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How to Screenshot on Microsoft Surface

Most Surface owners can snap a screenshot without touching the keyboard

By Matthew S. Smith Matthew S. Smith Writer Beloit College Matthew S. Smith has been writing about consumer tech since 2007. Formerly the Lead Editor at Digital Trends, he's also written for PC Mag, TechHive, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 12, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Microsoft Microsoft Apple Google Tablets Accessories & Hardware

What to Know

Most Surface devices take a screenshot if you press the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously.You can also take a screenshot using the Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut. This article covers how to take a screenshot on any Surface device in seconds.

Use Physical Buttons to Take Screenshot

Matthew S. Smith / Lifewire Most Surface devices have a button shortcut that takes a screenshot when activated. The shortcut varies by device. Surface Pro 4 and newer, all Surface Book models, all Surface Go models: Simultaneously press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button.Surface Pro 3 and earlier Pro models, original Surface, Surface RT: Simultaneously press and hold the Windows button below the tablet's display and the Volume Down button on the side of the device.Surface Duo smartphone: Simultaneously press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button. Surface Laptop and Surface Studio devices don't have a button shortcut for taking a screenshot. If successful, your Surface device should briefly dim or flash the display. You may see a notification letting you know it saved a screenshot. Surface devices running Windows will save the screenshot to the Screenshots folder, found in This PC\Pictures\Screenshots. You can also find this folder under C:\Users\YourUserName\Pictures\Screenshots. The Surface Duo, which runs Android, stores screenshots in a different location. You'll find them by opening the Photos app, then tapping Albums > Screenshots. The button shortcut can be troublesome because it uses buttons commonly assigned to another task, like putting the device into sleep mode or turning it off. It's important to hit both buttons at the same time. If you don't, the device will go into sleep mode or change the speaker's volume.

Use a Shortcut Using the Keyboard

Matthew S. Smith / Lifewire If you don't want to use a button shortcut or can't get it to work, you can use a Windows keyboard shortcut. The best option is Windows + Shift + S. This shortcut will work on all Surface devices running Windows 10 that have a keyboard. Sorry, Surface Duo owners. This method doesn't work with Android. Pressing this shortcut will launch an app called Snip & Sketch and prompt you to take a screenshot by dragging a rectangle around a portion of the screen with your mouse cursor or using the touchscreen. The screenshot will then open in the app, giving you a chance to preview it. Save the screenshot by selecting the floppy disk icon in the app's upper right-hand corner or using the Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut. Snip & Sketch has several alternative screenshot modes. It also includes basic image editing and markup tools. Read our guide to using Snip & Sketch if you want to master the app.

Use the Action Center

The Action Center is for Surface owners who don't want to use the button shortcuts or find them tricky yet also don't have a keyboard connected. Every Surface device running Windows 10 can use this method. Start by tapping the Action Center icon, which is on the far right-hand side of the taskbar. Action Center will open and take over the right third of your display. The lower half of the Action Center will display a grid of boxes that includes various device features and controls. Tap the box labeled Screen Snip, which opens the Snip & Sketch app. The app then prompts you to take a screenshot by tapping and dragging a rectangle around a portion of the touchscreen. A notification will then appear with a preview of the screenshot. Tap it to open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch. Save the screenshot by selecting the floppy disk icon in the upper right-hand corner of Snip & Sketch or using the Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut.

Even More Ways to Take a Screenshot on a Microsoft Surface Device

The three methods described are the most straightforward, and they work on all Surface devices running Windows 10 without installing extra software or familiarizing yourself with niche features. You can use other methods, however. Any screenshot shortcut, trick, or tool that works in Windows 10 will work on a Surface device, aside from the Surface Duo, which runs Android. Read Lifewire's guide to taking a screenshot in Windows and our guide to Snip & Sketch to become a screenshot guru. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Take a Screenshot on a Surface Pro How to Screenshot on an HP Laptop How to Take a Screenshot on a PC How to Screenshot on a Surface Laptop How to Screenshot on an Acer Laptop How to Screenshot On a Lenovo Laptop How to Screenshot on a Surface Pro 8 How to Screenshot on HP Envy The Best Windows Keyboard Shortcuts in 2022 How to Make a Screenshot in Windows and Mail It 16 Ways To Fix It When Print Screen Is Not Working in Windows Surface Pen Not Working? Here's How to Fix It How to Use the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10, 8, and 7 4 Ways to Take Screenshots on Windows 10 How to Take a Screenshot on LG Smartphones Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies