Windows 7 introduced the snipping tool; an important feature used by people to capture and edit the images on their screens. Reasons, why people take screenshots, include bug identification, proof of work, and remote support purposes. The only problem is that Microsoft discontinued updates for Windows 7; therefore, the snipping tool function may fail you. So, what happens when that happens? Worry not because we will look at ways you can take a screenshot on your Windows 7 laptop without using the snipping tool. Let’s learn more about these methods since you never know when you need them.
1. Windows + PrtScr
This is one of the most common methods Windows 7 users use to take screenshots when the snipping tool fails. It guarantees a full-screen screenshot that you can easily save as an image file without further processing. Here are the steps to follow to screenshot your laptop’s screen with this method:
Step-By-Step Guide To Screenshoting, Your Windows 7 Laptop’s Screen, Using The Windows + PrtScrn Function
- Go to your computer’s program window and select windows+ print screen function simultaneously. The latter is known as PrtScr in some laptops.
- The screen area visible in your Window will be saved as an image file.
- Go to your laptop’s library and open the pictures folder to access the image you have screenshotted. If you are struggling to locate libraries on your laptop, look inside the computer window.
Note that this method is hardware sensitive. If your computer fails to save the screenshotted image even after following the process we have discussed above, your computer’s hardware configuration may have an issue.
2. Alt+ PrtScr
If the first method doesn’t work, consider using Alt+PrtScr, a simultaneous function used by several Windows 7 users worldwide. This method ensures that your screenshot only captures the active windows, not the whole screen and user interface. You won’t have functions such as the taskbar on your screenshot. Here’s the process to follow to achieve this method:
Step-To-Step Guide To Screenshoting Your Windows 7 Laptop’s Screen Using Alt+ PrtScr
- Head to the screen which you need to screenshot.
- Press Alt+ PrtScr (print screen in other devices) buttons simultaneously on your laptop.
- Go to the paint tool, open it and press Ctrl+V. This function will paste your screenshot’s image.
- Save the image and follow the third step discussed in our former step. This should show you the image you just saved.
3. PrtScr Method
You can also use the PrtScr (print screen) button to take a screenshot on your Windows 7 device. This applies to most laptops and may, therefore, come in handy on several occasions. Follow these instructions:
Step-By-Step Guide To Screenshotting Your Windows 7 Laptop’s Screen Using The PrtScr Button
- Go to the screen/ tab or Window where you need to take a screenshot
- Locate the Print Screen ( or PrtScr) button on your keyboard.
- Your Windows OS image should save the image on the clipboard, making it easy to access
- Locate the Paint app and open it
- Key in Ctrl+V, which is the most used paste option, and save the input in your keyboard as a screenshot image
- Save the device using the shortcut Ctrl+S while on the paint app and choose whether to save the file on the clipboard as a JPEG or PNG file.
4. Use The Fn Key
The Fn key is between the control (Ctrl) key and the Windows key. It is special, given that it controls keyboard keys from F1 to F12. Additionally, it can control the print screen key, which is required to screenshot your laptop’s screen.
How can you use the Fn key to take a screenshot? Press the FN key with the keys we mentioned above ( print screen, to be specific) to capture whatever is on your screen. If your laptop doesn’t have the print screen key, press Windows+ Fn+ Space Bar simultaneously, and you will be good to go. We hope you understand why we refer to the Fn key as a special one.
5. Using Third-Party Tools
Do you know you can capture your laptop’s screenshot using third-party tools? You don’t have to sweat since this can be over in a few clicks. The good news is that you won’t pay for most of these applications as they come free. They are also easy to use and come with several editing options that can help you make the right changes to your laptop, depending on what you want. How will you know the right tools to use? Simple. Search the right keywords on your browser’s search bar and pick the best option.
Some of the most renowned screenshotting tools used by Windows 7 users are Lightshot and Snipboard.io. However, note that these are not the only available options in the market. A detailed search will reveal several tools you can use for this purpose. Remember to look at different online reviews to find the right tools that fit your purpose.
You can consider online reviews if you cannot choose between the different options. Make sure that whatever you decide on will give you the flexibility and convenience you need to capture your laptop’s screen content.
Taking A Screenshot In Powerpoint
The latest PowerPoint version allows you to take screenshots, meaning you won’t need to use the PrintScreen key and paste it in, as you can easily capture other windows inside the app. Users also get a powerful editor they can use to work on the images and therefore have the chance to easily change qualities such as colors, saturation, and the background. Note that it is possible to customize the screenshot with borders, shapes, or even text before saving it as an image.
Taking A Screenshot On Microsoft Surface Devices
Microsoft Surface devices can function as tablets, which means you can customize how you take your screenshot. Just press and hold the Windows button while simultaneously pressing the Volume Down button, and you will be good to go. Not that your screen will get dimmer as your device takes the screenshot. If this method doesn’t work for your device, troubleshoot the settings or try other ways.
Conclusion
Even though Microsoft Windows 7 OS is less popular and doesn’t receive updates from Windows anymore, there are still several ways you can enjoy what it offers. You get different alternatives if your snipping tool fails, which is excellent. We hope this article will help you know what to do if and when you cannot use your snipping tool to capture a screenshot.
FAQ’S
Are you wondering what to do with the screenshot taken by your Windows 7 device or PC? Worry not. Once you have used the print screen key to take a screenshot, paste it into the photo editing software you want, a good example being Microsoft Paint which is available in different Windows versions.
Just open the application and press Ctrl+ V to paste your screenshot, or right-click to reveal a drop-down menu and choose paste. You can then go ahead to edit the file to your liking before saving it by pressing Cntrl+S. Also, remember to choose the right image format. Latest Windows versions, such as Windows 10 also support Paint3D, another application that lets you save screenshots. You can also settle for specialized tools if you want extra features and functionalities.
If you need to share the screenshot with someone, pasting it directly into an email or social media message can work too. Just press the print screen key, paste it in, then hit send, and you will be good to go. Use the snipping tool or the right third-party applications or software for more control.
2. How Can I Screenshot Full Tabs And Webpages In Google Chrome?
Google Chrome doesn’t generally have an in-built screenshot feature, which can be quite inconveniencing. However, there are several free extensions you can use if you need to capture whatever is on the screen. In the Chrome Web Store, key in the screenshot and filter your results by choosing extensions and then pick whichever makes you happy and may serve the purpose you need. We recommend apps such as Lightshot, which is highly revered.
3. How Can I Take A Screenshot In Microsoft Edge?
The latest version of Microsoft Edge has a built-in screenshotting feature, unlike Google Chrome. You don’t need additional plug-ins to capture the content on your screen. You can either open up your browser and start taking screenshots or press Ctrl + Shift+ S, and you will have opened the web capture overlay. You will then have a chance to capture the whole page or use the free selection feature. You also get several draw-and-erase tools that you can use to make annotations or highlight different items on your page. Afterward, share, copy and save the screenshot as you wish.
