There are several ways to capture a screenshot on a Surface Pro that include using button presses, using keys on the keyboard, using your Surface Pen, or even using a piece of software or special program.
Capturing a screenshot is important, whether you want to save something to refer back to, share an error message, provide feedback on a document, or any number of other reasons. However, it isn’t always instantly obvious to new Surface Pro users how to take a screenshot.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to capture a screenshot on a Surface pro, no matter how you like to use the device. Keep reading to learn a little more about all the different methods to screenshot on a Surface Pro.
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Key Takeaways
- No matter how you prefer to use your Surface Pro, there is likely a quick and easy way for you to capture a screenshot in seconds.
- The model of Surface or Surface Pro you have will have an impact on the exact technique used to capture a screenshot.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro With Keyboard
If you have a keyboard attached to your Surface, the process is almost-instant for taking a screenshot. On a Surface Pro 4 or newer, all you need to do is press the PrtScn button a single time on your Type Cover.
This button is quite easy to find, and can be located within the top row of keys, right next to the home button. When pressed, it will capture and copy the entire screen.
Then, simply paste the screenshot into a program like Paint, where it can be saved and edited. If you have an older Surface Pro 3, 2 or 1, the process is longer, but still quite simple. All you need to do is press and hold the Fn and Windows keys, and then press and release Space.
How to Screenshot on a Surface Pro Without Keyboard
If you prefer to use your Surface Pro in tablet mode without a keyboard attached, taking a screenshot is still incredibly easy. If you have an original Surface Pro, a Surface Pro 2, or a Surface Pro 3, the process for screenshots is a little different than with newer versions.
You need to first press and hold the Windows button, and then press and release the volume down button to complete the screenshot. However, with a Surface Pro 4 or newer, you need to press and hold the Power button, and then press and release the volume up button.
Since the Surface Pro 4, the process has remained the same. So whether you have a brand new Surface Pro 9, or a used Surface Pro 7, capturing a screenshot will be easy. There is a good chance this method is familiar, as it is similar to how screenshots are taken on phones.
Taking a screenshot with the buttons in tablet mode will cause the screen to dim or blink for a split second, and this is simply an indicator that a screenshot has been taken successfully.
When you take a screenshot on your Surface Pro in this way, they can be found in a folder called Screenshots, which is in your Pictures Library.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro Using a Snipping Tool
Using a snipping tool is another popular way to capture your screen. It is as simple as opening the program, selecting the area you want to capture, and then taking a screenshot of said area. In Windows 10 and 11, double-clicking the top button of the Surface Pen can open the program.
In the past, there was both a Snipping Tool and the more modern and feature-rich Snip & Sketch built into your Windows device. These allowed you to not only capture the screen, but also draw on and highlight parts of the image, as well.
However, these have recently been combined into a new and improved Snipping Tool in Windows 11. It features an easy-to-use interface, and makes it simple, quick, and intuitive to capture, edit, and save screenshots.
In addition to the built-in screenshotting program, there are also several others that can be downloaded and installed. Each of these will come with their own list of features and functionalities, so do some research to see if these make more sense for you.
Final Thoughts
Taking a screenshot is incredibly quick and easy, no matter which model of Microsoft Surface Pro you have. Whether you like to use the Surface Pro with a keyboard, or in tablet mode, it is quick and easy to screenshot, capture, and share whatever is on your screen.
Is there any piece of information or tip you feel that we should have included in this guide? If so, let us know about them in a comment below.
