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If you mean a command-line tool that lets you paste a screenshot taken in Windows into a WSL terminal as a file path, the project documented for that job is wsl-screenshot-cli by Nailuu—not a ScreenshotMachine CLI. The ScreenshotMachine sources reviewed document a Node.js package for calling its screenshot and PDF APIs, but do not document a Windows/WSL CLI. These are separate tools; installing WSL alone installs neither one.
First, identify which tool you need
- To paste a Windows clipboard screenshot into a WSL terminal: use the separately named
wsl-screenshot-cliproject. Its README describes a clipboard monitor that makes screenshots pasteable in WSL as file paths while retaining Windows paste behavior. See the project repository. - To call ScreenshotMachine’s screenshot or PDF API from code: the located ScreenshotMachine example repository documents a Node.js package installed with
npm install screenshotmachine, using an account customer key (and a secret phrase where applicable). That is an API integration, not evidence of a standalone CLI. See ScreenshotMachine’s Node.js example repository.
The available sources do not establish that ScreenshotMachine publishes a CLI for Windows or WSL. That is a qualified finding, not proof that no other CLI exists. Confirm the product name and repository before running an installer.
Install the separate WSL screenshot clipboard utility
Check the prerequisites
The wsl-screenshot-cli project lists these prerequisites:
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- WSL 2.
- Windows interop enabled.
powershell.exeaccessible from WSL throughPATH.
Go 1.25 or later is listed only if you plan to build from source. The project’s quick-install script says a Go toolchain is not needed for that route. Prerequisites and install details are the project’s own claims; check its current README before installing.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Install from your WSL shell
- Open your Linux distribution in WSL.
- Run the project’s documented quick-install command:
curl -fsSL https://nailu.dev/wscli/install.sh | bash - The project says the script downloads the latest binary to
~/.local/bin/. If the command is not found afterward, check whether that directory is on yourPATH.
This command installs Nailuu’s wsl-screenshot-cli; it does not install a ScreenshotMachine package or configure ScreenshotMachine API credentials.
Check the monitor and manage it
The project documents these commands for its clipboard monitor:
wsl-screenshot-cli start --daemonstarts it in the background.wsl-screenshot-cli statuschecks its status.wsl-screenshot-cli stopstops it.wsl-screenshot-cli updateupdates to the latest GitHub release.
According to the project’s documentation, it sets multiple clipboard formats so WSL can receive a path while Windows image apps and Explorer can retain image/file paste behavior. That is the project’s stated behavior, not an independent test.
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Microsoft documents wsl --install for Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, or Windows 11. The documented flow is to open PowerShell as administrator, run the command, and restart if prompted. On first launch, create the Linux distribution account. For details, use Microsoft’s Install WSL guide.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
- Open PowerShell as administrator.
- Run
wsl --install. - Restart when prompted and complete the distribution’s first-launch account setup.
- Check installed distributions and their WSL versions with
wsl --list --verbose.
Microsoft’s setup command provides WSL and a Linux distribution; the clipboard utility remains a separate install step. If your distribution is not using WSL 2, consult Microsoft’s WSL documentation for the appropriate setup or conversion steps before proceeding.
Fix common installation problems
wsl-screenshot-cli: command not found
The project notes that ~/.local/bin/ may not be on PATH in a non-login shell. For Bash, it gives this example to add the directory in ~/.bashrc:
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
Open a new shell, or load the updated file with source ~/.bashrc, then try the command again. If you use a different shell, configure its startup file instead.
Rank #3
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
powershell.exe cannot be found
The utility’s stated prerequisites require Windows interop and PowerShell accessible from WSL through PATH. Check that interop is enabled for your distribution and that Windows executable paths are available in the shell. This is a prerequisite for the separate clipboard utility, not a ScreenshotMachine API requirement.
The WSL version is not 2
Run wsl --list --verbose in Windows to see the version assigned to each distribution. The utility lists WSL 2 as a prerequisite. Use Microsoft’s WSL guidance to switch or repair the distribution rather than assuming that installing the utility changes its WSL version.
The installer command fails
The quick-install route depends on curl and downloading the project’s script. Check network access and that curl is installed in the Linux distribution. Before rerunning a remote shell script, verify the command and current instructions in the project’s repository. If you intended to use ScreenshotMachine, stop here and follow its API package instructions instead; the Nailuu installer is not a ScreenshotMachine installer.
If you meant ScreenshotMachine’s API package
The located ScreenshotMachine repository describes a Node.js API package, rather than a CLI for taking screenshots through a Windows or WSL command. Its installation command is:
Rank #4
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
npm install screenshotmachine
Use the repository’s example and your ScreenshotMachine account credentials to make API requests. The repository mentions a customer key and, where applicable, a secret phrase. Do not put credentials in a command or script that will be shared publicly. The source reviewed does not establish a supported standalone CLI command, Windows-specific setup procedure, or current package behavior beyond that example; consult the repository and ScreenshotMachine’s own documentation for those details.
Or skip the browser setup
If your goal is to get a website screenshot or PDF through an API, ScreenshotNeo is a direct screenshot API and MCP server for developers. One GET request can return a PNG, JPEG, WebP, or PDF. Cookie and consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets can be removed before capture; each step can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed, and responses identify the page verdict and billing status in headers. AI agents can use its MCP server with tools including take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots per month without a card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots. See ScreenshotNeo and the API documentation.
Example cURL request, saving a WebP screenshot of Stripe:
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp
For a Windows clipboard screenshot utility, this API is not a replacement for wsl-screenshot-cli; it captures web pages from a URL. Sign up for 1,000 free screenshots a month with no card.
Quick Recap
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