Taking a screenshot of just one monitor in a multi-monitor setup on Windows 10 can be helpful when you want to capture specific content without including everything on your other screens.
This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step instructions to capture only the monitor you want.
No special software is required, and the process uses built-in Windows tools.
By following these steps, you’ll easily save exactly what you need from your screen.
Quick Note Before You Start
Make sure all the content you want to capture is visible on the monitor you want to screenshot.
Check that your monitors are correctly set up and identified in Windows settings to avoid confusion.
Understanding which monitor is labeled as 1, 2, or more will help you target the right screen.
Also, ensure your keyboard is working properly for shortcut keys used in the steps below.
How to Screenshot One Monitor on Windows 10
Step 1: Identify Your Monitor Number
First, you need to know which monitor you want to capture. To do this:
- Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
- In the Display settings window, look at the diagram showing numbered screens.
- Click Identify to display numbers on each physical screen.
This step is important because Windows assigns numbers to monitors, and your screenshot will target the active one.
Step 2: Select the Monitor to Screenshot
Now, click anywhere on the desktop or an open window on the monitor you want to capture to make it active.
Windows will take screenshots of the active monitor when you use certain shortcuts, so this step ensures you capture the correct screen.
Step 3: Use the Keyboard Shortcut for the Active Monitor
Press Alt + PrtScn (Print Screen key) on your keyboard.
PrtScnis usually located on the top row near the function keys.- Pressing
Alt + PrtScncaptures only the active window, which works well if you want to screenshot a specific application on the monitor.
If you want to capture the entire monitor (including the desktop and all windows), instead of just the active window, press Windows key + Shift + S.
This will open the Snip & Sketch tool with several options.
Step 4: Capture the Full Monitor Using Snip & Sketch
After pressing Windows + Shift + S, the screen will dim, and a small toolbar appears at the top.
- Select the Rectangular Snip tool (usually the default).
- On the monitor you want to capture, click and drag to select the entire screen area.
- Release the mouse button to capture the selected area.
The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard and a notification will pop up.
Click the notification to open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch, where you can edit or save it.
Step 5: Save Your Screenshot
Once the screenshot opens in Snip & Sketch, click the Save icon (floppy disk) or press Ctrl + S.
Choose the location and file name, then click Save.
Congratulations! You have now successfully captured a screenshot of one monitor.
Alternative Method: Using the Snipping Tool
Windows 10 also includes the classic Snipping Tool, which lets you manually select any area, including one monitor.
- Open the Snipping Tool by typing “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu search.
- Click New.
- Use your mouse to drag a rectangle over the monitor you want to capture.
- Save the snip by clicking File > Save As.
This method is straightforward but requires manually selecting the monitor area.
FAQs
Can I screenshot just one monitor with the Print Screen key alone?
No, pressing the PrtScn key alone captures all monitors combined into one image. To capture only one monitor, use shortcuts like Alt + PrtScn for the active window or Windows + Shift + S to select an area.
Why does my screenshot include both monitors?
This happens when you press the standard PrtScn key, which by default grabs the entire desktop spanning all monitors.
How can I capture the entire screen of one monitor automatically?
Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in shortcut for capturing an entire single monitor automatically without selection. Using Windows + Shift + S and dragging to select the monitor is the easiest way.
Is there third-party software that can capture one monitor easily?
Yes, tools like Greenshot, Lightshot, or ShareX offer more options and can capture single monitors automatically.
Why is the Print Screen key not working?
Check if your keyboard has a function (Fn) key that needs to be pressed along with PrtScn. Also, ensure no other software is intercepting the key.
When Nothing Works
If you still cannot capture a single monitor screenshot, try restarting your computer to fix temporary glitches.
Check for Windows updates, as sometimes missing updates affect screenshot functionality.
Visit the official Microsoft support page for troubleshooting: Microsoft Screenshot Support.
Consider using dedicated screenshot software if built-in tools don’t meet your needs.
Conclusion
Capturing a screenshot of just one monitor in Windows 10 is simple when you know the right steps.
Start by identifying and selecting the correct monitor, then use keyboard shortcuts like Alt + PrtScn or Windows + Shift + S to capture the screen.
Saving your images is easy with Snip & Sketch or the Snipping Tool.
With these methods, you can quickly grab exactly what you need without extra clutter from other monitors.