key may be labelled PrtScn, PrtSc or something similar. Depending on your Windows settings, pressing it may open screen snipping or copy the full screen to the clipboard. If nothing seems to happen, try pasting into Paint, or use Windows + Shift + S instead.
How to screenshot on a MacBook
Capture the whole screen
Press Shift + Command + 3.
Capture a selected area
Press Shift + Command + 4, then drag across the area you want. Press Escape to cancel.
Capture one window
Press Shift + Command + 4, then press Space. Click the window you want to capture.
Choose capture options or a save location
Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar on supported macOS versions. Use Options to choose a save location or set a timer. Screenshots normally save to the desktop unless you have changed that setting.
To copy a screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving it, hold Control while using a screenshot shortcut. You can then paste it into a compatible app with Command + V.
How to screenshot on a Chromebook
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows to open the screen capture controls. Some models also have a dedicated Screenshot key.
- Select screenshot rather than screen recording.
- Choose full screen, a selected area or a window.
- Complete the capture and check the notification or the Files app for the image.
You can also open Quick Settings and choose Screen capture. Captures normally save in Downloads unless you have selected a different folder.
Where did my screenshot go?
- Windows + Shift + S: Check the clipboard by pasting with Ctrl + V. Open the capture notification to save a copy, or check Snipping Tool's automatic-save settings.
- Windows + PrtScn: Check Pictures > Screenshots, including your OneDrive Pictures folder if applicable.
- MacBook: Check the desktop, or the location selected under Shift + Command + 5 > Options.
- Chromebook: Check Downloads in the Files app, or your chosen capture folder.
What to do if the screenshot shortcut is not working
Your keyboard has no obvious Print Screen key
Use Windows + Shift + S, or search the Start menu for Snipping Tool. Compact keyboards may place Print Screen on a shared key that requires Fn.
You pressed the shortcut but cannot find an image
The screenshot may be on your clipboard rather than saved as a file. Open Paint or a document and try Ctrl + V. On a Mac, use Command + V in a compatible app after a clipboard capture.
The screenshot is black or blank
Some protected video services and restricted apps block screen capture. Use an allowed sharing or download option instead. On a school or work laptop, capture permissions may also be controlled by the administrator.
You need a screenshot of an entire scrolling webpage
A normal screenshot captures what is visible on screen. For a long webpage, check whether your browser has a full-page capture option, or use Print > Save as PDF if a document is suitable. Avoid installing unfamiliar screenshot extensions just for a single capture.
Make screenshots clearer and safer to share
- Capture only the part that helps explain your point.
- Use built-in annotation tools to highlight an error or important detail.
- Remove personal details, passwords, account balances and private messages before sharing. Use a solid, opaque cover or crop the information out, then check the final saved image.
- Save text-heavy captures as PNG when possible to keep lettering sharp.
- Give files useful names, such as assignment-error-message.png, so they are easy to find later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I screenshot on an HP, Dell or Lenovo laptop?
If it runs Windows, start with Windows + Shift + S. The operating system matters more than the brand. Some models need Fn for Print Screen shortcuts.
Can I take a screenshot without installing an app?
Yes. Windows, macOS and ChromeOS include built-in screenshot tools.
How do I paste a screenshot into Word or an email?
After copying a capture to the clipboard, click where you want it and press Ctrl + V on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command + V on a Mac. The destination app must support pasted images.
Is taking a screenshot the same as recording the screen?
No. A screenshot is a still image. A screen recording is a video, which is more useful when you need to demonstrate several steps.
The shortcut worth remembering
For most Windows laptop users, Windows + Shift + S is the best starting point. On a MacBook, remember Shift + Command + 4. Both let you capture just what you need, keeping your notes, support requests and shared images clear.