How to Screenshot on Surface Book 2: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Whether you’re capturing a stunning visual, documenting a work in progress, or simply sharing a funny meme, the ability to take a screenshot is an essential skill for any Surface Book 2 user. But with its unique design and blend of tablet and laptop features, the Surface Book 2 might leave you wondering how to capture those perfect screen grabs.
Fear not! This guide will walk you through the various methods for taking screenshots on your Surface Book 2, ensuring you never miss a moment.

The Classic Keyboard Shortcut: A Quick and Easy Method

For those who prefer the tried and true, the keyboard shortcut method remains a reliable and efficient way to capture your screen. Simply press the Windows key + Print Screen key simultaneously. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to your “Pictures” folder under a “Screenshots” subfolder.

The Snipping Tool: Your Go-To for Customized Captures

For more precise control over your screenshots, the Snipping Tool is your best friend. This built-in Windows tool allows you to select the exact area of your screen you want to capture.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Snipping Tool: You can find it by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar.
2. Choose your Snip Type: The Snipping Tool offers four snip types:

• Free-form Snip: Draw any shape you like to capture a specific area.
• Rectangular Snip: Capture a rectangular section of the screen.
• Window Snip: Capture the active window on your screen.
• Full-screen Snip: Capture your entire screen.

3. Take Your Snip: Once you’ve selected your snip type, click “New” and use your mouse to select the area you want to capture.
4. Save Your Snip: After capturing your snip, you can save it to your computer or share it directly.

The Surface Pen: A Touch-Friendly Approach

If you’re using your Surface Book 2 in tablet mode, the Surface Pen provides a convenient and intuitive way to take screenshots.
1. Press the Button: Simply press the button on the side of your Surface Pen while hovering over the screen.
2. Select Your Area: A dotted line will appear, allowing you to select the area you want to capture.
3. Release the Button: Once you’ve selected your area, release the button to take the screenshot.

The Windows Ink Workspace: For Creative Captures

The Windows Ink Workspace is a hidden gem for those who want to add a personal touch to their screenshots. This feature allows you to take screenshots and then annotate them directly using the Surface Pen.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Windows Ink Workspace: You can find it by clicking the pen icon in the taskbar or by pressing **Windows key ++ W**.
2. Take a Screenshot: Use any of the methods mentioned above to take a screenshot.
3. Annotate Your Screenshot: The screenshot will appear in the Windows Ink Workspace. You can then use the Surface Pen to draw, write, or highlight on the screenshot.
4. Save Your Annotations: Once you’re done annotating, you can save your screenshot with the added annotations.

Third-Party Apps: Exploring Beyond the Basics

While Windows offers a range of built-in tools for taking screenshots, third-party apps provide even more flexibility and features.
Here are a few popular options:

• Lightshot: This free app allows you to capture any area of your screen, quickly upload it to the web, and share it with others.
• Snagit: This powerful tool offers a wide range of features, including screen recording, image editing, and annotation.
• ShareX: This open-source app provides a plethora of options for capturing, editing, and sharing screenshots.

Beyond the Basics: Tips and Tricks

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of taking screenshots on your Surface Book 2, let’s explore some advanced tips and tricks to elevate your screenshot game:

• Use the Alt + Print Screen Shortcut: This shortcut allows you to capture only the active window on your screen, which can be helpful for taking screenshots of specific applications.
• Take Screenshots of Multiple Monitors: If you’re using a multi-monitor setup, you can use the Windows key + Print Screen shortcut to capture all your monitors at once.
• Use the Snipping Tool for Delayed Snaps: The Snipping Tool allows you to set a delay before capturing your snip. This can be useful for taking screenshots of windows that might take a few moments to load.
• Explore the Surface Pen’s Features: The Surface Pen offers a range of features beyond taking simple screenshots. You can use it to draw, write, and even erase parts of your screenshots.

A Farewell to the Familiar: Saying Goodbye to Traditional Screenshots

As you’ve discovered, taking screenshots on your Surface Book 2 is a breeze. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the Snipping Tool, the Surface Pen, or third-party apps, there’s a method for every need and preference.
By embracing the power of these tools, you’ll be able to capture and share your digital experiences with ease, ensuring that no memorable moment goes undocumented.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I take screenshots of videos playing on my Surface Book 2?
A: While you can’t directly capture a video frame with the standard screenshot methods, you can use the Snipping Tool‘s delay feature to capture a still image of a video playing.
Q: How do I edit my screenshots after taking them?
A: You can use the built-in Windows Photos app or download a dedicated image editor like Paint.NET or GIMP.
Q: Where are my screenshots saved?
A: By default, they are saved in your “Pictures” folder under a “Screenshots” subfolder. You can change this location in the Snipping Tool settings.
Q: Can I take screenshots of specific areas of my screen without using the Snipping Tool?
A: Yes, you can use the “Windows key + Shift + S” shortcut to select a specific area of your screen. However, this option does not allow you to save the screenshot directly. You’ll need to paste it into an application like Paint or a text editor.