Taking screenshots on your Microsoft Surface device is easier than you might think. Whether you want to save an important conversation, capture a funny moment, or document an error message, the process is quick and simple. You can take a screenshot on your Surface by pressing the Windows logo + Volume down button, using Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut, or utilizing the Snipping Tool app.
Your Surface device offers several screenshot methods to fit different needs. The hardware button combination works great for capturing the entire screen, while the Snipping Tool gives more flexibility for selecting specific areas. Some newer Surface models even let you use your pen to draw around exactly what you want to capture.
Screenshots save automatically to your Pictures folder under a Screenshots subfolder, making them easy to find later. From there, you can edit them, share them with others, or paste them directly into documents and presentations without any additional software required.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Surface devices offer several easy ways to take screenshots, whether you’re using a keyboard, touchscreen, or Surface Pen. This guide covers all current methods, so you can capture your screen quickly no matter which Surface model you own.
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)
✅ Works on all Surface models with a keyboard attached
Press:
Windows (⊞) + Shift + S
What happens:
- The screen dims
- Snipping Tool opens
- Choose a capture type:
- Rectangular
- Freeform
- Window
- Full screen
📌 Screenshots are copied to your clipboard and can be saved manually.
Method 2: Full Screen Screenshot (Auto‑Saved)
✅ Best for instant full‑screen captures
Press:
Windows (⊞) + PrtScn
Result:
- Screen briefly dims
- Screenshot automatically saves to:
Pictures → Screenshots
⚠️ On some Surface keyboards, you may need:
Fn + Windows + Space
Method 3: Surface Hardware Buttons (Tablet Mode)
✅ Ideal when using Surface as a tablet
Steps:
- Press and hold Power
- Press Volume Up
- Release both
📸 The screenshot is saved automatically in:
Pictures → Screenshots
Works on:
- Surface Pro
- Surface Go
- Surface Laptop Studio (tablet mode)
Method 4: Snipping Tool App
✅ Best for precise or delayed screenshots
Steps:
- Open Snipping Tool
- Click New
- Choose capture type
- Screenshot opens in the editor
Features:
- Delayed captures
- Markup and annotations
- Easy sharing
Method 5: Surface Pen Screenshot
✅ For Surface Pen users
Options:
- Click top button once (default shortcut)
- Select the screen area to capture
You can customize this in:
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Pen & Windows Ink
Where Are Screenshots Saved?
| Method | Save Location |
|---|---|
| Windows + PrtScn | Pictures → Screenshots |
| Power + Volume Up | Pictures → Screenshots |
| Win + Shift + S | Clipboard |
| Snipping Tool | User‑selected |
Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues
Screenshot shortcut not working?
- Check Fn key settings
- Update keyboard drivers
- Restart Windows Explorer
Hardware buttons not responding?
- Make sure Surface is powered on
- Try holding buttons slightly longer
- Update Surface firmware
Best Method by Use Case
| Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Quick full screen | Windows + PrtScn |
| Select part of screen | Win + Shift + S |
| Tablet mode | Power + Volume Up |
| Markup & delay | Snipping Tool |
| Pen workflow | Surface Pen button |
Final Takeaway
Microsoft Surface devices give you multiple flexible ways to take screenshots—keyboard, touchscreen, or pen. For most users, Win + Shift + S is the fastest and most versatile option, while tablet users will love the Power + Volume Up shortcut.
Once you know these methods, capturing your Surface screen becomes effortless.
Key Takeaways
- Surface devices offer multiple screenshot methods including hardware buttons, keyboard shortcuts, and the Snipping Tool app.
- Screenshots can capture the entire screen or just specific parts depending on which technique you use.
- All screenshots are automatically saved to your Pictures folder for easy access and sharing.
Understanding Screenshots on Microsoft Surface Devices
Microsoft Surface devices offer several effective ways to capture screenshots, which are useful for saving information, sharing content, or documenting issues. These built-in tools make the process simple and provide different options depending on what you need to capture.
What Is a Screenshot?
A screenshot is a digital image that shows exactly what appears on your screen. Think of it as taking a photo of your computer display. On Microsoft Surface devices, screenshots are particularly useful for:
- Saving important information
- Documenting error messages
- Sharing something interesting you found online
- Creating tutorials or guides
Screenshots on Surface devices are saved automatically as image files, typically in PNG format. Most captures are stored in the Pictures > Screenshots folder by default, making them easy to find later.
Surface devices provide multiple methods for taking screenshots to suit different needs and preferences. The Windows logo key + PrtScn combination is a common approach, instantly capturing the entire screen.
Types of Screenshots
Surface devices support several types of screenshots to meet different needs:
Full Screen: Captures everything visible on your display. Use the Windows logo key + PrtScn shortcut for this type.
Active Window: Captures only the currently active program window. Press Alt + PrtScn to take this type of screenshot.
Rectangular Snip: Lets you select a custom portion of the screen. Use Windows + Shift + S to access this option through the Snipping Tool.
Window Snip: Similar to active window but with more control. The Snipping Tool allows you to select specific windows to capture.
Surface Pen users have additional options, like double-clicking the Pen button to quickly take screenshots.
Preparation and Requirements
Before taking screenshots on a Microsoft Surface device, understanding the compatible operating systems and required hardware specifications is essential. These requirements vary slightly based on your specific Surface model and Windows version.
Operating System Compatibility
Microsoft Surface devices support screenshot functionality across multiple Windows versions. Windows 10 offers the most comprehensive screenshot options, including the Snip & Sketch tool accessed via Win+Shift+S.
Windows 11 builds upon these features with enhanced screenshot capabilities and improved touch interface optimization. The screenshot functions work similarly to Windows 10 but with refined visual elements.
Windows 8.1, while older, still supports basic screenshot functions on Surface devices. Users can capture screens using the Windows logo + volume down button combination on most models.
Each operating system should be updated to the latest version to ensure all screenshot features function properly. Regular updates also provide security enhancements and bug fixes.
Hardware Specifications
The Microsoft Surface family includes various models with different hardware specifications that affect screenshot capabilities. The Surface Pro 4 and newer models feature dedicated hardware buttons that enable screenshots.
Physical Button Requirements:
- Power button (all Surface models)
- Volume buttons (all Surface models)
- Windows logo button (on tablet-style Surfaces)
Surface Pen users have additional screenshot options. Double-clicking the Surface Pen button captures a screenshot that can be immediately edited, a feature available on compatible Surface models.
Storage space is another consideration. Screenshots are automatically saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder and require minimal space individually, but can accumulate over time.
Methods to Take a Screenshot on a Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Surface devices offer several convenient ways to capture screenshots. Each method has its own advantages depending on what you need to capture and how you prefer to work with your device.
Using the Print Screen Key
The Print Screen (PrtScn) key offers a simple way to capture your entire screen. On Surface devices, this key is usually found on the top row of the keyboard.
When you press the PrtScn key, Windows captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard. You won’t see any visual confirmation when this happens.
To save the screenshot, open an app like Paint or Word and paste the image (Ctrl+V). You can then edit and save the file as needed.
For Surface models without an attached keyboard, you can press the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously to take a screenshot. The screen will briefly dim to indicate success.
Shortcut Keys Combination
Surface devices support several useful keyboard shortcuts for more flexible screenshot options.
Windows + Shift + S is particularly useful. This activates the Snipping Tool’s capture mode, allowing you to select just the portion of the screen you want to capture.
After pressing this combination, your screen dims and you can:
- Click and drag to select a rectangular area
- Choose different selection shapes from the small toolbar that appears
- Select a specific window by clicking on it
The captured image is copied to your clipboard and a notification appears. Click the notification to open the image in the Snipping Tool for editing.
Using the Surface Pen
If you have a Surface Pen, you can use it to take quick screenshots with added precision.
To set this up, go to Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink. Under “Click once,” select “Screen snip” from the dropdown menu.
Now, simply click the top button on your Surface Pen once to activate screen snipping. The screen will dim, and you can use your pen to draw around the area you want to capture.
This method is particularly useful for:
- Taking precise screenshots of specific content
- Annotating screenshots immediately
- Creating quick visual notes during meetings or presentations
The captured area is automatically copied to your clipboard for pasting into any application.
Utilizing the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows application specifically designed for taking screenshots with advanced options.
To open it:
- Type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar
- Click on the app in the search results
The tool offers several capture modes:
- Rectangular snip: Drag to select a rectangular area
- Free-form snip: Draw any shape to capture an irregular area
- Window snip: Select a specific window to capture
- Full-screen snip: Capture the entire screen
After capturing an image, you can use annotation tools like a pen, highlighter, and eraser to mark up your screenshot before saving or sharing it. This makes it perfect for creating instructions or highlighting important information.
Capturing Specific Parts of the Screen
Windows Surface devices offer several methods to capture only the parts of the screen you actually need. These targeted screenshot techniques help create cleaner images without unnecessary clutter.
Rectangular and Window Snips
The Windows Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch apps provide precise control over screenshot areas. To access these tools quickly, press Windows key + Shift + S to open the snipping menu at the top of your screen.
The rectangular snip allows you to draw a box around any area of your screen. Simply click and drag to select the exact portion you want to capture.
Window snip makes it easy to capture a specific application window. When you select this option, you can click on any open window to take a perfect screenshot of just that window with its borders.
After capturing a snip, it’s copied to your clipboard automatically. A notification also appears that lets you open, edit, and save the image.
Capture Screen with Surface Pen
Surface Pen owners have additional screenshot capabilities built right into their stylus. Double-click the top button on your Surface Pen to take a screenshot of a selected area.
After double-clicking the pen button, your screen will dim slightly. Use the pen to draw around the area you want to capture.
The selected area will automatically copy to your clipboard. You can then paste it into any app that accepts images.
For more control, you can customize the Surface Pen button functions in Windows Settings. Go to Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink to assign different screenshot actions to single-click, double-click, and press-and-hold gestures.
Managing and Sharing Screenshots
After capturing screenshots on your Surface device, knowing how to access, organize, and share them efficiently can save you time and streamline your workflow. These images are typically stored in specific locations, and you can automate this process for convenience.
Accessing the Screenshots Folder
Screenshots taken on your Microsoft Surface are automatically saved to your device’s Pictures folder. You can find them by navigating to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots. This folder contains all screenshots captured using the Windows + PrtScn method.
For screenshots taken using the Snipping Tool, you’ll need to manually save them. The tool allows you to annotate and edit before saving to your preferred location.
When you use Windows + Shift + S to capture a screenshot, it’s temporarily stored in the clipboard. You’ll need to paste it into an application like Paint or Word and save it manually.
To quickly access recent screenshots, press Windows + V to open the clipboard history. This displays recently copied items, including screenshots.
Saving Screenshots Automatically to OneDrive
Microsoft Surface devices can be configured to automatically save screenshots to OneDrive instead of the local Pictures folder. This provides cloud backup and easy access across devices.
To set this up, click on the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, select Settings (gear icon), and navigate to the Backup tab. Check the box for “Screenshots” under “Screenshots folder.”
Once enabled, all screenshots taken using Windows + PrtScn will be saved directly to OneDrive > Pictures > Screenshots folder. You can access these files from any device connected to your Microsoft account.
This feature is particularly useful for Surface devices when you need to transfer screenshots between your tablet and desktop without using cables or email attachments.
Editing and Enhancing Screenshots
After capturing a screenshot on your Microsoft Surface device, you can modify it to better communicate your message. The right editing tools help highlight important elements and create more professional-looking images.
Using Built-in Image Editors
Microsoft Surface devices come with several options for basic screenshot editing. The Snipping Tool not only captures screenshots but also provides simple editing features like highlighting, drawing, and adding text annotations to your images. These tools are perfect for quick edits without needing additional software.
When you take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool, it automatically opens in an editor where you can make immediate changes. Users can draw attention to specific areas using the pen or highlighter tools.
Paint is another built-in option for more detailed editing. It allows for cropping, resizing, and saving screenshots in different formats like PNG or GIF. These formats offer different advantages—PNG maintains quality while GIF works well for simple images with fewer colors.
Microsoft Office applications also have screenshot editing capabilities when you insert screenshots directly into documents or presentations.
Advanced Editing with Photoshop
For professional-quality editing, Adobe Photoshop provides comprehensive tools that go beyond basic modifications. Professionals often prefer Photoshop for its precise control over image quality and appearance.
Photoshop excels at:
- Layer-based editing – Stack multiple elements and adjust each independently
- Advanced color correction – Perfect the tone and appearance of your screenshots
- Object removal – Cleanly eliminate unwanted elements from images
- Text and graphic overlays – Add professional annotations and branded elements
When editing Surface screenshots in Photoshop, the recommended workflow includes opening the PNG file, creating adjustment layers for non-destructive editing, and using smart objects to maintain quality. This approach preserves the original screenshot data.
Zight and similar specialized screenshot tools offer middle-ground solutions between basic editors and Photoshop, providing intuitive interfaces with professional features like blur effects and automated highlighting.
Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues
Screenshot problems on Surface devices can be frustrating but are typically fixable with the right approach. Most issues stem from software conflicts, hardware button malfunctions, or incorrect settings.
Common Problems and Solutions
When the Windows key + PrtScn combination doesn’t work, first check if your screenshots are simply being saved to the default location at Pictures > Screenshots folder in File Explorer. This is where Windows automatically saves screenshots taken with this method.
For Surface Pro owners experiencing issues with the pen’s screenshot feature (double-clicking the top button), try these fixes:
- Make sure all Windows updates are installed
- Uninstall OneNote, restart your device, then reinstall OneNote
- Check Surface pen battery level
If the Surface physical buttons (Power + Volume Down) aren’t capturing screenshots, ensure you’re pressing both simultaneously and holding briefly.
The Game Bar offers another screenshot option by pressing Windows key + G to open it, then clicking the screenshot icon or using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Alt + PrtScn.
Background programs can sometimes interfere with screenshot functionality. Try closing unnecessary applications running in the background before attempting screenshots.
Alternative Screenshot Tools and Programs
While the Microsoft Surface comes with the built-in Snipping Tool, there are several other options that offer enhanced features for taking screenshots. These alternatives can provide more flexibility, editing capabilities, and sharing options than the default tools.
Third-Party Screenshot Applications
Greenshot stands out as one of the best screen capture tools available for Windows devices. It’s completely free, open-source, and has significantly improved documentation workflow for many office users.
Greenshot offers features like region selection, window capture, and full-screen screenshots. Users can easily annotate images with shapes, text, and highlighting. The program also allows direct saving to various formats or sending captures to programs like Word or Excel.
Another popular option is ShareX, which provides extensive capture methods including scrolling screenshots for capturing entire webpages. It offers robust editing tools and even screen recording capabilities.
LightShot is a lightweight alternative that’s known for its simplicity and quick sharing options.
Browser Extensions for Capturing Screenshots
For those who primarily need to capture screenshots within web browsers, extensions can be more convenient than standalone applications.
Chrome’s built-in screenshot tool allows for capturing entire webpages, including content that requires scrolling. This makes it ideal for saving long articles or documents as a single image.
FireShot is a popular extension available for multiple browsers that enables users to capture full pages or selections and edit them before saving or sharing.
Nimbus Screenshot is another versatile extension that supports annotations, screen recording, and cloud storage integration. It’s particularly useful for capturing dynamic HTML content that might be difficult to capture with standard tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking screenshots on Microsoft Surface devices can be done through several methods. These techniques vary slightly depending on the Surface model and whether you’re using a keyboard, pen, or touchscreen.
How can one capture a screenshot on a Surface Pro using the built-in keyboard shortcuts?
The simplest way to capture a screenshot on a Surface Pro is by pressing the Windows logo key + PrtScn buttons simultaneously. This captures the entire screen and automatically saves it to the Pictures > Screenshots folder in File Explorer.
For more selective captures, users can press Windows key + Shift + S to activate the Snipping Tool. This dims the screen and allows selection of a specific area to capture.
What methods are available for taking a screenshot on a Surface Pro without using a keyboard?
Surface Pen owners can use the pen button to take screenshots. The pen button settings can be configured in the Surface app or Windows Settings.
Another option is using the built-in Windows Snipping Tool app, which can be accessed from the Start menu. This allows users to capture screenshots without keyboard shortcuts.
Is there a way to take a screenshot on a Microsoft Surface laptop similar to how it’s done on Surface Pro devices?
Yes, Microsoft Surface laptops use the same screenshot methods as Surface Pro devices. The Windows logo key + PrtScn combination works identically on Surface laptops.
Surface laptops also support the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut to open the Snipping Tool for more precise screenshots.
What steps should be followed to take a screenshot on a Surface Pro 7 using the keyboard?
On a Surface Pro 7, press the Windows logo key + PrtScn buttons together. The screen will briefly dim to indicate the screenshot was captured.
To capture only a portion of the screen, press Windows key + Shift + S. Then use the mouse or touch to select the area to capture. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard and can be pasted into applications.
Are there any specific tools or applications recommended for taking screenshots on a Microsoft Surface device?
The built-in Windows Snipping Tool is highly recommended for Surface devices. It offers annotations, delayed captures, and different snipping modes.
For Surface Pen users, OneNote integration provides enhanced screenshot capabilities with immediate annotation options. Microsoft’s Snip & Sketch app is another excellent option built specifically for touchscreen devices.
How does the screenshot function work on different models of the Microsoft Surface, such as the latest Surface Pro 9?
The Surface Pro 9 supports all standard screenshot methods available on other Surface devices. The hardware buttons function identically with Windows key + PrtScn capturing the full screen.
Newer Surface models offer enhanced screen capture options through Windows 11, including improved Snipping Tool functionality and better touch gestures. The Surface Pro 9 also maintains compatibility with Surface Pen screenshot capabilities.
