Worried about not being able to take a screenshot on your Windows PC? Want to know amazing screenshot tricks that do not involve any print screen button? No worries! Here in this blog, I am going to share some of the best tips on how to take screenshots in Windows without print screen button. Let’s get started.
We all know how screenshots are important both in personal and professional lives. Speaking of screenshots, nowadays every PC powered by Windows is provided with a shortcut button that usually says Print Screen, PrtSc, PrtScn, or PrntScrn.
But what if someone’s PC does not have that button or not working in any case, or any lagging issues with the print screen button? So, how can one take Windows screenshot without a print screen key? Well, I merged every perfect solution to this problem in this blog. Let’s have a look at them.
Reasons Behind Not Being Able to Take Screenshots on a Windows Computer
Before jumping into the solutions for taking Windows screenshots without print screen key, let’s discuss some of the major reasons why you are not able to take a screenshot on your Windows PC using the Print Screen button. We always recommend cross-checking the below 10 factors before concluding that you cannot take a screenshot on your Windows PC.
- Functionality Disabled. Some applications or environments might restrict the ability to take screenshots, especially for security reasons. One of the best examples of this scenario is in secure banking or government systems.
- Keyboard or Key Combination Issue. Sometimes, due to keyboard issues, some keys don’t work. And because of that the key combinations don’t give the desired result.
- Third-Party Software Interference. Some third-party software or applications might interfere with the default screenshot functionality. Try closing unnecessary software and capturing the screenshot again.
- Screenshot Tool Not Working. Sometimes, if you’re using a third-party screenshot tool, it might have compatibility issues with your Windows version. Try to find a perfect alternative or make sure that you are using the latest and updated version of your favorite tool.
- Clipboard Issues. Sometimes, the screenshot you captured might not get copied to the clipboard correctly. So, always check if the screenshot is being saved in the appropriate location (e.g., “Screenshots” folder) or copied to the clipboard.
- System Errors. Occasionally, system errors or glitches can prevent the screenshot function from working properly. So, try restarting your computer now and then whenever you are unable to take a screenshot.
- User Account Control (UAC). If your user account control settings are set to a high level, it might affect the ability to capture certain parts of the screen. Try adjusting the UAC settings.
- Compatibility Issues. Certain older applications or compatibility modes might interfere with the screenshot function. So, try running the application in normal mode.
- Driver Issues. Outdated or incompatible display drivers might affect the screenshot functionality. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Malware or Security Software. Last but not least, always perform malware checks on your PC. Because some malware or overzealous security software might block or interfere with screenshot functions. Run a malware scan and check your security software settings.
How to Take Screenshot in Windows Without Print Screen Button: 4 Methods
Taking screenshots is quite easy with the print screen button on any Windows PC. However, Windows is always powered with some easy alternatives in this case of taking screenshots. So, if your PC doesn’t have a print screen button or does not work in an emergency, or any lagging issues with the button, you can use some pretty easy tricks to tackle the issues with screenshot Windows without print screen key.
- Using Snip & Sketch Tool
- Using Snipping Tool
- Use the On Screen Keyboard
- Using the Game Bar App
Method 1. Capture a Screenshot in Windows Using Snip & Sketch Tool
Windows computers come with the Snip & Sketch tool. Let’s check out how you can take screenshot in Windows using this tool without needing to use print screen button.
Step 1. On your Windows keyboard, press the shortcut “Windows + Shift + S” command.
Step 2. Once the Snip & Sketch app is open, you’ll see a small toolbar at the top with options for capturing screenshots. Click on your preferred shape tool on the menu.
Step 3. Now, select the capture area after the screen is dimmed, and your cursor is turned into a crosshair.
Step 4. Now, your screenshot of the selected area is copied into the clipboard, you can paste it anywhere. Also, you can save it by clicking on the right-side notification of the Snip Tool.
Method 2. Take Screenshots in Windows Using the Snipping Tool
For Windows 11 users, the Snipping Tool is also available that allows you to take screenshot in Windows without print screen button. To open the snipping tool, select the Windows icon and search for the snipping tool. Check out the detailed guide!
Step 1. Press the “Windows” key to open the Start menu.
Step 2. Type “Snipping Tool” and select the app from the search results.
Step 3. Open the Snipping Tool and click on “New” to capture a screenshot.
Step 4. Choose the area you want to capture.
Step 5. Now, select the capture area after the screen is dimmed, and your cursor will turn into a crosshair.
Step 6. Now, the screenshot of the taken area will be shown in the Snipping Tool, where you will have multiple options to edit the taken screenshot.
Step 7. After making all the changes or directly you can save the screenshot from here only with the shortcut key Ctrl + S. Or you can go with the save option over there.
Method 3. Take Screenshot in Windows Using On-Screen Keyboard
You do not need a print screen button on your physical keyboard when you already have an on-screen keyboard on your Windows computer. Let’s see how you can use the print screen button on your on-screen keyboard to take screenshots easily.
Step 1. Start your PC and search for the On-Screen Keyboard app.
Step 2. After opening the app, find out the PrtScn button and click on that.
Step 3. As soon as you click on it, the screenshot will be copied to the clipboard. You can paste it anywhere and save it to your system.
Note: The only drawback of this method is that the on-screen keyboard won’t disappear when you take a screenshot. However, you can lower down its size and move out of the frame. Later, you can edit the screenshot using Paint or any other photo editor.
Method 4. Capture a Screenshot in Windows Using the Xbox Game Bar
If you are having a tough time while using the above-discussed methods, you can use Microsoft’s own Xbox Game Bar app to take screenshots in Windows without using the print screen button. Game Bar app is one of the best apps that you can use for taking screenshots on Windows.
Using the Xbox Game Bar app is another smart trick to capture the screenshots easily on your Windows. Here’s how:
Step 1. Press the shortcut on your Windows, “Windows + G” to open the Game Bar app.
Step 2. Click the camera icon to screenshot your active window.
Step 3. To see the captured screenshot, you can open the Game Bar app and go to “See my captures.” To locate your screenshot, go to “This PC,” then “Videos,” and open the “Captures” folder.
Note: If the Game Bar app doesn’t open right after the shortcut keys, search for “Game Bar Settings” and turn on the toggle that says, “Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game Bar.”
How to Take Screenshot on a Microsoft Surface Device?
If you’re using a Microsoft device user powered by Windows 10 or 11, here’s how to take a screenshot on your Microsoft surface:
Step 1. Go to your Surface device.
Step 2. Press and hold the “Power and Volume Up” buttons.
Step 3. The screen will become dim. And now, your screenshot will be captured instantly.
Note: If you’re a Surface version 3 or earlier user, use “Windows logo + Volume Down” on your device to take a screenshot.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, you do not always need a print screen button to capture your screenshots. We recommend using the built-in snipping tool feature as a reliable print screen alternative. Besides, this app is absolutely free and doesn’t need any installation.
I hope all the methods mentioned in this article above will help you take screenshots in Windows without a print screen button. Which one you liked the most? Share your thoughts in the comments box.
