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How to Take a Screenshot on PC

Open Snipping Tool and take a screenshot

Applies to: Windows 10

Mouse and keyboard

  • To open Snipping Tool, select the Start  button, type snipping tool, and then select it in the search results.

  • To choose the type of snip you want, select Mode (or, in older versions of Windows, the arrow next to New), and then choose Free-formRectangularWindow, or Full-screen Snip. When making free-form or rectangular snips, use your mouse to select the area that you want to capture.

    Snipping tool mode options
  • To take a new screenshot using the same mode you used last, select New.

  • Use the Save and Copy buttons at the top of the snip to save or copy it to the clipboard.

Keyboard only

  • To open Snipping Tool, press the Start  key, type snipping tool, and then press Enter. (There's no keyboard shortcut to open Snipping Tool.)
  • To choose the type of snip you want, press Alt + M keys and then use the arrow keys to choose Free-formRectangularWindow, or Full-screen Snip, and then press Enter. (Alt + M is available only with the latest update to Windows 10). When making a rectangular snip, hold down Shift and use the arrow keys to select the area you want to snip.

  • To take a new screenshot using the same mode you used last, press Alt + N keys.

  • To save your snip, press Ctrl + S keys. To copy it to the clipboard, press Ctrl + C keys.