Pointless Computer Tricks: Simple Screenshots
Always works: ‘Print Screen’, open Paint, Paste, Save.
In more detail
Press ‘Print Screen‘ key. Sometimes labeled ‘prt scr’, ‘prt sc’, or something similar. Usually near the backspace, often to the right, but may be above, depending on make of keyboard.
Open Paint. Click icon, win + r type mspaint, or type paint into Cortana. Multiple ways to get the program up. Paint3D would technically work as well, but you’ll likely have an easier time with Paint (without the 3D).
Paste. Either using icon on toolbar or ctrl + v. Crop as needed.
Save image, entering a name. Again, icon or ctrl + s. Name the file something that makes sense to you. Put it somewhere you would expect to find it when you next look for it.
Potential simpler alternative
The above method should work on all versions of Windows. A single step method does exist on Windows 10: win + Print Screen. This will take a screenshot and drop the resulting image in the %userprofile%\Pictures\Screenshots folder. Depending on keyboard, may actually need to press the Function key as well (often labeled ‘Fn’).
Personally, I like the first method, as it grants greater flexibility. Can crop, rename, relocate, etc as fits the situation. Although there is something to be said about just hitting two keys and moving on.
Other operating systems
The basic steps would also work on Mac or Linux, but they would need to have a Paint equivalent installed. Current MacOS does not appear to have one built in, although Preview can be close enough. Linux varies by distro (distribution), some will have something already installed, others will need you to add a program.
Smartphones/tablets can also take screenshots, but the details vary. In general, a combination of pressing the buttons make a screenshot. Which buttons in which patterns does vary by phone. A quick search for ‘screenshot’ and your model should find something.
Not the most exciting bit of information, but useful to know at times.