The 7 Best Free Windows 10 Screenshot Tools

Taking a screenshot on Windows 10 can be a bit frustrating. Granted, there are a few tricks you can use…

For example, you can press the Print Screen key and the Windows key which will save a screenshot directly to your Pictures folder. That’s nice, but when it comes to how to edit and annotate a screenshot, you’re on your own. Your other option is the Windows 10 Snipping Tool which is simple but, sometimes, too basic.

There’s got to be more to PC screen capturing than that, right?

Right. Actually, there is such an abundance of Windows 10 screenshot tools that you can easily feel overwhelmed when you try to pick just one. To help you save time, we’ve rounded up the top 7 print screen software (free and easy).

And, if you’re too busy to read a top 7, you can watch our top 3 video below.

1. Screenrec

Overview

If you’re looking for a way to take an instant screenshot on Windows, you’ll love ScreenRec. Besides being the easiest and fastest screenshot program on this list, ScreenRec is actually full-featured free screen capture software. This means that you can also use it to record your PC screen.

Why It’s Awesome

There is a single hotkey to remember (Alt + S) to either screengrab or record and you can add annotations to your screenshots with a few mouse clicks.

But what’s best about ScreenRec is the ability to share your screen captures instantly and securely (via private URL). As soon as you’re done taking a screenshot or recording your desktop, a sharing link is copied to your clipboard. You can paste it in an email, a private message or wherever you like.

Press Alt + S -> Capture -> Grab sharing link. Screenrec is as simple as that.

Who’s It For

Anyone can benefit from using ScreenRec. Yet, business people stand to gain a lot in productivity when implementing ScreenRec into their daily routine. They can send video email, create tutorial videos, record Skype/Zoom meetings.

Tutorial

2. Windows Snipping Tool

Overview

We know. We said we’d venture beyond the Windows Snipping Tool, but Microsoft has made some changes to the built-in screenshot utility that are worth mentioning. If you want to avoid this program at all costs, continue reading or check out our list of Snipping tool alternatives

Windows Screenshot Utility - Snip And Sketch

Why It’s Awesome

In the October 2018 update, Snip & Sketch replaced the Windows Snipping Tool which came with previous versions of Windows. The keyboard shortcut is Windows + Shift + S.

The annotation options in Snip & Sketch include more colors, writing tools, and even a ruler and a protractor. Another plus is that you can use Snip & Sketch on a Windows 10 tablet. Actually, it’s somewhat easier to use Snip & Sketch on a tablet than on a PC because it’s optimized for doodling rather than annotating with a mouse. But, if you need more editing options, you can open the snip in another app.

Who’s It For

Immediate sharing is still a pain in the butt, so we wouldn’t recommend this screenshot program for those who need easy and secure access to their captures. But, if you’re looking for a quick screen snip (especially if you want to do a free-form selection), this app will work just fine.

3. Lightshot

Overview

Offered by PrntScr.com, Lightshot is a screenshot app for PC that allows you to take quick snaps and edit them online or within the app.

Why It’s Awesome

With Lightshot, you have access to an online image editing tools by clicking a single button and uploading your images to their servers. Some people may find this problematic as there is no way to guarantee the privacy of your captures. Nonetheless, once your images are uploaded (and you’ve created an account), you have full access to your online gallery and Lightshot’s editor.

Who’s It For

Lightshot is for anyone looking to edit/share their screen snapshots publicly. Due to the general lack of security, we wouldn’t recommend uploading images that contain sensitive information. So, Lightshot may not be ideal for business people and companies.

4. Greenshot

Overview

This open source screenshot app for Windows is perfectly suited for productivity while keeping things incredibly simple. Much like Gadwin Printscreen, Greenshot aims to make it easier to take screenshots and save them using the PrtScn key.

Why It’s Awesome

Greenshot requires no prior knowledge. In fact, it may be the most basic screenshot program available. And, by “basic” we mean this screen grab application has all of the necessary features (hotkey functions, annotation, built-in editor, upload/sharing options) without bells and whistles.

Who’s It For

If you just need to take a screenshot on Windows 10 and you don’t need a bunch of features, Greenshot is a good option. You can upload your captured images to file sharing sites or save them locally. Since Greenshot isn’t overly fancy, taking, editing, and sharing your screenshots is a breeze, saving valuable time.

5. ShareX

Overview

Ahh ShareX, the one with the most options… It does everything from capturing the active window or the active monitor, to uploading your content to dozens of predefined sites.

Why It’s Awesome

Like ScreenRec, ShareX has the ability to not only capture screenshots but also to record your screen. However, the long list of uploading options is worth mentioning. Pretty much every social media and file sharing site you can think of is available in the ShareX app. It certainly isn’t private sharing, but it is convenient.

Who’s It For

ShareX can be used by anyone who isn’t afraid to browse a ton of options and menus. Those who love to (or need to) share via social media will love this app.

6. PicPick

Overview

A buffet of features in a single app? Yes, please! PicPick is so full of various features that it’s more of a photo editor than a screenshot app. With its ability to capture scrolling screenshots when you need to snip entire webpages, this app is hard to ignore.

Why It’s Awesome

PicPick will require a bit of exploration first, but with a list of edit tools almost as big as Photoshop’s, it’s worth giving it a once-over. When you’re done editing your screenshot, you can save it as an image or upload it to a public sharing site such as imageshack.us. What’s more interesting about PicPick is that it is portable. You can move this print screen program onto a jump drive and open it up anywhere without needing to install it.

Who’s It For

PicPick is best suited for those who are looking for an advanced editor and a screen grab app rolled into one.

7. Awesome Screenshot

Overview

Awesome Screenshot is a browser extension that gives you everything an installed screenshot app offers. The downside? It could make your computer run slow.

Why It’s Awesome

Forget the downside for a moment. The upside is that, as long as you are signed in, you can use the app on any PC and upload your screen captures to Google Drive. This screenshot software can also capture web pages. Keep in mind, though, that you are allowed only 30 images per project and only 30 seconds of screen recording time.

Who’s It For

Anyone who is constantly on the go can benefit from using Awesome Screenshot. As long as you can log in to your personalized browser, you’re good to go.

Compare The Best Free Windows 10 Screenshot Tools

	Capture Full Screen	Capture Screen Area	Edit Screenshots (Annotation)	Automatic Upload	Instant Sharing
Screenrec	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, 2 Gb free private cloud storage
Windows Snipping Tool	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Lightshot	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Greenshot	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes, but not secure
ShareX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes, but not secure
PicPick	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes, but not secure
Awesome Screenshot	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes, if you’re connected to Google Drive

And the Winner for Best Screenshot Software for Windows is…

YOU DECIDE!!!!

In all seriousness, choosing the best app depends on what you need. In our opinion, ScreenRec works for anyone, no matter the requirements. If you’re looking to snap the full screen or just a section; ScreenRec has it covered. Want to record a video? ScreenRec can do that, too. What about editing and sharing securely? Only ScreenRec can do both. Let’s not forget that it’s completely free with an included 2 GB of free storage. Feel free to download it and check it out for yourself!

To take a screenshot without using Print Screen, try a third-party app like ScreenRec. With ScreenRec in particular, you can take a screenshot, save it and share it by pressing a single hotkey Alt + S.

To take a screenshot with high resolution, set your screen resolution as high as possible. This is done through the display settings.

The best free screen capture software is the one that fits your needs perfectly. We'd suggest ScreenRec because it's super-fast, lightweight and gives you a sharing link instantly. It can take screenshots and record your screen. All screen captures are stored in your private cloud account (2Gb free storage included).