How to Take a Screenshot in Windows 8: 3 Easy Methods

Press Windows + PrtScn to take a full-screen screenshot in Windows 8 and save it automatically. The file appears in Pictures > Screenshots. To capture only part of the screen, use Snipping Tool; to copy the screen and edit it before saving, use PrtScn and Paint.

Support note: Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are no longer supported by Microsoft. These instructions remain useful on an existing PC, but an internet-connected computer should be moved to a supported operating system when possible.

Method 1: Use a keyboard shortcut

On some laptops, hold Fn as well. The correct user-specific path is normally C:UsersYourNamePicturesScreenshots, not C:UsersPicturesScreenshots.

Method 2: Paste and edit the screenshot in Paint

1. Press PrtScn for the whole screen or Alt + PrtScn for the active window.
2. Press Windows + R, type mspaint, and select OK. You can also open Paint from the Apps screen.
3. Press Ctrl + V to paste the captured image.
4. Crop or annotate it if needed, then choose File > Save as. PNG is usually best for interface screenshots; JPEG can make photographic images smaller.

Method 3: Capture an area with Snipping Tool

1. Press Windows + R, type snippingtool, and select OK. Alternatively, find Snipping Tool on the Apps screen.
2. Select the arrow beside New and choose Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen Snip.
3. Select the area or window. Use the pen and highlighter only if needed, then save the image as PNG, GIF, or JPEG.

Use the keyboard shortcut when speed matters, Paint when you need simple cropping or labels, and Snipping Tool when you need a specific region. For newer PCs, see how to take screenshots in Microsoft Windows and the Windows and Mac screenshot guide.