Taking a Screenshot (Windows Phone)

The Complete Guide to Taking Screenshots on Windows Phone (All Versions)

Windows Phone Screenshot Methods by Version

1. Identifying Your Windows Phone Version

Before proceeding, determine your OS version:

1. Swipe left to App list

2. Tap Settings → About

3. Select More info

4. Check "Software" entry:

   • Windows Phone 8: Uses physical button combo

   • Windows Phone 8.1: Uses different button combo

Note: Windows 10 Mobile uses same method as 8.1

Screenshot Instructions

For Windows Phone 8 (2012 Release)

Button Combination:
🔘 Windows Logo Button + 🔘 Power Button

Steps:

1. Navigate to the screen you want to capture

2. Press and hold the Windows button (center bottom)

3. While holding, press the Power/Lock button

4. Release both when screen dims (with camera shutter sound)

5. Find screenshot in Photos → Albums → Screenshots

For Windows Phone 8.1/10 Mobile (2014+)

Button Combination:
🔘 Power Button + 🔘 Volume Up

Steps:

1. Open desired screen

2. Press and hold the Power button

3. Immediately press Volume Up (within 1 second)

4. Hold both for ~2 seconds until screen flashes

5. Access via Photos → Screenshots album

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Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues

Common Problems & Solutions

Issue	Fix
No screenshot taken	Ensure you press buttons simultaneously
Only power menu appears	Press Volume Up within 1 second of Power
Screenshots not saving	Check phone storage space (need >50MB free)
No shutter sound	Verify phone isn't in silent/vibrate mode

Advanced Tips

• Timing matters: Button presses must overlap for 1-2 seconds

• Game screens: Some games block screenshots for copyright

• Hardware variants: On some models (like Lumia 1020), use Camera button + Power

Managing Your Screenshots

Where to Find Captures

• Path: Pictures\Screenshots in phone storage

• Cloud Backup: Automatically uploads to OneDrive if enabled

Sharing Options

1. Open Photos app → Screenshots album

2. Tap any image → Share icon (bottom right)

3. Choose:

   • OneDrive (cloud backup)

   • Email/Message (direct sharing)

   • Social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.)

Windows Phone Screenshot Feature Comparison

Feature	WP8	WP8.1/10 Mobile
Button Combo	Win + Power	Power + Vol Up
Storage Location	Screenshots album	Screenshots album
Cloud Backup	Manual	Automatic (OneDrive)
Editing	Basic crop	Basic crop

Alternative Capture Methods

For devices with hardware issues:

1. Use a PC:

   • Connect via USB

   • Use Windows Device Recovery Tool to access files

2. Third-party apps:

   • Screen Capture (requires developer unlock)

   • Shoot It (for pre-8.1 devices)

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Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why did Microsoft change the buttons?

The 8.1 change aligned with other mobile platforms and prevented accidental screenshots when powering off.

❓ Can I edit screenshots?

Yes! Built-in editor allows:

• Cropping

• Rotating

• Basic color adjustments

❓ Where do screenshots save on SD cards?

If using expandable storage:
SD Card\Pictures\Screenshots

Final Tips

• Practice the timing - New users often miss the 1-second window

• Check storage regularly - Screenshots accumulate over time

• Use OneDrive sync - Never lose important captures

Need help with your specific Lumia model? Contact us for device-specific guidance!

Coming Soon:
Guide to taking scrolling screenshots on Windows 10 Mobile using third-party tools!