How to Freeze Screen on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide - Support Your Tech (2025)

Freezing your screen on Windows 10 is a useful skill for presentations, troubleshooting, and multitasking. To do this, you’ll use the Snip & Sketch tool or a third-party software. This guide will walk you through the steps to freeze your screen and provide tips to make the process smoother.

How to Freeze Screen on Windows 10

In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to freeze your screen using built-in Windows 10 tools. This will help you capture exactly what’s displayed on your screen at that moment.

Step 1: Press Windows + Shift + S

Pressing Windows + Shift + S will open the Snip & Sketch tool.

This tool will let you select the portion of the screen you want to freeze. Once you press the keys, your screen will dim, and you’ll be able to drag your cursor to select the area you need.

Step 2: Select the Area to Capture

Drag your cursor over the area you want to freeze.

After pressing Windows + Shift + S, use your mouse to click and drag over the part of the screen you wish to capture. This creates a screenshot of that area.

Step 3: Open the Snip & Sketch Notification

Click the notification that appears in the lower-right corner of your screen.

After capturing the area, a notification will pop up. Clicking it will open the Snip & Sketch tool where you can annotate, save, or share your screenshot.

Step 4: Save or Share Your Screenshot

Save or share your screenshot from the Snip & Sketch tool.

Once you’re in the Snip & Sketch app, click on the save icon to store your screenshot. Alternatively, you can share it directly via email or other apps.

Step 5: Use Third-Party Software for Advanced Freezing

Consider downloading software like Lightshot for more features.

If the Snip & Sketch tool doesn’t meet all your needs, third-party software can provide more advanced features, such as delayed screenshots and direct cloud storage.

After completing these steps, your screen will be frozen in the form of a screenshot. You can then annotate it, share it, or save it for later use.

Tips for Freezing Screen on Windows 10

• Use Snip & Sketch for quick captures, but consider third-party apps for more options.
• Keep your Snip & Sketch tool updated for the latest features.
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process.
• Customize your Snip & Sketch settings for ease of use.
• Always check your screenshots for accuracy before sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I freeze my whole screen?

Press Windows + Shift + S and select the full screen option.

Can I undo a screen freeze?

Yes, simply press Esc to cancel the screen capture.

What’s the best tool for freezing screens?

Snip & Sketch is great for quick captures, but Lightshot offers more advanced features.

Do I need to install third-party software?

No, but third-party software can offer more functionality than built-in tools.

How do I annotate my screenshot?

Open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch and use the annotation tools provided.

Summary

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Select the area to capture.
3. Open the Snip & Sketch notification.
4. Save or share your screenshot.
5. Use third-party software for advanced freezing.

Conclusion

In summary, freezing your screen on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with just a few keystrokes. Using the Snip & Sketch tool, you can quickly capture and annotate your screen, making it a breeze to share important information or troubleshoot issues. While Snip & Sketch is sufficient for most users, third-party tools like Lightshot can offer more features for advanced needs.

Following these steps and tips will ensure that you can efficiently freeze your screen whenever necessary. Whether you’re preparing for a presentation, needing to save a moment in time, or simply want to share something with friends or colleagues, knowing how to freeze screen on Windows 10 is a valuable skill. Keep practicing, explore the different tools available, and soon enough, you’ll be a pro at capturing your screen. For more detailed guides, consider exploring additional resources and software options to expand your toolkit.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.