How to Screenshot on Surface Pro

How to Screenshot on Surface Pro

Microsoft Surface Pro combines the functionality of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet, offering multiple ways to capture screenshots. Whether you're using it in laptop mode with the Type Cover or in tablet mode with touch and pen input, these methods will help you take perfect screenshots. These techniques work similarly to other Windows laptops like Dell, Acer, and ThinkPad devices.

Method 1: Windows + Volume Down (Tablet Mode)

The primary method for Surface Pro in tablet mode without keyboard attached. This method is similar to taking screenshots on Android tablets and iPads.

Steps:

1. Hold your Surface Pro in tablet mode (keyboard detached or folded back)
2. Press and hold the Windows button (below the screen) and Volume Down button simultaneously
3. Hold both buttons for about 1-2 seconds until the screen flashes
4. You'll hear a camera sound if system sounds are enabled
5. The screenshot is automatically saved to Pictures > Screenshots folder

?? Pro Tip: This method works on all Surface Pro models and is the most reliable for tablet mode usage.

Method 2: Print Screen with Type Cover

Traditional screenshot method when using Surface Pro with keyboard attached.

Steps:

1. Attach your Surface Type Cover or connect an external keyboard
2. Press the Print Screen key (may be labeled as 'PrtScn' or require Fn + PrtScn)
3. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard
4. Open Paint, Word, or any image editor and press Ctrl + V to paste
5. Save the file in your desired location and format

?? Pro Tip: On some Surface Type Covers, you may need to press Fn + PrtScn to activate the Print Screen function.

Method 3: Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch)

Capture specific areas with Windows 10/11's built-in snipping tool. This method works identically to standard Windows desktops and other Windows laptops.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S (works with or without keyboard)
2. Your screen will dim and a toolbar appears at the top
3. Choose: Rectangular snip, Freeform snip, Window snip, or Fullscreen snip
4. Select the area you want to capture by touching and dragging
5. The screenshot is copied to clipboard and a notification appears
6. Click the notification to edit in Snip & Sketch

?? Pro Tip: This method works great with touch input and offers the most editing options.

Method 4: Surface Pen Screenshot

Use the Surface Pen for quick screenshots and instant editing.

Steps:

1. Ensure your Surface Pen is paired and has battery
2. Double-click the top button of your Surface Pen
3. This opens the Screen Sketch app automatically
4. The current screen is captured and ready for annotation
5. Use the pen to draw, highlight, or add notes
6. Save your annotated screenshot using the save button

?? Pro Tip: You can customize the Surface Pen button actions in Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink.

Method 5: Touch Gestures (Windows 11)

Use touch gestures for screenshot capture on newer Surface Pro models.

Steps:

1. Ensure you're running Windows 11 on your Surface Pro
2. Use three fingers to swipe down from the top of the screen
3. This triggers the screenshot function
4. The screenshot is captured and saved automatically
5. A notification will appear confirming the capture

?? Pro Tip: This gesture may need to be enabled in Settings > Devices > Touch and may not be available on all Surface Pro models.

Method 6: Voice Commands with Cortana

Hands-free screenshot capture using voice commands.

Steps:

1. Ensure Cortana is enabled and microphone permissions are granted
2. Say 'Hey Cortana' to activate voice assistant
3. Say 'Take a screenshot' or 'Capture my screen'
4. Cortana will capture the current screen
5. The screenshot will be saved to your default Pictures folder

?? Pro Tip: This method is particularly useful when your hands are occupied or when demonstrating something on screen.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Windows + Volume Down not working

Solution: Make sure you're pressing the physical Windows button below the screen, not the Windows key on the keyboard. Check if your Surface Pro has sufficient battery. Try holding the buttons for a full 2 seconds. Restart your Surface Pro if the issue persists.

Surface Pen double-click not opening Screen Sketch

Solution: Check if your Surface Pen is properly paired in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth. Replace the pen battery if it's low. Verify the pen button is set to 'Open Screen Sketch' in Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink. Try re-pairing the pen.

Screenshots not saving in tablet mode

Solution: Check available storage space on your Surface Pro. Ensure the Pictures folder exists and has write permissions. Try using an alternative method like Snip & Sketch. Check if OneDrive sync is interfering with local saves.

Type Cover Print Screen key not responding

Solution: Try Fn + PrtScn instead of just PrtScn. Check if the Type Cover is properly connected and recognized. Update Surface and Type Cover drivers through Windows Update. Try detaching and reattaching the Type Cover.

Touch gestures not working for screenshots

Solution: Ensure you're running Windows 11 and touch gestures are enabled in Settings. Calibrate your touch screen in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings. Clean the screen surface for better touch recognition.

Conclusion

Surface Pro's versatile design offers the most comprehensive screenshot options of any Windows device, combining traditional laptop methods with modern tablet and pen input. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, touch gestures, or pen input, Surface Pro adapts to your workflow. For users with other Windows devices, check out our guides for Dell laptops, Acer laptops, ThinkPad, or standard Windows desktops. After capturing screenshots, explore our tools for editing, converting to different formats, or learn about organizing screenshots automatically and changing screenshot save locations.