Easy Ways to Screenshot in Valorant on Windows
Taking a screenshot while playing Valorant on Windows can be useful for capturing epic moments, reporting bugs, or sharing your gameplay achievements. Since Valorant lacks a built-in screenshot feature, players must use external methods to capture images from the game. Below are the most reliable ways to take screenshots on Windows while playing Valorant.
1. Using the Windows Game Bar
Windows Game Bar is an easy-to-use overlay designed for gamers. You can quickly take screenshots by following these steps:
- Press Win + G to bring up the Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon or press Win + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot.
- Your screenshot will be saved automatically in the Videos > Captures folder.
This method is convenient as it auto-saves the screenshot, reducing the number of steps you need to take. However, enabling the Game Bar might slightly affect game performance, depending on your system.
2. Using the Print Screen Key (PrtScn)
Basic Print Screen Method
The Print Screen key allows you to copy your screen to the clipboard:
- Press PrtScn on your keyboard to capture the entire screen.
- Paste the screenshot into a program like Paint or Microsoft Word, then save it manually.
Windows + Print Screen Shortcut
A more efficient method is to press Win + PrtScn to capture the screen and automatically save the image:
- The screenshot is saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
This method is faster since it doesn’t require you to paste and manually save the image. It’s ideal for capturing game highlights quickly during intense gameplay.
3. Using GPU Software
NVIDIA GeForce Experience
If you have an NVIDIA GPU, you can use the GeForce Experience overlay:
- Press Alt + F1 to capture a screenshot with the overlay enabled.
This method provides high-quality screenshots and allows for keybind customization, making it a preferred option for many gamers.
AMD Radeon Software
Similarly, AMD Radeon users can use Radeon ReLive:
- Enable the overlay and press the respective hotkey (configurable) to capture screenshots.
4. Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools
If you need more flexibility, you can use third-party tools like:
- Snip & Sketch: Press Win + Shift + S to open the tool and select the area to capture.
- OBS (Open Broadcaster Software): OBS is commonly used for streaming but also allows screenshots without interfering with gameplay.
Third-party tools often offer more customization options but may require some initial setup.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
When capturing screenshots in Valorant, you might encounter black screens. This is usually due to the game running in fullscreen mode. To avoid this, switch to borderless or windowed mode in the game settings.
If the screenshot shortcuts do not work, ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date and that any overlay software is properly configured.
Conclusion
There are multiple ways to take screenshots while playing Valorant on Windows, including the Windows Game Bar, Print Screen key, GPU software, and third-party tools. Choose the method that best fits your needs based on convenience and system performance. For frequent screenshotting, methods like the Windows + PrtScn or using your GPU software are often the most efficient options.