⏳ Free and Without Programs! Discover the FORGOTTEN keyboard shortcut for INSTANT screenshots. Includes recording screen VIDEO and editing. 2025 Tutorial.
Taking a screenshot on Windows 10 seems like something simple, but the reality is that many users don’t know all the ways that exist to do it.
In forums, tutorials, and social media, questions appear every day about how to enable screen capture on Windows 10 and what the best tools are to do it quickly.
The truth is that the system comes with several built-in methods that work without the need to install anything additional. And, if you add some extra tricks to that, the process becomes even more useful for daily work, studying, or even for sharing content on the internet.
One of the first details I discovered while browsing tutorials is that the key Print Screen (or “PrtScn”) doesn’t always work immediately.
This is because in Windows 10 you have to enable it from the settings menu so that it opens the tool for snipping.
The process is simple:
- Open the Settings menu (Windows + I).
- Go to Accessibility.
- Click on Keyboard.
- Turn on the switch that allows you to use Print Screen to open the screenshot function.
Once this is done, you just have to press that key for the snipping tool to start automatically.
The interesting thing is that you don’t need to install anything or modify the system.
Many people are surprised when they discover this setting because they thought the key had stopped working. In reality, Windows 10 simply requires an extra click to enable it.
When it comes to screenshots, not everything depends on the keyboard. Windows 10 has several built-in tools that allow you to do much more than a simple photo of the screen.
Snipping Tool
It is the oldest one and allows you to capture rectangular areas, specific windows, or the entire screen.
Although over time it was replaced by Snip & Sketch, it is still used because it is very lightweight and straightforward.
Snip & Sketch
This program comes preinstalled on Windows 10 and is much more modern. It allows partial, timed screenshots and even the option to quickly edit the image before saving it.
Many users on the internet comment that they use it daily because it also allows you to write, underline, or mark important parts of the screenshot.
Windows + Shift + S Combination
Perhaps the most popular shortcut today. With these keys, a small panel is activated that allows you to choose whether you want to capture part of the screen, a window, or the entire desktop.
The image is saved to the clipboard, ready to paste into a document, Paint, or a messaging chat.
Windows + Print Screen
This is the fastest method for those who want to save the file directly to their PC.
Every time that combination is pressed, Windows automatically generates a PNG file in the Pictures → Screenshots folder.
It’s perfect for those who need to take many screenshots in a row without wasting time pasting or saving manually.
With the basic methods already mastered, there are also lesser-known tricks that can make the process even more efficient.
For example, when using Alt + Print Screen, the system captures only the window that is active at that moment.
This avoids having to crop the image afterward and is very useful when working with several open programs.
Another interesting trick is to configure OneDrive to automatically save screenshots to the cloud. That way, every time a screenshot is taken with Print Screen or with Windows + Print Screen, the file will sync and be available on any device connected to the account.
Finally, for more technical users, there is the possibility of using AutoHotKey, a free program that allows you to create custom shortcuts. With it, you can configure, for example, a single key to capture, save, and rename the image without having to do anything else.
At first, it may seem that screenshots are only useful for showing something to a friend or saving an error.
But in reality, they have become a fundamental tool in both work and educational environments.
In remote work, for example, it is very common for teams to share screenshots to explain processes without needing to write long messages.
In online teaching, teachers use them to show examples, correct assignments, or point out important parts of a lesson.
Even on a personal level, they are useful for saving receipts, saving important conversations, or quickly sharing something that appears on social media.
That’s why knowing how to enable screen capture on Windows 10 is not just a simple trick, but a practical everyday skill.
Many users who come from Windows 7 or Windows 8 are surprised by the number of new options that Windows 10 offers for screenshots.
In Windows 7, for example, there was barely the snipping tool and the Print Screen key.
In Windows 8, the first direct shortcuts like Windows + Print Screen were introduced, but without as many editing possibilities.
Windows 10, on the other hand, combines the best of both worlds: quick shortcuts for those who need immediacy and complete tools for those who want to customize each screenshot.
This makes it one of the most flexible systems when it comes to capturing the screen.
Although the native tools are more than enough for most users, there are external programs that add extra functions.
Among the most mentioned in internet communities are:
- LightShot: very lightweight, it allows you to upload the screenshot directly to the internet and share a link.
- ShareX: more advanced, with options to record video, GIFs, and automate tasks.
- Greenshot: free and very easy to use, with quick editing functions.
The advantage of these applications is that, in addition to capturing, they offer options such as blurring sensitive information, adding more advanced annotations, or automatically uploading to cloud platforms.
After reviewing all the methods and tricks, it is clear that Windows 10 offers a variety of options for capturing the screen without complications.
The important thing is that each user identifies which method best suits their routine.
If you only need a quick screenshot, the Windows + PrtScn shortcut is perfect.
If something more detailed is required, Snipping Tool and Annotation may be the most complete option.
And if you’re looking for something professional, external programs like ShareX go one step further.
In short, enabling screen capture in Windows 10 is a quick, useful process that adapts to any need.
