Alex Ruben
How to Fix the Print Screen Button Not Taking Screenshots on Your Laptop
Are you struggling with your Print Screen (PrtScn) button not working on your laptop? This guide will walk you through several effective troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue across popular laptop brands such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, Razer, Samsung, and Microsoft Surface. By following this tutorial, you’ll learn how to utilize alternative shortcuts, check for hardware settings, update your drivers, and troubleshoot software conflicts that may hinder your screenshot function. Whether your screenshots aren’t saving, your Print Screen key is unresponsive, or the Snipping Tool isn’t functioning, you’ll find comprehensive solutions here.
Before we dive into the steps, ensure you have administrative access to your laptop, as some troubleshooting methods require changing system settings or updating drivers. Also, make sure your operating system is up to date, especially if you’re using Windows 11.
Step 1: Restart Windows Explorer
Sometimes, refreshing the Windows Explorer can resolve temporary glitches affecting the Print Screen function. Here’s how to do it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, navigate to the Processes tab.
- Look for Windows Explorer, right-click on it, and select Restart.
Once Windows Explorer has restarted, try using the Print Screen button again.
Step 2: Test Alternative Print Screen Shortcuts
If the Print Screen key is still unresponsive, try using alternative keyboard shortcuts:
- Fn + PrtScn
- Alt + PrtScn
- Alt + Fn + PrtScn
- Windows + PrtScn
- Windows + Shift + S (to use the Snipping Tool)
These alternative shortcuts may work differently based on your laptop brand and configuration.
Step 3: Check Accessibility Settings
Your accessibility settings may prevent the Print Screen key from functioning correctly. To check and adjust these settings:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select Accessibility.
- Navigate to Keyboard settings.
- Scroll down and toggle on the option that allows the Print Screen button to open the Snipping Tool.
After enabling this feature, restart your laptop and test the Print Screen key again.
Step 4: Update Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can also affect the functionality of your Print Screen key. Here’s how to update them:
- Right-click on This PC and select Manage.
- In the window that appears, select Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards section, right-click on your keyboard, and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can also try selecting Browse my computer for driver software and then Let me pick from a list of available drivers to manually select a driver.
Step 5: Restart Your Laptop
Once you’ve tried the above steps, it’s essential to restart your laptop to ensure all changes take effect. After rebooting, test the Print Screen function again.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If the problem persists, check for any third-party applications that may conflict with the screenshot function, such as screen recording tools. Sometimes, uninstalling or disabling these applications can resolve the issue.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix the Print Screen button not working on your laptop. Whether it was a simple restart or a driver update, these methods can restore your ability to take screenshots. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to explore additional guides or reach out in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if none of the methods worked?
If you’ve tried all the methods above and the Print Screen still isn’t working, you may need to consider hardware issues or consult with a professional technician.
Can I use third-party screenshot tools?
Yes, there are numerous third-party applications available that can provide enhanced screenshot capabilities, such as Greenshot or Snagit.
How can I find my screenshots if they’re not saving?
By default, screenshots taken with Windows + PrtScn are saved to the Pictures folder under a subfolder named Screenshots. Check there to see if your screenshots are saved correctly.