Printing a screen on one monitor when using multiple displays can seem tricky, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need is to know the right key combination on your keyboard, and you’re good to go. The process will capture only the content on the monitor you select, allowing you to save or share precisely what you want.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Print Screen on One Monitor When Using Multiple Displays
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to note that these steps will guide you through taking a screenshot of a single monitor in a multi-monitor setup. This can be particularly useful when you want to share or save something from just one of your screens.
Step 1: Identify the monitor you want to capture
Identify which of your multiple displays you want to capture. It’s essential to ensure you have the right screen selected for the steps that follow.
When you have multiple monitors, each one is usually assigned a number by your computer’s operating system. You can often find this number by looking at the display settings on your machine.
Step 2: Press the Windows key + Shift + S
Once you’ve decided which monitor to capture, press the Windows key + Shift + S on your keyboard. This will dim your screens and bring up the snipping tool crosshair cursor.
The snipping tool is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to select specific areas of your screen to take a screenshot. By using this combination of keys, you’re activating a part of this tool that lets you pick a particular monitor to capture.
Step 3: Click and drag on the desired monitor
With the cursor, click and drag to select the entire screen of the monitor you want to screenshot. Once you release the mouse button, the selected area will be copied to your clipboard.
Dragging the cursor across the screen will create a rectangle. Make sure this rectangle covers the entire screen area of the monitor you’re trying to capture. If you make a mistake, you can always press the Windows key + Shift + S again to start over.
Step 4: Paste the screenshot into an image editor or document
Now that your screenshot is on the clipboard, open an image editing program like Paint or Photoshop, or even a document where you can paste images, and press Ctrl + V to paste your screenshot.
After pasting the screenshot, you can save it as an image file, or use it in documents, emails, or presentations as needed. Remember that the screenshot is only saved to the clipboard temporarily, so you’ll want to paste it somewhere before you copy anything else.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a screenshot of just one of your multiple monitors. This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as creating a guide, reporting an issue, or just saving something interesting you found online.
Tips: How to Print Screen on One Monitor When Using Multiple Displays
- Make sure you have the correct monitor selected before pressing the key combination.
- The Windows key + Shift + S shortcut is only available on Windows 10 and later. If you’re using an earlier version of Windows, you’ll need to use the Snipping Tool manually.
- You can edit the screenshot after pasting it into an image editor if you need to crop it or make other changes.
- Keep in mind that this method will only capture the content on the screen and not the frame of the monitor itself.
- If you’re using a laptop with an external monitor, you can still use this method to capture the screen of the external display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to capture all my monitors at once?
If you want to capture all your monitors at once, simply press the Print Screen key on your keyboard, and it will take a screenshot of your entire multi-monitor setup.
Can I use this method to capture a specific window on one monitor?
Yes, if you want to capture just one window, you can press Alt + Print Screen, which will capture the active window on the monitor it’s displayed on.
What if the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut doesn’t work?
If this shortcut doesn’t work, it could be because you’re using an older version of Windows or because the shortcut has been disabled in your system settings. You can still use the Snipping Tool manually to take your screenshot.
Can I save the screenshot directly as a file without pasting it into an image editor?
Yes, if you press the Windows key + Print Screen, your computer will save the screenshot as a file directly in your Pictures folder under the Screenshots subfolder.
How do I know which monitor is which in a multi-monitor setup?
You can identify the monitors in your setup by going to your computer’s display settings. There, you’ll typically see a visual layout of your screens, each labeled with a number.
Summary
- Identify the monitor you want to capture.
- Press the Windows key + Shift + S.
- Click and drag on the desired monitor.
- Paste the screenshot into an image editor or document.
Conclusion
Capturing a screenshot on one monitor in a multi-monitor setup doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the simple press of a few keys, you can select precisely what you want to share or save. Whether you’re creating a tutorial or just capturing something cool, knowing how to print screen on one monitor can come in quite handy. Go ahead, give it a try, and see how easy it is to master this useful skill. If you run into trouble or have more questions, don’t hesitate to dive deeper into the settings of your operating system or seek out more detailed guides on the subject. Happy screen capturing!