How to Screenshot on Windows Surface
Taking a screenshot on a Windows Surface device might seem straightforward, but once you get into the nitty-gritty, there are a few tricks and quirks that can trip you up. Maybe the hardware buttons aren’t cooperating, or the built-in shortcuts don’t seem to save your image where you expect. Sometimes, Windows just refuses to play nice with certain key combos, especially if you’ve customized your setup or have different hardware versions. That’s where knowing multiple methods helps — especially if you’re trying to grab part of the screen or capture a specific window. After getting these down, you can save, edit, or share your screenshots without hitting roadblocks.
How to Screenshot on Windows Surface
Let’s break down the tried-and-true ways you can capture your screen, including some tips for those stubborn moments when things don’t work as expected.
Method 1: Hardware Buttons (Power + Volume Up)
Press the Power button and the Volume Up button simultaneously. This is kind of obvious, but not everyone realizes you have to press both at exactly the same time. If you’re holding the buttons too long or not enough, it might not register. When it works, the screen dims briefly, or you get a quick flicker, confirming the shot. The resulting screenshot should end up in your Pictures > Screenshots folder automatically.
This method is quick and works even if your keyboard isn’t plugged in. But fair warning — on some Surface models, this combo can fail the first couple of times, or on certain updates. Sometimes it helps to press the buttons in a specific way or try again after a reboot. Weird, but that’s Windows for you.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut (Windows + PrtScn)
If you have the Surface Type Cover or any compatible keyboard attached, this shortcut is super handy. Hold down the Windows key and press PrtScn. You might not see any visual cue, but the screen should briefly blank or flash, indicating the capture. The screenshot then lands automatically in the Pictures > Screenshots folder. That’s great for quick captures without fussing with editing tools right away.
Just a heads up—sometimes, if your keyboard isn’t responding correctly or the driver’s acting up, this may not work. Check if your keyboard’s properly connected, especially if you’re using a detachable or Bluetooth version. If it still doesn’t work, move on to other methods or do a quick driver update.
Method 3: Snipping Tool (Old but Gold)
For more control, open the Snipping Tool. You can find it by searching in the Start menu. Click New, then drag to select the part of the screen you want. It’s perfect for grabbing specific areas or windows. Once snipped, you can save it anywhere — just go to File > Save As.
This method is a bit clunky compared to newer stuff, but it’s reliable if you want precise control. Plus, it works on older Surface models that might not support newer shortcuts.
Method 4: Snip & Sketch (Quick & Flexible)
Press Windows + Shift + S. The screen dims, and your mouse cursor turns into a crosshair. Pick your snip type — freeform, rectangular, window, or full-screen — then capture away. The image goes to your clipboard, and a notification pops up. Click it to edit right inside Snip & Sketch, which has more editing tools than the old Snipping Tool.
It’s a powerful combo because you can crop, annotate, or save directly from the notification. Not sure why it works better than earlier methods sometimes, but it’s become the go-to for quick, detailed snips.
Method 5: Surface Pen Shortcut
If you’ve got a Surface Pen, double-clicking the top button usually opens Snip & Sketch. You can customize what that button does in the Surface app settings — maybe assign it to take a specific type of screenshot or launch a different app. Make sure your Pen’s firmware is updated, or this might not trigger.
This method’s kind of hidden, but it’s super handy once set. And the best part? It’s seamless, especially for quick sketches or annotations on the fly.
Tips for Photosensitive Moments and Troubleshooting
- Screen doesn’t dim? Sometimes the hardware button combo doesn’t register or the event gets lost. Try pressing in a slightly different rhythm or REBOOT the device if this keeps happening. Old-but-true workaround — hardware and software can be funny.
- Keyboard shortcut not working? Double-check connections, update your drivers, or plug the keyboard into a different port. If you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard, maybe it’s time for a fresh connection.
- Want to quickly edit or annotate? Use Snip & Sketch or the built-in Windows Photos app for editing.
- Keep your screenshots organized — move them out of the default folder if you want a cleaner workflow or set a custom save location in Settings > Storage > Change where new content is saved.
- Need more features? Apps like Lightshot or ShareX can give you additional editing, delay timers, or direct uploads to cloud services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do screenshots go on a Windows Surface?
They usually land in Pictures > Screenshots, unless you change the save location. Sometimes, if you use certain apps or shortcuts, they might save elsewhere — check your clipboard if it’s not in the folder.
Can I capture just one window?
Absolutely. Use Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch and select the window you want. It’s smarter than screenshotting everything and cropping later.
What if my keyboard shortcuts don’t work or my buttons seem dead?
Try rebooting first. Check driver updates or reconnect your keyboard. Hardware issues can be tricky, and Windows sometimes behaves unpredictably with peripheral devices.
Can I change where screenshots are saved?
Yeah, you can right-click the Screenshots folder, select Properties, then go to the Location tab and pick a new location. Some folks love saving to a cloud folder or external drive for easier access.
Is there a way to wait before taking a screenshot?
Yes, the Snipping Tool has a delay feature. When you choose Delay, set the seconds, then hit New. This is handy if you need to prepare the screen before capture — like hiding menus or toolbars.
Summary
- Use hardware buttons: Power + Volume Up
- Keyboard shortcut: Windows + PrtScn
- Open Snipping Tool, hit New for manual snips
- Windows + Shift + S for quick in-clipboard snips
- Double-click Surface Pen top button for quick access
Wrap-up
Capturing your screen on a Windows Surface isn’t rocket science, but it’s got enough quirks to make you want a cheat sheet. Whether it’s hardware buttons when your keyboard’s not around or the flexible Snip & Sketch tool for detailed work, there’s always a way to get it done. Sometimes, it’s just about trying a couple of methods until one clicks — especially given how Windows can be unpredictable. With these tricks, you’ll be snapping screenshots like a pro in no time, even when stuff doesn’t work on the first try. Fingers crossed this helps someone save a few frustrating minutes.