How to Capture Still Images from Videos in Windows Media Player

It is not easy to take a screenshot from Windows Media Player. If you just press the Print Screen key and try to capture a WMV playing on WMP, it will just produce a blank image.

This guide will show you three ways to do the job so that you can save important footage as still image for sharing online.

Part 1: Default Methods to Screenshot Windows Media Player

Method 1: Screenshot Windows Media Player with Print Screen Key

The Print Screen key is the easiest way to capture a still image from a video in Windows Media Player.

Step 1: Open Windows Media Player. You can find it in Start menu. Drag and drop the desired video into WMP. Use Forward and Backward buttons to locate the desired frame.

Tip: On Windows XP, go to the Tools menu, select Options, go to the Performance tab, click Advanced button, and uncheck Use Overlays.

Step 2: Make sure WMP is the only window on your desktop and press Alt + Print Screen buttons. The shortcut will screenshot the active window.

Step 3: Search for Paint in Start menu and open it. Click the Paste menu on the top ribbon. Then the image will be pasted in Paint. Now, you can edit it.

Step 4: Go to File menu, select Save as and pick a proper image format. Then select a specific folder, enter a filename and click Save.

If you want to crop the screenshot on your computer further, just refer to this post.

Method 2: Screenshot Windows Media Player by Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot tool on Windows Vista and later. It can make a screenshot for Windows Media Player. Moreover, it provides basic image editing.

Step 1: Play the video in Windows Media Player and click Pause button until you reach the desired frame.

Step 2: Go to the Start menu, search for Snipping Tool and open it.

Step 3: Click the Mode menu and choose a proper option. Here we pick Window Snip.

Tip: If you want to change the image format, destination and other options, click the Options menu and set it.

Step 4: Once you hit the New menu and click on Windows Media Player.

Step 5: Then the screenshot of Windows Media Player will be put in Snipping Tool. Here you can edit it, such as crop. Then click the Save button to save it as a still image. Or choose Clipboard icon to send it to your clipboard.

More screenshot tools for Windows are here.

Part 2: Best Way to Capture Still Image from Video on Windows

In addition to default methods, you can also try some powerful screenshot tools, such as Vidmore Screen Recorder. It is a versatile utility. It can screenshot any area of your screen in high quality pictures. Moreover, you can get extensive bonus functions, like image editing. For advanced users, the custom options help you produce desired effect easily.

Needless to say, it is the best option to take a screenshot from movies in Windows Media Player 12/11/10/9/7 and earlier.

How to Capture Still Image from Video on Windows 10

Step 1: Install Screen Recorder

Launch the best screenshot tool for Windows Media Player on Windows 10. It is available to Windows 8/7 and Mac OS X as well. It is totally free to use with any limit, like registration. Click the Menu icon and choose the Preferences option. Go to the Output tab on the popup dialog, select Location of screenshot files by hitting the folder, and set Screenshot format. You can also set the hotkey for screenshot on Windows 10.

Step 2: Capture a still image from video

Open a video in Windows Media Player and play it until you reach the desired frame. Turn to the screenshot tool and click Screen Capture. Press the Windows Media Player with your left mouse or click and drag left mouse to cover the desire area.

Step 3: Edit and save screenshot

Once release your mouse, the toolbar will appear. Optically, you can edit the screenshot, such as:

Add a shape: Select the Rectangular, Circle or Line tool, pick you favorite color and put it to right position.

Write on screenshot: Select Text option, set font, size and color, click on screenshot and write some texts.

Draw on screenshot: Select Pen tool, pick a proper color, and add painting on your screenshot.

When editing is done, click the Save icon to export the still image from video on Windows 10. Or you can send it to your clipboard for using in another program by hitting Clipboard.

Part 3: FAQs of Windows Media Player Screenshot

How do I copy an image from Windows Media Player?

Both the Print Screen key and built-in Snipping Tool are able to copy an image from Windows Media Player. For Windows XP, you need to disable Overlay of WMP first.

How do I capture an image from a DVD?

Firstly, play the DVD video in Windows Media Player or a third-party player. Then use one of methods shared in this post to capture an image.

Can I capture a still image from an MP4 video?

Yes, you can capture a still image from an unencrypted MP4 video; however, you’d better choose a powerful tool; otherwise, the image quality is not very good.