How Do You Take A Screenshot On Surface Pro

The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile device that blends the convenience of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop. Whether you’re a professional artist, a business person, or a student, there may come a time when you need to capture what’s on your screen. Taking a screenshot can be essential for work, education, or even personal use. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various methods to take a screenshot on your Surface Pro, ensuring you can capture and share your screen with ease.

Understanding the Basics of Surface Pro Screenshots

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what a screenshot is and why it might be necessary. A screenshot, also known as a screen capture or screen grab, is a digital image that shows the contents of a computer display. On a Surface Pro, taking a screenshot can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as saving a copy of a receipt, capturing a particularly challenging level in a game, or sharing an error message with tech support.

Method 1: The Quick and Easy Keyboard Shortcut

One of the simplest ways to take a screenshot on a Surface Pro is by using a keyboard shortcut. Here’s how you can do it:

Press and hold the Fn key on your keyboard.
While holding the Fn key, press the Windows logo key.
Without releasing the Fn or Windows keys, press the Spacebar.
Your screen will dim briefly, indicating that a screenshot has been taken.
The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Screenshots folder within the Pictures library.

This method is quick and efficient, especially if you’re using your Surface Pro with its Type Cover or another keyboard attached.

Method 2: The Surface Pen Approach

For those who use the Surface Pen, taking a screenshot can be done with a simple click. Follow these steps to capture your screen using the Surface Pen:

Hold the Surface Pen close to the screen of your Surface Pro.
Double-click the top button of the Surface Pen.
The screen will dim for a moment, and the Snip & Sketch tool will open, allowing you to select the area you want to capture.
Once you’ve selected the area, it will be copied to the clipboard and can be pasted into a document or image editor for further use.

This method is particularly useful for those who need to take partial screenshots or want to annotate their screenshots immediately after capturing them.

Method 3: Using the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in application on Windows devices that offers more control over your screenshots. Here’s how to use it on your Surface Pro:

Search for the Snipping Tool using the search bar next to the Start menu.
Open the Snipping Tool application.
Click on ‘New’ to start a new snip.
Select the type of snip you want to take: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen.
Once you’ve made your selection, the screen will fade, and you can capture your screenshot.
After capturing, you can use the Snipping Tool’s editing features to annotate or highlight parts of the screenshot.
Save the screenshot to your desired location or copy it to the clipboard.

The Snipping Tool is ideal for users who need more functionality than what basic keyboard shortcuts provide.

Method 4: Power + Volume Up Button

If you’re using your Surface Pro without a keyboard, you can still take a full-screen screenshot with a simple button combination:

Hold down the Power button.
Immediately press and release the Volume Up button on the side of the device.
The screen will flash, indicating that a screenshot has been taken.
The screenshot will be saved in the same Screenshots folder within the Pictures library.

This method is similar to taking a screenshot on a smartphone or tablet and is very convenient when you’re on the go.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

For those who require advanced features or prefer a different workflow, third-party applications can offer additional screenshot capabilities. Popular options include Lightshot, Greenshot, and Snagit. These applications often provide features such as delayed captures, scrolling screenshots, and more extensive editing tools.

Download and install your preferred third-party screenshot application.
Open the application and familiarize yourself with its interface and hotkeys.
Use the application’s specific method to capture your screenshot.
Edit and save your screenshot using the tools provided by the application.

While third-party applications can be powerful, they may also come with a learning curve, so be prepared to spend some time getting to know the software.

Once you’ve captured a screenshot on your Surface Pro, you may want to share it with others or make some edits. The built-in Photos app on Windows allows you to crop, rotate, and make basic adjustments to your screenshots. For sharing, you can use email, social media, or cloud storage services like OneDrive to easily distribute your screen captures.

FAQ Section

How do I take a screenshot on a Surface Pro without a keyboard?

You can take a screenshot without a keyboard by holding down the Power button and then pressing the Volume Up button. The screen will flash, and the screenshot will be saved in the Screenshots folder.

Can I take a screenshot on a Surface Pro with Windows 10 in tablet mode?

Yes, you can take a screenshot in tablet mode by using the Power + Volume Up button combination or by using the Surface Pen if you have one.

Where do screenshots go on Surface Pro?

Screenshots taken using the keyboard shortcut or the Power + Volume Up button are saved in the Screenshots folder within the Pictures library. If you use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, you can choose where to save the screenshot.

Can I take a screenshot of just one window on my Surface Pro?

Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch to select the ‘Window snip’ option and capture just one window.

Is there a way to take a scrolling screenshot on a Surface Pro?

Windows does not have a built-in feature for scrolling screenshots, but you can use third-party applications like Snagit to capture scrolling windows.

Conclusion

Taking a screenshot on a Surface Pro is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods depending on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re using keyboard shortcuts, the Surface Pen, the Snipping Tool, button combinations, or third-party software, capturing your screen is just a few clicks away. With this guide, you’re now equipped to document and share your digital experiences with ease.

Remember that practice makes perfect. The more you use these methods, the more intuitive they will become. Now go forth and capture those fleeting digital moments with confidence!