How to Take a Screenshot on a Microsoft Surface?
Taking a screenshot on a Microsoft Surface can vary depending on whether you’re using a tablet mode, a keyboard, or a Surface Pen. Microsoft has refined screenshot functionality over the years, making it easier to capture and save your screen. Below is a complete guide covering all possible methods.
1. Using Physical Buttons (For Surface Tablets Without a Keyboard)
If you’re using a Surface in tablet mode, you can take a screenshot using the physical buttons:
For Surface Pro 8, 9, and Surface Pro X:
Press and hold the Power button.
While holding the Power button, press the Volume Up button.
The screen will dim briefly, confirming the screenshot has been taken.
The image is automatically saved in the Screenshots folder within Pictures.
For Older Surface Models (Surface Pro 7 and Earlier):
Press and hold the Windows logo button on the bottom bezel.
While holding it, press the Volume Down button.
The screen will flash, and the screenshot will be saved in Pictures > Screenshots.
2. Using the Keyboard (For Surface with a Type Cover or External Keyboard)
If your Surface device is attached to a Type Cover or an external keyboard, you can use keyboard shortcuts to capture your screen.Shortcut 1: Windows Key + Shift + S (Recommended)
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S.
- The Snipping Tool overlay will appear, allowing you to select a portion of the screen to capture.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard. You can paste it into an image editor like Paint or Microsoft Word and save it manually.
Shortcut 2: Fn + Windows Key + Spacebar
- Press Fn + Windows Key + Spacebar.
- The full-screen screenshot is automatically saved in Pictures > Screenshots.
Shortcut 3: PrtScn (Print Screen)
- Press the PrtScn key to copy the full screen to the clipboard.
- Press Alt + PrtScn to capture the active window.
- Open an image editor and press Ctrl + V to paste and save the image.
3. Using the Snipping Tool (Built-in Windows Screenshot App)
For more control over your screenshots, you can use Snipping Tool, the built-in Windows app.Steps to Take a Screenshot Using Snipping Tool:
- Open Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Windows Start Menu.
- Click New and choose one of the following capture modes:
- Rectangular Snip – Select a rectangular portion of the screen.
- Freeform Snip – Draw a custom shape to capture.
- Window Snip – Capture an active window.
- Fullscreen Snip – Capture the entire screen.
- Once the screenshot is taken, use the markup tools to edit if needed.
- Click Save to store the image in your preferred location.
4. Using Surface Pen (If Available)
If you have a Surface Pen, you can quickly take and edit screenshots.
Steps to Take a Screenshot Using Surface Pen:
Double-click the eraser button on the top of the Surface Pen.
This launches Snip & Sketch (Snipping Tool in newer versions).
Select your preferred snip mode and capture the screen.
Use the drawing tools to annotate or highlight parts of the screenshot.
Click Save to store the image or share it instantly.
5. Using Xbox Game Bar (For Gaming or Screen Recording)
For users who need to capture screenshots while gaming, Xbox Game Bar offers an easy solution.
Steps to Take a Screenshot Using Xbox Game Bar:
Press Windows Key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
Click the Camera Icon or press Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot.
The screenshot is saved automatically in Videos > Captures.
Where to Find Your Screenshots
Screenshots taken with physical buttons or Fn + Windows Key + Spacebar are saved in Pictures > Screenshots.
Screenshots captured with Snipping Tool need to be manually saved.
Screenshots from Xbox Game Bar go to Videos > Captures.
Screenshots copied to the clipboard can be pasted into Paint, Word, or any image editor for editing and saving.
Conclusion
Microsoft Surface devices offer multiple ways to take screenshots, making it easy for users to capture and share important moments. Whether you’re using keyboard shortcuts, physical buttons, or the Surface Pen, there’s a method that suits every workflow. Understanding these options ensures you can quickly grab screenshots in any scenario.
