How To
6 Methods To Take A Screenshot On Your Surface Pro
Here are 6 easy methods you can use to take a screenshot on your Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface Go.
Last updated on
Published on
By
Taking a screenshot with theSurface Prois easy, and here are six ways you can do so. These tips will also work on other Surface devices such as theSurface Go.
We’ve written these instructions for Windows 11 users, which is the standard operating system that comes with all Surface devices today, In fact, I recommend the Windows 11 experience because screenshots with Windows 11 is miles ahead of the Windows 10 experience in terms of ease and efficiency.
Among these six methods to screenshot, some require you to have a keyboard attached. One requires you to have a Surface Pen.
Let’s examine the best methods to take a screenshot on your Surface Pro.
Method 1: Vol Up Button + Power Button
This is my favorite method, and the beauty of it is that you don’t need an attached keyboard to take a photo.
Press both the Volume Up button and the Power Button at the same time, located at the top of your Surface Pro.
Surface Pro 4 and newer
You should see the screen flash quickly and your screenshot will be saved.
Surface Pro 3 and older
Press both the Windows button and Volume Down button together.
Make sure you press them at the same time because if you don’t, you will get weird responses such as a shutdown screen appearing or your volume suddenly increasing.
The default location where your screenshot is saved isC:\Users[your_user_name]\Pictures\Screenshot. The easiest way you can access this folder is by opening up Explorer (Windows key + E) and then clicking Pictures on the left sidebar. You should see a Screenshot folder.
You can also choose to save your screenshots somewhere else by moving the default save location.
Read:These are the best apps for your Surface Pen
Method 2: PrtScn Button on Surface Type Cover (or any keyboard)
On your Type Cover keyboard, you will have a button that reads “PrtScn”. That’s your print screen keyboard.
Surface 4 and newer
Press the PrtScn key on your Type Cover keyboard. Make sure you are not in Function mode. To check, make sure the white LED on your “Fn” key is not lit.
Surface 3 and older
Press and hold the Fn key and Windows key. Then press the spacebar.
On Windows 11, you will see the screen dim and it will start a new screenshot using the Snipping Tool. A toolbar will appear on top. There are four options to choose from. From left to right,
Rectangular Mode (default): use your touchpad to draw an area which you want to screenshot. Press and hold on to the touchpad and then drag it to the end point. Release your finger. The screenshot will be saved in your screenshots folder and will also be copied to the Clipboard.
Freeform Mode: Use your touchpad to draw a shape. The saved screenshot will only contain that area. The screenshot will be saved in your screenshots folder and will also be copied to the Clipboard.
Window Mode:Choose a window and click on it. Your screenshot will only contain the area of the window, avoiding extraneous content like the taskbar. The screenshot will be saved in your screenshots folder and will also be copied to the Clipboard.
Fullscreen Mode:Screenshots the entirety of your screen. The screenshot will be saved in your screenshots folder and will also be copied to the Clipboard.
Once you have taken your screenshot, there will be a notification from Snipping Tool. You can click on the notifications to open Snipping Tool and edit and annotate your screenshot.
These features are only available on Windows 11. Windows 10 users can use PrtScn, but you will automatically screenshot the whole screen and it will only be copied into your Clipboard, and it won’t be automatically saved.
Method 3: Keyboard Combinations on Surface Type Cover (or any keyboard)
I don’t recommend this method anymore since Windows 11’s new print screen method (described in Method 2) is far more convenient.
Here are three keyboard combinations, you can use.
This method works similarly to the previous method, except it doesn’t automatically save your screenshot.
These key combinations will take a screenshot and then copy it into the Clipboard. In order to see it, you have to paste it somewhere, whether in Paint, Word, Google Docs or anywhere that accepts image files.
However, the fact that it doesn’t automatically save the content means I’d still prefer using the Print Screen key for most purposes.
Method 4: Double-press eraser on Surface Pen
The rear of the Surface Pen has a button that you can press. By default, double-pressing it will activate screen snipping.
If that isn’t working for you,check out our Surface Pen troubleshooting guide. You might have to re-pair your Surface Pen to your Surface Pro, or you might need to reconfigure the shortcuts in the Pen & Windows Ink menu (as you can see above, my configuration has been modified).
Method 5: Windows key + Shift + S
This combination of pressing Windows + Shift + S has the exact same results as pressing the Print Screen button.
So why bother?
For one, this works when you are in Fn mode. If you find yourself using the function keys a lot, then you’ll notice that you have to disable the Fn button before you can use the print screen button. Or else, you will just be pressing F8 and no print screen will happen.
Another benefit is that this key combination only requires you to use your left hand. My dexterity is much better with my left hand (thanks to Quake III) so I sometimes use this instead of the print screen.
It’s a bit of a bother to remember this combination, but once you remember it, you’ll have two different ways to summon the Snipping Tool!
Method 6: Run the Snipping Tool
At first, I was like, “Why would anyone take so many steps to do this?” Then I realized that there’s actually a use case for this.
I don’t use my Surface in tablet mode much, so yeah, I keep forgetting people often use it without the keyboard.
And without a keyboard or Surface Pen, your options for screenshots are limited to Method 1, which takes a screenshot of the entire screen.
What if you want to screenshot only a portion of the screen or a window?
Well, then you need to summon the Snipping Tool. Go to the Start Menu and search for Snipping Tool. I’d recommend you pin it onto your taskbar or Start Menu to avoid searching for it again and again going forward.
This will bring up the Snipping Tool’s interface. Press “New” and you will see the familiar screenshot toolbar.
As an aside, by opening up Snipping Tool, you can also take video recordings of your screen. This is really great for recording guides, tutorials and other aspects where a recording will make things easier.
What Is The Best Method To Take A Screenshot?
Here’s how I’d rank the methods based on what I use daily:
In my opinion, the two essential methods are number 1 and 2, because the Power + Vol Up button is very convenient and can be used when you do not have a keyboard attached. Number 2 on the list is great because it immediately runs the Snipping Tool, allowing you to screenshot a specific part of the screen.
*THIS ARTICLE MIGHT CONTAIN SPONSORED LINKS. WE MIGHT GET A SMALL COMMISSION ON YOUR PURCHASE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO YOU.
Microsoft Surface Warranty: Check If You Are Still Covered
6 Best & Free Scanner Apps for Android Tablets | 2024 Edition
Pingback:Screenshots auf dem Surface Pro erstellen: Eine kurze Anleitung | Tablet Blog
Pingback:How To Screen Shot On Surface Pro Update
Leave a ReplyCancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.Learn how your comment data is processed.
MyNextTablet.com is 100% funded by its readers.In many of our reviews and guides, you’ll find so-called affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you, and you’re supporting independent reviews and independent journalism.Learn more.
The Best Amazon Fire Tablets Compared | 2024 Edition
If you’re in the market for the best Fire tablet, we’ve got your back! Here’s a comprehensive comparison of all…
Top 7 Best Tablets Under $500 | 2024 Edition
Looking for the best tablet under $500? We test almost every tablet and here are our test winners in this…
Best Huawei Tablets: Why I Think You Shouldn’t Get One In 2024
Considering the US embargo that led to the lack of Google support, is it a wise decision to purchase a…
11 Best Tablets With 5G, 4G LTE & SIM Card Slot in 2024
Which are the best tablets with 5G, 4G LTE and SIM card slot? I’m reviewing almost every tablet and here…
11 Best Gaming Tablets for Playing Games Reviewed | 2024 Edition
Which are the best gaming tablets for gamers? We test every new device and try out many games. Here are…
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Review: A Strong Galaxy Tab S9+ Alternative?
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2024 Review: The Truth About This S Pen Tablet
Xiaomi Redmi Pad Pro Review: Great Gaming Tablet At A Budget
Lenovo Tab Plus Review: The Best Tablet For Music Lovers?
Onyx Boox Note Air 3c Review: Color E-Ink Tablet With Great Pen
OnePlus Pad 2 Review: Better than Samsung and Apple?
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 Review: Cheap Hidden Gem For 2024?
Honor MagicPad 2 Review: Brighter Than All Samsung Tablets
