If you have a Lenovo laptop with Windows, taking a screenshot is a simple task that allows you to quickly save what appears on your screen. Whether to capture images, share information, or create tutorials, Windows offers several options to do so without needing to download or install additional programs. In this guide, we explain the different methods and where screenshots are saved so you can easily access them.
Methods to capture the screen on a Lenovo laptop with Windows
1. Use the "Print Screen" key for quick captures
The simplest way to capture everything that appears on your screen is by using the "Print Screen" (or PrtSc) key. This key is located at the top of your Lenovo laptop's keyboard. When you press it:
You capture the entire screen, and the image is saved to the clipboard.
To view or edit the capture, open any editing program (like Paint, Word, or PowerPoint) and paste the image by pressing Ctrl+V.
2. Capture only the active window
If you only need to capture the active window (for example, a specific application or browser), press Alt + Print Screen at the same time. This will copy only the active window to the clipboard, and you can paste it into the program of your choice.
3. Automatically save the capture
In Windows 8, 10, and 11, you can also capture the entire screen and save it directly as a file, which is even more convenient if you don't want to paste the image into another program. To do this:
Press Windows + Print Screen.
The capture is automatically saved as a PNG file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Advanced methods to customize your screenshots
1. Use the Snipping Tool (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)
If you want more control over what you capture, Windows includes the Snipping Tool. This application allows you to select specific areas of the screen or capture just one window. To use it:
Open the Snipping Tool by searching in the start menu or search bar.
Click on New and choose from the following options:
Rectangular: Select a rectangular region of the screen.
Free-form: Draw a freehand area.
Window: Capture only a specific window.
Full-screen: Capture the entire screen immediately.
2. Schedule captures with a timer
The Snipping Tool also allows you to use a timer to schedule the capture after 3 or 10 seconds. This feature is useful if you need to capture pop-up menus or screens that don't stay visible for long.
3. Edit and save the capture
After capturing with the Snipping Tool, you can edit it directly by adding annotations or drawing on the image. To save it, just click on Save As and choose the format and location where you want to store it.
Where are screenshots saved on a Lenovo laptop?
Depending on the method you use, screenshots are saved in different locations:
When you use the "Print Screen" key (without the Windows key): The capture is saved to the clipboard, so you will need to paste it into an editing program to save it manually.
When you use "Windows + Print Screen": The captures are automatically saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder on your PC. This file is saved in PNG format and can be easily accessed from the file explorer.
When you use the Snipping Tool: Captures made with this tool are not saved automatically, so you will need to click on "Save As" and choose the location and file format (usually PNG or JPG).
Useful tips for screenshots on a Lenovo laptop with Windows
Use keyboard shortcuts: Memorize combinations like Ctrl+V to quickly paste the capture or Windows + Shift + S to use the Snip & Sketch tool, which allows you to select any area of the screen with ease.
Additional tools: If you need more features, such as advanced image editing or the ability to share captures instantly, applications like Snagit or Lightshot offer more comprehensive options.
