For a quick cropped screenshot, press Windows+Shift+S. Use PrtScn or Alt+PrtScn for a full-screen or active-window capture you plan to paste, and Windows+PrtScn for a full-screen image file. Open Snipping Tool when you need a capture mode, a delay, markup, cropping, or text actions.
Choose by what you need to capture
| What you need | Use | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| A selected part of the screen, quickly | Windows+Shift+S | Opens the screen-snipping overlay and copies the selection to the clipboard. Open the notification in Snipping Tool if you want to edit or save it. |
| The whole screen to paste elsewhere | PrtScn | Copies a whole-screen capture to the clipboard. Paste it with Ctrl+V. |
| Only the active window to paste elsewhere | Alt+PrtScn | Copies the active window to the clipboard. |
| The whole screen as an image file | Windows+PrtScn | Saves a full-screen screenshot in PicturesScreenshots. |
| A particular still-image capture mode or follow-up editing | Snipping Tool | Lets you choose a mode and provides editing and text actions. |
| A screen-area video | Windows+Shift+R or Snipping Tool | Opens the video-snipping flow; select a region, start and stop recording, then save or edit the clip. |
These behaviors are documented by Microsoft Support’s instructions for copying window or screen contents, its Snipping Tool guide, and its Windows keyboard-shortcuts reference.
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When a shortcut is enough
Use Windows+Shift+S for a quick region
This is the simplest choice when you want to select what appears in the screenshot rather than capture the entire display. The selection goes to the clipboard; the shortcut does not, by itself, save an image file. Open the Snipping Tool notification to continue editing or save the capture.
Use Print Screen shortcuts for clipboard captures
Choose PrtScn when you want the whole screen available to paste, or Alt+PrtScn when only the active window is needed. These are useful when the next step is pasting into another app. For a full-screen file without that paste step, use Windows+PrtScn; the file is saved in PicturesScreenshots.
#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.
When to open Snipping Tool
Snipping Tool is more useful when you want control over the capture or need to work on the result. Microsoft documents four still-image modes: rectangle, freeform, window, and full screen. The app also provides pen, highlighter, shapes, crop, and text actions, plus a delay option for captures such as menus that disappear when clicked. Availability of newer features can depend on Windows release and device.
For video rather than a still image, Windows+Shift+R opens the video capture flow in Snipping Tool. Select the area, start and stop the recording, then save or edit the clip. This is a separate use case from the still-image shortcuts.
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
If Print Screen behaves differently
If pressing PrtScn opens screen snipping instead of copying the whole screen, check the Accessibility keyboard setting for the option that controls the Print Screen key. Windows lets this setting change the key’s behavior. Exact shortcut behavior may also depend on keyboard hardware and configuration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSome keyboards do not have a dedicated PrtScn key. Microsoft notes that on such devices, Fn+Windows+Space Bar may be the alternative. See Microsoft’s Print Screen keyboard-shortcut guidance for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Quick Recap
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
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)
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*
A quick decision rule
- Need a cropped region right now? Press Windows+Shift+S.
- Need a whole screen or active window to paste? Use PrtScn or Alt+PrtScn.
- Need a full-screen file saved directly? Press Windows+PrtScn.
- Need to choose a capture mode, delay it, annotate, crop, or act on text? Open Snipping Tool.
- Need video? Use Windows+Shift+R or the video option in Snipping Tool.
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