Taking a screenshot on your Iphone or Samsung is surely a child’s play, but taking a screenshot on your Microsoft Surface Pro, well, it’s no mystery either! Yes, people do get fed up figuring out a way to take screenshots, but it’s really not that hard. Sure, almost everyone wants to take a screenshot of their zoom meetings, their emails, and their shopping wishlist. Almost everyone has asked themselves “How do I quickly capture what’s on my screen?”. If you’re one of them, then this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through every method I personally use from keyboard shortcuts to the powerful WPS Writer screenshot tool as well.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro With the Keyboard
Let’s first start with the oldest trick in the book, using your keyboard. Now, if you’ve got a Surface Pro with a Type Cover (or any external keyboard), this is probably the easiest and fastest method. No extra apps, no settings, just your fingers and a couple of keys.
I’ve used this method countless times when I needed to quickly capture a full-screenshot of my workspace, especially when I’m multitasking between documents and browser tabs. It’s great when you want to save a complete visual of your screen exactly as it is.
Method 1: Press “Windows + PrtScn” Keys
This method is perfect when you want a quick, full-screen snap without interrupting your flow. I use it all the time when I’m mid-research or working on a blog or watching a Youtube lecture and need to capture something before it disappears. It’s fast, clean, and saves directly, what more could you want?
Step 1: Locate the Windows key and PrtScn (Print Screen) key on your keyboard.
Step 2: Press both keys at the same time.
Step 3: Your screen will dim briefly, and the screenshot will be automatically saved to: Pictures > Screenshots.
This shortcut is my go-to when I need to capture the entire screen in one click. It’s reliable, instant, and doesn’t interrupt your workflow. The fact that it saves directly to your Pictures folder means you won’t need to paste or edit it right away, especially great for rapid capture.
If you're using a Type Cover or external keyboard, this is the fastest way to grab full-screen screenshots with zero fuss.
Method 2: Press “Windows + Shift + S”
This one’s my personal favorite when I need precision. Whether I’m capturing a small portion of a webpage, a specific error message, or just part of a document to share with a friend, this shortcut gives me total control over what I want to capture.
Step 1: Press and hold Windows + Shift + S.
Step 2: Choose your snip type from the small toolbar:
•Rectangular: Drag and select any part of the screen
•Freeform: Draw any shape to capture
•Window: Click a window to capture
•Fullscreen: Capture everything
Step 3: Your selection is copied to the clipboard. Open any app (like Paint, Word, or WPS Writer) and press Ctrl + V to paste.
This tool has become essential in my daily workflow. I use it most when I need to capture just a portion of my screen, like highlighting a slide during a webinar or grabbing part of a web page for research. It’s precise, and the instant copy to clipboard saves time if you’re compiling visuals in documents or chats.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro Using Physical Buttons
No keyboard? No problem. When I’m using my Surface Pro in tablet mode, brainstorming ideas or kicking back on the couch, this method becomes my go-to. It's just like taking a screenshot on your phone. Super convenient, especially when the keyboard is tucked away or not even connected.
Method 1: Volume Up + Power Button
Perhaps, this method is what makes the Surface Pro most relatable to our mobile phones. It's almost the same as taking a screenshot on a phone. I usually rely on it when my Surface is in tablet mode and I’m too lazy to attach the keyboard. Whether I’m reading an eBook or scrolling through notes, a quick press and flash, and screenshot saved. No software, no fuss.
Step 1: Hold the Surface like a tablet.
Step 2: Simultaneously press the Volume Up button (left side) and Power button (top edge).
Step 3: Release both when the screen flashes.
Step 4: Screenshot is saved in Pictures > Screenshots.
This method is incredibly convenient when using the Surface without a keyboard. It’s like taking a screenshot on a phone or iPad. No menus, no tools—just press and capture. I often use this in meetings when I’m browsing presentations or reviewing PDFs.
Tip: If you have trouble pressing both buttons exactly at once, try using your thumb and index finger, works best when holding the device vertically.
Method 2: Volume Down + Power Button
If you’re using an older Surface Pro, that’s still going strong, this is the screenshot shortcut you’ll want to use. It works almost the same way as Method 1, but with a slight twist in the button combo.
This method saved me plenty of times back when I was using a Surface Pro 4 for classes. Quick, reliable, and no keyboard needed. Just hold it vertically, press those two buttons, and you're good to go. It’s the kind of trick that once you learn, it becomes second nature.
Note: Some older Surface Pro models, like Surface Pro 3 or 4, use this combo.
Step 1: Press Volume Down + Power simultaneously.
Step 2: Wait for the screen to flash, this means your screenshot is captured.
Step 3: Check Pictures > Screenshots for your image.
On older models, this combo can feel finicky. Sometimes I’d accidentally lower the volume instead. But once you get the hang of it, it’s still a reliable way to screenshot if you don’t want to open any apps.
If the Volume Up method doesn’t work, try this instead, it’s likely just a model-specific shortcut.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro Using Surface Pen
Whether you’re sketching, annotating, or just navigating the screen, the pen isn't just for writing, it’s also a handy screenshot tool, especially if you’re someone who loves using the Surface Pen like I do. I find this method super useful during meetings or when reviewing PDFs.
Step 1: Double-click the top button on your Surface Pen.
Step 2: The screen will dim, and Snip & Sketch will automatically launch.
Step 3: Use the editor to annotate, crop, or highlight as needed. Then save or share.
This method feels futuristic and fun. It’s the quickest way to go from “see something” to “capture and share.” I use this when giving tech support, reviewing PDFs, or pointing out issues in a design or document.
Pro Tip: If double-clicking doesn’t work, check your Pen settings in Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink to make sure it’s set to open Snip & Sketch.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro with Snipping Tool
The classic Snipping Tool is, perhaps, the only Windows built tool that’s still going strong after all these years. It’s built right into Windows and honestly, it’s one of the most underrated screenshot tools on the Surface Pro. I reach for it when I need something a little more custom, like delayed captures or quick annotations before saving. Let me walk you through how to use it properly next.
Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool from the Start Menu or press Windows + Shift + S.
Step 2: Choose from Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Full Screen snip.
Step 3: After capture, use the editing toolbar to draw, crop, or highlight.
Step 4: Save the screenshot to your desired folder.
This is my go-to when I need to polish my screenshots, adding arrows, circles, or color annotations. If you’re writing documentation, blog content, or creating instructions (like this one), it helps to keep everything clear and professional, all on one page only.
Bonus: You can set a delay to capture drop-down menus or hover effects, which comes in handy for tutorials.
How to Screenshot on Surface Pro Using the WPS Writer Screenshot Tool
Step 1: Open WPS Writer, then go to the Insert tab.
Step 2: Click Screenshot and then select Screen Clipping to choose the area.
Step 3: The screenshot will be inserted directly into your document. Use built-in tools to annotate or resize it.
When I’m writing reports, creating tutorials, or making visual presentations, WPS Writer becomes my main tool. I can insert screenshots, annotate them, and keep everything in one document, no juggling between Snipping Tool and Word.
And since WPS Office is free and supports cloud storage, I can access my work from multiple devices without missing a beat. If you're doing anything remotely professional with screenshots, this is a powerful (and underrated) method.
FAQs
Q1: Where are screenshots saved on Surface Pro?
By default, they are saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder. You can also paste from clipboard into any app.
Q2: Can I edit screenshots after capturing them?
Yes. Snip & Sketch, WPS Writer, and Paint are great built-in tools for annotation, cropping, and markup.
Q3: Why isn’t my Surface Pen capturing screenshots?
Make sure Bluetooth is on, your Surface Pen is paired, and it's set to launch Snip & Sketch via the button in Pen settings.
Q4: Is WPS Writer free to use?
Yes. WPS Office offers a full-featured free version that includes screenshot tools, document editing, and PDF capabilities.
Summary
No need to overthink it, screenshotting on a Surface Pro is all about finding what fits your flow. Whether it’s a quick key shortcut, a pen tap, or the good old Snipping Tool, there’s a method for everyone. Personally, I love WPS Writer for it's all-in-one feel, but honestly, any of these can make your workflow smoother. Test them out and go with whatever clicks best for you.
