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Press Windows logo key + Shift + S. Windows 10 opens the Snipping Tool overlay, where you can select a rectangle, freeform shape, window, or full screen. The capture is copied to the clipboard; paste it with Ctrl + V, or select the notification to edit and save it. You do not need a Print Screen key.
Use Windows + Shift + S (the most reliable method)
This shortcut is built into Windows 10 and works on keyboards that have no PrtScn key. It gives you a choice of capture area and provides predictable clipboard access.
- Press Windows logo key + Shift + S.
- When the dimmed Snipping Tool overlay appears, choose a mode from the toolbar: rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
- For a rectangular or freeform capture, hold the mouse button and drag around the content you want. For window capture, select the window. Full-screen mode captures the entire display.
- Windows copies the image to the clipboard. Press Ctrl + V in Paint, Word, an email, a chat, or another image-capable app to paste it.
- Select the notification that appears near the taskbar if you want to open the image in Snipping Tool. Use its editing or annotation controls, then choose Save or Save as to create an image file.
If the notification disappears, the image is still available on the clipboard until another copy operation replaces it. Paste it immediately into an app if you need to preserve it.
Choosing a capture mode
| Mode | What it captures | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular snip | A rectangle you draw | A specific part of a page, dialog, or application |
| Freeform snip | An irregular outline you draw | Content that does not fit a rectangle |
| Window snip | A selected application window | One program without surrounding desktop areas |
| Full-screen snip | The complete display | Everything visible on one monitor |
Save the screenshot as a file
Windows + Shift + S initially emphasizes clipboard capture rather than automatic file storage. To save a file, open the Snipping Tool notification, make any required changes or notes, and select the save command. Pick a folder, enter a filename, choose the available image format, and confirm.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
If you pasted the image into Paint or another editor instead, use that program’s File > Save as command. This route is useful when you need to crop, add arrows, obscure information, or change the file format before saving.
Open Snipping Tool with the mouse
You can take a screenshot without pressing a keyboard shortcut:
- Open Start.
- Type Snipping Tool.
- Select the Snipping Tool app.
- Choose New and select the capture mode offered by the app.
- Draw the area or select the window, then edit and save the result.
This is the best option when the Windows, Shift, or S key is broken, remapped, or difficult to press. It also makes the save workflow visible instead of relying on a notification.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Try Fn + Windows + Space only if your hardware supports it
Microsoft documents Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar as a possible Print Screen substitute on devices that do not have a PrtScn button. It is hardware-dependent, so it will not work on every Windows 10 laptop or keyboard.
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Use the On-Screen Keyboard when physical keys are inaccessible
Windows includes an On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) that can be operated with a mouse or another pointing device. Open it through Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, then turn on On-Screen Keyboard.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
The OSK is an input-accessibility tool, not a separate screenshot application. Use it to provide the Windows, Shift, and S keystrokes if you cannot use the physical keyboard, or launch Snipping Tool directly with the mouse for a simpler path.
Which Windows 10 method should you choose?
| Method | Physical shortcut required? | Capture scope | Initial output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Yes, unless entered through OSK | Region, freeform, window, or full screen | Clipboard, with notification for editing and saving |
| Fn + Windows + Space | Yes, and supported hardware is required | Device-dependent | May be printable or saved in Pictures > Screenshots |
| Snipping Tool from Start | No shortcut required | Region, freeform, window, or full screen | Snipping Tool, where you can edit and save |
| On-Screen Keyboard plus Snipping Tool | No physical keyboard required | The Snipping Tool mode you select | Clipboard or saved image through Snipping Tool |
For most people, Windows + Shift + S is the shortest route. Choose the Start-menu method when you prefer mouse controls, and use the OSK when a physical keyboard cannot provide the shortcut.
Troubleshooting
Nothing appears after pressing Windows + Shift + S
- Press the three keys together rather than one at a time.
- Make sure the Windows key is not physically stuck or disabled by a keyboard utility.
- Open Start and launch Snipping Tool directly. If the app opens, use New instead of the shortcut.
- If you cannot use the physical keys, enable the On-Screen Keyboard at Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
The screenshot was taken, but I cannot find a file
Windows + Shift + S places the image on the clipboard first. Press Ctrl + V in Paint or another destination, or select the Snipping Tool notification and use Save. Do not assume a file was created automatically.
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
The notification disappeared
Open Snipping Tool from Start and take the capture again, or paste the existing clipboard image before copying anything else. Once another item replaces the clipboard contents, the earlier capture is no longer available there.
Fn + Windows + Space does not work
That combination depends on the laptop or keyboard firmware. It is not a universal Windows 10 shortcut. Use Windows + Shift + S, Snipping Tool from Start, or the OSK instead.
The capture contains the wrong area
Repeat the snip and select the appropriate mode. Rectangular and freeform modes require you to drag precisely; window mode selects an entire window; full-screen mode includes everything visible on the display.
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
I need a clean screenshot of a website, not my desktop
Snipping Tool captures what is visible locally, including cookie dialogs, newsletter overlays, and chat widgets. For an automated webpage image, use a website screenshot service instead of arranging a browser window manually.
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Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The PC continues to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes after that date. The screenshot methods above remain built-in Windows 10 features; support status does not change how the shortcuts operate.
Quick Recap
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