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# How to take a screenshot on a laptop (Windows and Mac)
- URL: https://chale.tech/screenshot-on-a-laptop/
- Published: 2026-10-26T11:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-26T11:30:00.000Z
- Description: The quickest screenshot shortcuts for Windows (Windows + Shift + S, Print Screen) and Mac (Shift + Command + 3 or 4), where screenshots are saved, and how to capture just part of the screen.
- Author: Isaac Nana Yaw Annor
- Tags: How-To, Computers

Screenshots are handy for saving receipts, showing an error to IT support or keeping a copy of a payment. Here are the shortcuts.

## Windows

| Shortcut                   | What it does                                                                                                   |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Windows + Shift + S**    | Opens Snipping Tool: drag to capture part of the screen, a window or the full screen. Copied to the clipboard. |
| **Print Screen (PrtSc)**   | Captures the whole screen (on newer Windows 11 it may open Snipping Tool instead).                             |
| **Windows + Print Screen** | Captures the whole screen and saves it to Pictures → Screenshots.                                              |
| **Alt + Print Screen**     | Captures just the active window to the clipboard.                                                              |

After capturing to the clipboard, paste (Ctrl + V) into a document, email or chat, or click the notification to edit and save it.

### No Print Screen key?

Many laptops put PrtSc on a function key; press **Fn** with it. Or use Windows + Shift + S, which works on every Windows 10 and 11 laptop.

## Mac

| Shortcut                | What it does                            |
| ----------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| **Shift + Command + 3** | Whole screen                            |
| **Shift + Command + 4** | Drag to select part of the screen       |
| **Shift + Command + 5** | Screenshot and screen recording options |

Mac screenshots save to the desktop by default.

## Chromebook

Press **Ctrl + Show windows** (the key with rectangles) for the full screen, or Ctrl + Shift + Show windows for part of it.

Before sharing a screenshot, check it does not show passwords, account numbers, OTPs or other private details.

*This guide was checked in October 2026\. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.*

## Common questions

### What is the screenshot shortcut on Windows?

Windows key + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool to capture part of the screen. Print Screen captures the whole screen.

### Where are screenshots saved on Windows?

Snipping Tool screenshots go to the clipboard and usually Pictures → Screenshots. Windows key + Print Screen saves straight to Pictures → Screenshots.

### How do I screenshot on a Mac?

Shift + Command + 3 for the whole screen, Shift + Command + 4 for part of it, Shift + Command + 5 for more options.

### My laptop has no Print Screen key. What now?

Use Windows key + Shift + S, or check for PrtSc on a function key (you may need to press Fn too).

## Sources

- [Microsoft Support: Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots-00246869-1843-655f-f220-97299b865f6b?ref=chale.tech)