Surface Pro X (Image credit: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)
The thin, light, and compact nature of Surface Pro devices like the Surface Pro X makes them some of the best Microsoft Surface PCs for mobile use, and since they're convertible, they can be used as tablets. To make the Surface Pro's tablet experience as smooth as possible, Microsoft has traditionally included several tablet-style features with them over the years. One of these is a screenshot shortcut that allows you to save an image of what's on your screen.
In this guide, we'll show you how to use the Surface Pro's built-in screenshot functionality.
How to take a screenshot on Surface Pro devices
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)
To take a screenshot on a newer Surface Pro, such as a Surface Pro 7, 8, or X, follow these steps:
- Place a finger over the Power button and Volume Up button.
- Press both buttons down at the same time.
The process is just as simple on older Surface devices like the Surface Pro 3 that have a Windows logo next to the display, though the shortcut itself is different. Here's how to take a screenshot on older Surface Pro devices:
- Place a finger over the Windows logo and the Volume Down button.
- Press both buttons down at the same time.
In both cases, the screen will dim briefly to indicate that your screenshot has been saved.
How to view screenshots on Surface Pro
To access your screenshots on your Surface Pro, follow these steps:
Image 1 of 2
- In the Windows search bar, type This PC.
- Select the This PC application.
- Under the Folders tab, select the Pictures folder.
- Select the Screenshots folder.
All of your saved screenshots are automatically sent to this folder, and can be accessed at any time.
More helpful resources
If you're not using a Surface Pro but you're still curious about how you can take screenshots on other Windows 10 devices, don't miss our guide on how to take a Windows 10 screenshot. Also, for more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 11 help, tips, and tricks
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. You'll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.
You have options: Print Screen, Snip & Sketch, and more
What to Know
- Press the Print Screen key(abbreviated as PrtScn) to copy a screenshot to the Windows clipboard.
- You can then paste it to your favorite image editor or directly to social media sites.
- If enabled, Print Screen will also save a screenshot to OneDrive.
This article explains how to take a screenshot on any Surface laptop model and includes tips on pasting and editing the screenshot.
How to Screenshot on a Surface Laptop With the Print Screen Button
Here's the quickest way to take screenshots on a Surface Laptop, though not the most flexible.
Press the Print Screenkey, abbreviated as PrtScn, to take a screenshot on any Surface laptop immediately. The screenshot is copied to the Windows Clipboard.
The Print Screen key won't work if the Function key (abbreviated as Fn) is active. The Function key has a small indicator light to show it's active. It shouldn't be lit. If it is, press the Function key to toggle it off.
Once copied to the Clipboard, you can paste the screenshot to any image editing app, document, or social media site. Place the mouse cursor where you'd like to paste the screenshot and press Ctrl+V on the laptop's keyboard.
How to Screenshot on a Surface Laptop With OneDrive
Windows saves screenshots taken with Print Screen to the clipboard by default, but it can also save screenshots to OneDrive if you have a OneDrive account connected to the laptop. Here's how to enable it.
Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the Windows taskbar and then select Settings.
Click Backup tab.
Select the checkbox next to Automatically save screenshots as I capture to OneDrive. Tap Ok to save your settings and exit the window.
Tap Ok to save your settings and exit the window.
How to Screenshot on a Surface Laptop With Snip & Sketch
Snip & Sketch is an app bundled into Windows 10 used to take and edit screenshots quickly. It includes markup capabilities. You can use a Surface Pen to draw on and edit the screenshot immediately.
Press Windows+Shift+S to open Snip & Sketch.
The Surface Laptop's display will dim, and four buttons will appear at the top. These let you take different types of screenshots. Tap one of these options.
A notification will appear in the Notification Center once you take the screenshot. Click it to open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch.
Once open, you can edit the screenshot using the tools found in Snip & Skitch or, if no edits are required, tap the Save icon to save a copy of the screenshot.
How to Screenshot on a Surface Laptop With the Touchscreen
All the methods described so far rely on the keyboard. Unlike a Surface Book or Surface Pro, the Surface Laptop's keyboard is not detachable and should always be available. Still, you may not want to use the keyboard. Here's how to screenshot with the touchscreen instead.
Tap the Notification Center icon in the far right-hand corner of the Windows taskbar.
Select Expand, which is found just above the row of large, rectangular tile buttons in the lower right-hand corner.
Tap Screen Snip. This will launch Snip & Sketch.
The Surface Laptop's display will dim, and four buttons will appear at the top. These let you take different types of screenshots. Tap one of these options.
A notification will appear in the Notification Center once you take the screenshot. Click it to open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch.
The touchscreen method is a good workaround if your keyboard isn't working properly. It's also useful if you own the Surface Pen. You can take and then edit a screenshot without putting the Pen down.
FAQ
How do I take a screenshot on the Surface Pro?
You can use the Print Screen and Snip & Sketch steps outlined above to take a screenshot on a Surface Pro. Surface Pro models also come with a handy button shortcut. In newer models, it's a combination of the Volume and Power buttons.
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