How to Take a Screenshot on Your Laptop

Laptops make work and play on the go a snap! With most people working remotely, a good, reliable laptop means you can work from anywhere. You aren’t tethered to a desk or office. However, many of the controls on a laptop aren’t exactly intuitive. One helpful trick is taking a screenshot. To help you, here’s how you can take a screenshot on your laptop.

What is a Screenshot, and Why Take One?

A screenshot is a picture using the computer’s internal camera that captures everything or a portion of your desktop view. Each operating system (OS) includes a way to take a screenshot.
Most often, screenshots are used to visually illustrate something to another person. For example, if you are creating a tutorial to onboard new employees, you might take screenshots of a piece of software to “show” them how to use it.

How to Take a Screenshot on Your Laptop

The process of taking a screenshot works differently on each OS. In some cases, you may need to open a program; in other cases, you can simply use a combination of keystrokes to take a screenshot on your laptop.

How to Take a Screenshot on Mac

Apple makes a line of fantastic, well-made computers and laptops. They use the macOS operating system, which is super user-friendly. Additionally, they offer dozens of helpful keyboard shortcuts to make using the Mac easy. You can take a screenshot on Mac using two methods:
  1. Hold down SHIFT+CMD+3 to take a screenshot of the entire desktop.
  2. Hold down SHIFT+CMD+4 to take a screenshot of a specific area on your desktop. Once you tap those three keys simultaneously, you will see a target cursor, position your mouse at the top-left of the area you want to screenshot, then click the mouse or keypad, now draw a box around the full area and let go. You will hear a camera shutter sound, and your screenshot will appear on your desktop.

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows

It’s very helpful to know how to take a screenshot on windows. Prior to Windows 10 and 11, it was easy to take a screenshot using just keystrokes. Then Microsoft added in a program called “Snipping Tool” that you have to use to take a screenshot.
To use it:
  1. Select Start, type in “Snipping Tool,” or select it from the menu.
  2. Once it is open, select “Mode” and choose your screenshot type.
  3. After you take the screenshot, be sure to select “Save Snip” or you will lose it.
  4. Type in a name to save your screenshot.

How to Take a Screenshot on Chromebook

Chromebook is another popular type of laptop used by students and workers who enjoy the Chrome operating system. However, it’s much different than Mac and Windows. To take a screenshot on your Chromebook:
  1. Go to Settings and choose “Screen Capture.”
  2. Choose whether you want to capture the entire screen or only a portion. You can also record your screen using this same tool.
  3. Click “Capture.”
  4. The screenshot will show up in Tote on your shelf and is also copied to your clipboard. From there, you can paste it wherever you want or grab it from Tote.

Don’t Forget About the Laptop Warranty

Regardless of which type of laptop you prefer or the operating system of your choice, you should always consider the laptop warranty and how good it is before buying a new one.
Most laptop warranties are limited and last only a year, covering only manufacturing defects. They don’t include coverage for any accidental damage or breakage beyond the warranty period. That means you are stuck paying for expensive repairs or replacing them yourself.
The solution is an extended laptop warranty from Upsie! With Upsie, you will be covered for manufacturing defects after the initial warranty runs out, but you also won’t have to worry about expensive repairs for damage. For example, Upsie covers:
  • Screen cracks
  • Drops
  • Spills/liquid damage
  • Dead pixels and display problems
  • Broken hardware
  • Power failure
  • Motherboard or other electronics issues (graphics cards, fans, motors, etc.)
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth failure
  • RAM issues
  • Mechanical problems
  • And more!
Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70% less than other extended warranty companies. In addition, Upsie has an industry-low deductible of just $25 for laptop repairs. As a result, customers get the best protection at the best price.
Rest assured; your laptop is covered with Upsie. You can contact claims 24/7, and if you sell or give your laptop away later, your Upsie warranty will go with it because it’s transferrable. You can’t lose with an Upsie warranty!

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.