How to Take Screenshot on Any HP Laptop or Desktop Computer

In today’s world, computers are the crux of many occupations. They are used to perform multiple functions during the day. Some of these include compiling important documents, dealing with faults, and many other functions. It is no wonder screenshots are one of the most helpful tools we have. So, what is a screenshot and how do I take one?

There are various ways to take a screenshot on an HP laptop or desktop computer, from using the Printscreen key on the keyboard to using a screenshot app. Regardless of the device, users can choose a method that is best suited to them.

In this article, I will explore the different ways that you can take a screenshot on your HP laptop or desktop computer.

I’ll provide a how-to guide on how to take a screenshot without using the PrintScreen button, how to take a screenshot on various HP devices, where the screenshots are saved and can be found, and finally, the best way to sort screenshots.

How to Take a Screenshot on HP Laptop Without Printscreen Button

As I mentioned earlier, the Printscreen button is the most commonly used method to take a screenshot.

However, there are alternative ways that users can take a screenshot on their HP laptop without using the Printscreen button. I will discuss these here.

Sometimes users do not want to capture their entire screen in the shot. This could be for multiple reasons.

Perhaps there is some sensitive information that should be left out, the user wants the screenshot to be graphically appealing so they want to leave out things like the taskbar or they want to snip something very specific.

In this instance, the snipping tool is the best bet. It allows users to select only a certain area or part of their screen. Whereas the Printscreen button captures the entire screen and any alterations would have to be done in a separate app like a photo editing app or Paint.

To use the snipping tool on HP to do screenshots users can follow these steps. First, press the Windows key + Shift + S at the same time. An options menu will pop up with snipping tools.

The first tool is called rectangular snip that allows you to move your cursor over the screen and select an area you want to snap. The tool to the right is the freeform snipping tool that allows users to draw around the desired area to snapshot.

Window snip and full snip allow users to take a screenshot of an active window, larger areas of the screen, or of the entire screen.

Most users have to save their screenshots manually. To do this, go to a photo or image editing app like paint, select Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot, then save it as an image file such as JPG or PNG.

How to Take Screenshot on HP Pavilion

Taking a screenshot is the same for most computers that exist today. With the HP Pavilion, the easiest way to take a screenshot is by using the Printscreen button. The process is like the method I explained earlier.

When users have the screen they wish to capture open, they can go ahead and press the Printscreen button which copies the image to the computer’s clipboard. The clipboard is like a space that holds onto the latest thing you have copied on your computer.

This means it is not automatically saved. To access it users need to open an app that allows image editing. I’ll provide some methods here. The method users choose depends on where they need to save the image, how they want to use the snap, or for what purpose.

For example, one might take a screenshot to add into a PowerPoint presentation, MS Word document, an email, or an Excel spreadsheet. They would then copy and paste or use the Ctrl + V shortcut to paste the captured screenshot from the clipboard.

If the user needs to edit the screenshot or simply wants to save the image to send it as an image file then they would use an image editing tool. HP Pavilion comes with tools such as Paint, the snipping tool, or apps like PhotoShop.

For Paint, users simply open the app, paste the image in the app, use the cropping tool to select the area they want to include in the image, select crop.

To save the screenshot as an image file, users simply go to file and save or save as, select the image file they want and save the snap to their desired folder on their PC.

How to Screenshot on HP Windows 10

There are a few simple ways to take a screenshot on HP Windows 10.

When it comes to snipping an image of the screen with Windows 10, users can choose a method based on their needs or preferences. I will discuss some of the in-build and external apps or methods that can capture screens.

The first method is to take a screenshot using the Snip & Sketch tool. I discussed this tool earlier and mentioned that it can be accessed using the Windows button + Shift + S shortcut to snip and save the desired shot.

It can also be accessed by searching for the app in the search bar in Menu. Alternatively, users who frequently access the Snip & Sketch tool to take screenshots can add the app to their taskbar.

This can be done by dragging the icon to the taskbar and selecting the pin to taskbar option.

Again, the screenshot will be added to the clipboard. Once users take the snap, an image will show in the notifications for a short period of time.

Users can open it by clicking on the image that pops up. Alternatively, users can click on the notifications icon and find it there where they can save it to their PC.

To automatically capture the screen and save it automatically, users can press the Windows key and Printscreen. Screenshots are saved in the Pictures file under a folder named Screenshots. Users can access it under the Screenshots folder.

Another function Windows users might be interested in is taking a screenshot of an active window. Users can do this easily by pressing the Alt button + Printscreen button.

This will copy the screenshot of the active window in the clipboard. Users can then paste it into an image editor and save it.

How to Take a Screenshot on HP Chromebook

An HP Chromebook is a device that works with Chrome OS rather than Windows or macOS. It is perfect for users who only need access to Google apps and Android apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and more.

Since it uses a different operating system, taking a screenshot is different. Chromebook users are probably familiar with the “Show Windows Key” which is the sixth key on the top row. The icon looks like a computer screen with two lines on the right.

How to Capture the Full Screen

To take a screenshot that captures the full-screen press Ctrl + Show Windows. After the screenshot is taken, a small window displays on the bottom right of the screen. It shows a preview of the screenshot taken.

Users can click on the preview to open the file. If the screenshot only needs to be accessed at a later stage, then users can open the files folder on the Chromebook.

They can easily access this folder by clicking on the file’s icon which is blue and has a white folder image.

How to Capture a Partial Screen

Sometimes it will be unnecessary to capture the full screen or users want to exclude information in their screenshot. Chromebook users can capture a partial screen by following these steps. First, press Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows.

The cursor will convert to a cross-hair. Users should drag the crosshair cursor from a corner starting point until the area they want to capture is selected. This is done by holding the touchpad or the mouse button in.

Once the area is selected and the user releases the mouse button or touchpad, the screenshot is saved. These can be accessed the same way as full-screen screenshots.

How to Edit a Screenshot

I’ve discussed how to edit a screenshot using laptops or PCs by using an image editing app. To edit a screenshot using a Chromebook users can follow these steps. Open the captured screen in the files folder.

This is found under images or downloads. Open the screenshot using the Gallery app. It will display a row of tools at the top. Users can use these tools to crop and rotate, rescale and adjust the lighting.

Users can then save the new image or make a copy and save if they want to retain the original screenshot too.

How to Take a Screenshot on HP Elitebook

HP Elitebooks are built with the business power-user in mind; this series of notebooks performs as well at home as it does in the workplace Since HP Elitebook is a laptop, taking a screenshot would be the same as taking one on a desktop computer.

When it comes to the HP Elitebook, users can take a screenshot by using the Printscreen button. When users have the screen they wish to capture open, they can go ahead and press the Printscreen button to copy the screenshot to the clipboard.

Again, if the user needs to edit the screenshot or simply wants to save the image to send it as an image file then they would use an image editing tool. Finally, make sure to save the edited screenshot.

Since HP Elitebooks are the cream of the crop, they are used by individuals who need a device to manage multiple tasks and functions. Additionally, it is likely that these users could do with a screenshot app with more comprehensive features. ShareX is a perfect choice.

ShareX is an open-source program that offers screenshot features. These include tools for capturing screen images using a number of ways, including region, full-screen, web page, active window, active monitor, text, and more. It also supports file uploads to 80 destinations.

To do a screenshot using this app, users should open the app once it has been installed. Select Capture from the menu. Then select the screenshot option they want. To capture a full screen select the full-screen option.

Once captured, the screenshot will show up in the bottom right corner of the screen as a preview. Users can click on it to open it where it has been saved.

How to Screenshot on HP Laptop Windows 8

Users who have an HP laptop with a Windows 8 operating system can easily take a screenshot. That’s because Microsoft has provided a built-in screenshot solution. I will walk you through the steps on how to use this function.

Users should press the Windows key and the Printscreen button simultaneously. This will copy the screenshot to the clipboard, temporary storage on the computer. Users should use an image editor to paste the screenshot. They can either edit and save it or just save it if they don’t want a partial view.

To access the screenshot users can press the Windows key and “E” on the keyboard. This will open up the quick access function. Users can then navigate to the pictures icon on the left where the screenshots folder can be found.

To take a partial screenshot, users can use the Snipping Tool. To access it, users need to go to the menu and search for the Snipping Tool, right-click on the Snipping Tool icon and say Open file location.

Users should then click on the Snipping Tool shortcut. A window will open, users can select mode to choose the tool they need. For a partial screen, the best would be the Rectangular Snip then click the Try Snip & Sketch button.

Another window will open, select new, and then use the crosshair cursor to select the portion of the screen that you want to capture. The screenshot will be copied to the window where users can either edit and save or simply just save their partial screenshot.

How to Take Screenshot on HP Elite x2

Taking a screenshot with the HP Elite x2 is a little different from taking one using a laptop or PC. That’s because this device is a tablet. It comes with an 11.60-inch display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels.

Nevertheless, it is possible to take screenshots. I will explain how to do it here. It may sound complicated at first to get it right but it is simple. Users should press the Volume Up button and the Power button for a few seconds at the same time.

The screenshots can be accessed by going to Photos and then selecting screenshots.

Where Are the Screenshots Stored on HP Laptops or Desktop Computers

As I have mentioned a few times during this article, screenshots are usually copied to the clipboard. In some instances, users have to open an image editing app to save or edit the screenshot. Some devices automatically save screenshots in a folder under Pictures and are easily accessible.

There are drives that HP or Windows users can use to automatically save and backup screenshots.

For some users, this may be an important and necessary function. Their work might be sensitive in nature or their job requires taking screenshots regularly. Whatever the reason is, I will talk about a few of the most useful ones here.

How to Store Screenshots on OneDrive

Let’s start with OneDrive. It is an internet-based storage platform for anyone who has a Microsoft account. Users can log in to OneDrive with their Microsoft account to activate it. I will discuss how to set your screenshots to save automatically to OneDrive.

Users need to right-click the OneDrive icon. This will either be on their taskbar or can be accessed by selecting File Explorer from the menu. Right-click on the OneDrive folder and select settings. Then select the Backup tab.

Select screenshots and tick the box that allows you to automatically save captured screenshots to OneDrive. Make sure to click OK. To send screenshots straight to OneDrive users can use Alt + PrntScr keys.

Users can access the screenshots saved in OneDrive through the web or by accessing the screenshots folder. Users can do this by going to the File Explorer, select Pictures, and go to the Screenshots folder.

How to Store Screenshots on Dropbox

It is also possible for screenshots to be saved on Dropbox. Users can enable settings that save snaps to Dropbox automatically and here’s how. First, Windows users need to download the Dropbox app to their computer.

Open Dropbox desktop app preferences, select the Backups tab, and click the box that says save screenshots and screen recordings to your Dropbox.

Users can access these screenshots on their Dropbox app or by logging into Dropbox on the web.

How to Find Screenshots

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to find a screenshot urgently but it becomes time-consuming and impossible. This might happen if an individual takes multiple and frequent screenshots and these are not sorted in a way that they can easily find.

With Windows, screenshots are generally stored according to their dates and times captured. It is also set to start from the oldest to the more recent dates. Usually, the screenshots’ names are the date that they were taken.

Users can sort these according to their preference. I will talk about these options here. Screenshots can be sorted according to Name, Status, Date, Type, Size, Tags Date created, Date modified, Date taken, Dimensions or Rating.

To select the preferred filter go to the screenshots folder in the Pictures file. On the top of the menu select the View tab. Click on the down arrow on the Sort by icon. The options will show on a drop-down menu.

Sorting preference depends on what the screenshots are for and can also be changed in each situation to help the user find it easier. They can also select ascending or descending. I will give some examples.

If names are a priority then the user is likely to rename their screenshots. They could sort these by name and then ascending or descending to sort them alphabetically. There are also more advanced categories to sort screenshots.

These can be accessed by selecting the Sort by icon and choosing the choose columns option. A long list of comprehensive ways to sort by will come up. Users can browse these for more industry-specific sorters.

Conclusion

It is easy to capture, edit, save, and share screens with the latest software. This can also be done using a variety of methods, most of which I have covered here.

It may take some time at first but once users familiarize themselves with a method that works well, taking screenshots becomes second nature.