Capturing a screenshot of a video on Windows is useful for saving key moments, creating thumbnails, or sharing highlights. Windows offers multiple built-in tools and shortcuts to make this process easy, whether you’re watching a video in a media player, streaming online, or using third-party applications. Below are the best methods to take a screenshot of a video quickly and efficiently.
How to Take a Screenshot of a Video on Windows
You can take a screenshot of a video on Windows using several methods:
1] Using Windows Snipping Tool (Built-in)
- Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool.
- Select a screenshot mode (Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Full Screen).
- Drag to capture the desired area.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard, and you can save it using Paint or another image editor.
2] Using Print Screen (PrtScn)
- Press PrtScn to capture the entire screen.
- Open Paint or another image editor, press Ctrl + V to paste, and then save the image.
3] Using Snip & Sketch
- Open the video and pause at the desired frame.
- Press Windows + Shift + S to take a quick snip.
- Edit and save the screenshot from the Snip & Sketch notification.
4] Using VLC Media Player (If Playing in VLC)
- While playing the video, pause at the right moment.
- Press Shift + S (or Ctrl + Alt + S in older versions) to capture a screenshot.
- The image is saved in Pictures > VLC.
5] Using Xbox Game Bar (For Streaming Videos)
- Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.
- The screenshot is saved in Videos > Captures.
Why is my screenshot showing a black screen instead of the video?
Some media players and streaming services use hardware acceleration or DRM protection, which can block screenshots. Try disabling hardware acceleration in your media player settings or use a different method like Snipping Tool or VLC’s built-in screenshot feature.
Where are my VLC screenshots saved?
VLC saves screenshots in the default Pictures > VLC folder. If you can’t find them, check VLC’s settings under Tools > Preferences > Video and look for the screenshot directory. You can also specify a different save location if needed.
