If you have multiple monitors connected to your computer, you may have noticed that when you press the print screen button, it captures the entire desktop, including all of your monitors. This can be frustrating if you only want to capture one monitor, especially if you have sensitive information on your other screens. In this article, we will discuss how to make print screen only capture one monitor, so you can easily take screenshots without worrying about what’s on your other screens.
Why Do I Need to Capture Only One Monitor?
There are several reasons why you may want to capture only one monitor instead of the entire desktop. For example, you may have sensitive information on your other screens that you don’t want to be included in the screenshot. Or, you may have a multi-monitor setup for productivity purposes, and you only want to capture the work you have on one screen.
Whatever the reason may be, it can be frustrating to have to crop or edit your screenshot every time you want to capture only one monitor. That’s why it’s important to know how to make print screen only capture one monitor.
How to Make Print Screen Only Capture One Monitor
Using Print Screen Shortcuts
The easiest way to make print screen only capture one monitor is by using print screen shortcuts. These shortcuts allow you to capture only the active window or the entire desktop, depending on which key you press.
To capture only the active window, press the “Alt” and “Print Screen” keys at the same time. This will take a screenshot of the window that is currently in focus, which is the window that you are currently using or have selected.
To capture the entire desktop, press the “Print Screen” key. This will take a screenshot of all of your monitors, just like the regular print screen function.
Using Snipping Tool
Another way to make print screen only capture one monitor is by using the Snipping Tool. This is a built-in tool in Windows that allows you to take screenshots of specific areas on your screen.
To use the Snipping Tool, follow these steps:
- Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Windows search bar or by going to “Start > All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool.”
- Click on “New” in the Snipping Tool window.
- Use your mouse to select the area of the screen that you want to capture. This can be a specific window or a portion of the screen.
- Once you have selected the area, release your mouse to take the screenshot.
- The screenshot will open in the Snipping Tool window, where you can save it or make any necessary edits.
Using Third-Party Software
If you want more advanced options for taking screenshots, you can also use third-party software. There are many options available, both free and paid, that offer more features and customization options than the built-in print screen function.
Some popular options include Lightshot, Greenshot, and Snagit. These tools allow you to capture specific areas of your screen, add annotations and effects, and even record your screen.
How to Change the Default Print Screen Function
If you prefer to use the regular print screen function but want it to only capture one monitor, you can change the default settings in Windows. This will make it so that every time you press the print screen button, it will only capture the active window.
To change the default print screen function, follow these steps:
- Open the “Settings” app by clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu or by pressing “Windows + I” on your keyboard.
- Click on “Ease of Access” in the Settings menu.
- In the left sidebar, click on “Keyboard.”
- Scroll down to the “Print Screen shortcut” section and toggle on the option that says “Use the PrtScn button to open screen snipping.”
- Close the Settings app and try pressing the print screen button. It should now only capture the active window.
How to Capture a Specific Monitor
If you have multiple monitors and want to capture a specific one, you can do so by using the Windows + Shift + S shortcut. This will open the Snipping Tool and allow you to select the area of the screen that you want to capture.
To capture a specific monitor using this shortcut, follow these steps:
- Press “Windows + Shift + S” on your keyboard.
- Use your mouse to select the area of the screen that you want to capture. This can be a specific window or a portion of the screen.
- Once you have selected the area, release your mouse to take the screenshot.
- The screenshot will be saved to your clipboard, and you can paste it into any program or document.
Conclusion
Capturing only one monitor instead of the entire desktop can save you time and hassle, especially if you have sensitive information on your other screens. By using print screen shortcuts, the Snipping Tool, or third-party software, you can easily take screenshots of specific areas on your screen. You can also change the default print screen function to only capture the active window. And if you have multiple monitors, you can use the Windows + Shift + S shortcut to capture a specific one. With these tips, you can make print screen only capture one monitor and streamline your screenshot process.
