Step-by-Step Guide: How To Take Screenshots in Windows 7

Screenshots are an essential part of our daily lives, and especially so when we need to share what’s on our screens with others. They’re great for tutorials, presentations, and even simple sharing. When it comes to taking screenshots in Windows 7, the process is easy, quick and efficient. However, many people are not aware of the keyboard shortcuts that make the process much faster.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to take screenshots in Windows 7 step-by-step, for both the entire screen and specific windows. We’ll also highlight some tips and tricks to make the process easier, as well as recommended third-party tools that can improve your screenshot-taking experience.

Who is our target audience?

Our target audience for this guide is people who use Windows 7 on a regular basis and are looking for a quick and easy way to take screenshots of their screen or specific windows. We’ll assume that you have basic knowledge of navigating through your computer’s various functions and windows.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Full-Screen Screenshots

1.1 Using the Print Screen Key

The Print Screen key is a key that appears on most PC keyboards, and it’s located in the upper-right corner. In most cases, it’s labeled “PrtScn”.

To take a screenshot of your entire screen, simply press the Print Screen key. This will capture an image of your entire screen and save it to your clipboard.

1.2 Using the Windows Key + Print Screen Key

If you want to save the captured image directly to your computer, you can use the Windows Key + Print Screen Key keystroke. This will capture an image of your entire screen and immediately save it to a folder called “Screenshots” in your default picture library.

Step 2: Capture Active Window Screenshots

2.1 Using Alt + Print Screen Key

If you want to capture just the active window, you can use the Alt + Print Screen Key combination. This will capture the active window and save it to your clipboard.

2.2 Using Windows Key + Alt + Print Screen Key

Similarly to step 1, you can use the Windows Key + Alt + Print Screen Key to capture a screenshot of the active window and save it to your computer under the “Screenshots” folder in your default picture library.

Step 3: Tips and Tricks

3.1 Customizing the Screenshots Folder or Location

By default, Windows 7 saves all screenshots to the “Screenshots” folder in your default picture library. However, you may prefer another folder or location. To customize where your screenshots are saved, simply navigate to the “Screenshots” folder in your “Pictures” folder, right-click, and select “Properties”. Then, click on the “Location” tab, and select the folder you’d like to use instead.

3.2 Copying Screenshots to a Document or Email

Once you’ve taken your screenshot, you can easily copy and paste it into a document or an email. Simply open the document or email, right-click and select “Paste” or alternatively use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+V.

3.3 Saving Screenshots as Different File Types

If you want to save your screenshots as different file types, such as PNG, JPG, or BMP, you can do so through the Paint application. Simply open Paint, select “New”, and then select “Paste” to paste the screenshot. Once you’ve pasted the screenshot, click “File”, “Save As”, and then choose your desired file type.

Step 4: Third-Party Tools

4.1 LightShot

LightShot is a free and easy-to-use third-party tool that allows you to take screenshots of your computer screen with just a few clicks. It also comes with a built-in image editor that lets you add annotations and highlights to your screenshots. The best part is that it’s compatible with Windows 7.

4.2 Snagit

Snagit is a popular and powerful third-party tool that lets you capture screenshots, record videos, and edit images and videos all in one platform. It has a built-in screen recorder and a wide range of editing tools like effects, text, and stamps. Snagit is available for purchase as a one-time license or through a subscription plan.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots in Windows 7 is an easy and simple process that requires just a few keyboard shortcuts. Whether you want to capture your entire screen or just specific windows, Windows 7 has you covered. Additionally, with third-party tools like LightShot and Snagit, you can further enhance your screenshot-taking experience and add annotations, effects, and more. With the tips and tricks included in this guide, you can customize your screenshot-taking process to fit your individual needs. We hope that this guide has been helpful and informative, and that you’re well-equipped to take screenshots on your Windows 7 computer.