Screenshots and Screen Capture

What Is a Screenshot?

A screenshot is a still image of what appears on your screen. Screen capture can also refer to recording video of screen activity. Screenshots are useful for documentation, troubleshooting, tutorials and sharing information.

Useful Windows Shortcuts

Using Snipping Tool

1. Press Win + Shift + S or open Snipping Tool.
2. Choose the capture mode available on your Windows version.
3. Select the area or window you want to capture.
4. Review the image.
5. Save it with a useful filename or copy it to another app.

Screen Recording

Depending on Windows version and installed components, screen recording can be available through Snipping Tool or Xbox Game Bar. Recording features and shortcuts can vary, so check the tool shown on your PC.

Before recording, close private information and make sure you have permission to record other people's content or conversations.

Good Screenshot Habits

• Crop out passwords, private messages and unnecessary personal information.
• Include enough context to explain the problem.
• Use clear filenames such as printer-error-2026-09-02.png.
• Keep important captures in the correct project folder.
• Do not publish someone else's private information without permission.

Practical Activity

1. Open a simple window containing non-sensitive information.
2. Use Win + Shift + S to capture part of it.
3. Open the captured image in the available editor.
4. Crop or annotate it if useful.
5. Save it with a descriptive filename.

Quick Self-Check

1. What is a screenshot?
2. Which shortcut opens the Snipping Tool capture interface?
3. Why should screenshots be checked for private information?
4. Why is a descriptive filename useful?

Key Takeaway