How To Use Print Screen Key On Keyboard !!hot!! May 2026

The behavior of the key depends on modifier keys and Windows settings.

To provide clear instructions on capturing screenshots using the Print Screen (PrtSc) key on a standard Windows keyboard, including variations and saving methods. how to use print screen key on keyboard

| Action | Keys | Result | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | PrtSc | Captures entire screen. No notification. Image saved to clipboard. | | Active Window to Clipboard | Alt + PrtSc | Captures only the currently selected window. Saved to clipboard. | | Direct Save (Full Screen) | Win + PrtSc | Screen dims briefly. Saves full-screen screenshot automatically to Pictures > Screenshots . | | Snipping Tool (Partial) | Win + Shift + S | Opens small snipping bar to select rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snip. Saves to clipboard and opens notification. | The behavior of the key depends on modifier

Utilization of the Print Screen Key for Screen Capture No notification

| Issue | Likely Solution | | :--- | :--- | | Nothing happens when pressing PrtSc | Use Fn + PrtSc on laptops. Check if key is disabled via manufacturer software. | | Screenshot not pasting | Ensure you captured first. Try pasting into Paint (pure image editor) rather than Word. | | Want on-screen feedback | Enable "Print Screen shortcut" in Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard to launch Snipping Tool. |