In previous versions of Windows, you can take a screenshot by pressing PrtScn on your keyboard. This copies it to the Clipboard and then you need to paste it into Word or an image editing program to save it.
In Windows 8, press Windows Key + PrtScn on your keyboard. This take a screenshot and saves it as a PNG file in the default Pictures folder.
Windows 8 gives each shot a generic name of Screenshot, followed by a number in the order you take the shots. It works on the Metro Start screen and desktop too. This keyboard shortcut will take a screen shot of the full desktop.
Note: If you want an individual window, you can still use Alt + PrtScn — but that copies it to the Clipboard and you’ll still need to copy it into Word or other image editor.
This is handy if you want to take a shot of your screen to show an error to an IT pro. Or if the tech needs more data, the Steps Recorder feature is still in Windows 8.
Being a tech writer, I still prefer to use third party tools like SnagIt. But if you’re only occasionally taking screenshots, this keyboard shortcut is a nice hidden gem.
What about IrfanView?
100% free … allows you to spec the keys for capture, and it can do way more.
its quite often a waste to have the ENTIRE desktop … especially if you’re on a dual monitor setup … so something that can capture just the active window is usually pretty important….
Yeah, this method isn’t if you’re looking for anything feature rich to include editing. But is a new feature in Windows 8. Much better than taking screenshots in previous versions of Windows.
why if I dont have the print screen KEY in my keyboard? Im on a MacBook Pro
it would have been way nicer if it were something like Mac’s where you get to select the excat thing you want the screen shot of. Now I just take a screenshot open a photo edit software to then edit.. sucks
On a slate, hold down the windows key and press volume down. The screen will dim briefly to let you know it worked. It will drop a screen capture into your pictures library.
@Rick, yep, nice suggestion. That’s how I take shots on my Surface RT. Do you know if that works on other manufacturer’s of Windows 8 or RT tablets?