The highlighted software runs the gamut from simple, free apps included with your PC's operating system to premium, third-party utilities that add deep mark-up capabilities, GIF creation, and optical character recognition (OCR) tech. This article, on the other hand, covers both still-image and video/screen-animation capture. Alternatively, check out How To Take Screenshots on a Mac or on any other device. If you're a Windows user ready to upgrade, learn How to Take Screenshots in Windows 11. Our How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10 feature highlights that pair, plus the other available options (though Windows' offerings don't focus on screen recording).

There are even two free ones bundled into Windows 10. The screen-capture field comprises standalone apps, as well as tools built into more robust packages. You'll need the power and flexibility that screen-capture utilities provide. Unfortunately, Windows' old PrtScn capture-to-Clipboard key has limited use, even when paired with Paint or Paint 3D for image-editing purposes. It could be for an important investor meeting. You're going to need to capture an image on your monitor at some point in your life. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.

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