4 Ways to Fix Windows Not Taking Screenshots

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Fix 1: Close Interfering Apps

We often install multiple screenshot software, each taking over the Print screen shortcuts. If that is the case, you can uninstall the rest of the apps and use only one or close the app you don’t want to use from running in the background.

Cloud storage apps like Dropbox, OneDrive, and theWindows Snipping Toolare commonly responsible for this interference. Some users have also reported that closing third-party snipping tools and photo editing apps helped restore their PC’s screenshot functionality.

Step 1:Open the Windows Task Manager using theCtrl + Shift + Esckeyboard shortcut.

Step 2:Scan through theApps and Background processeslist and close any active cloud storage or photo editing app preventing your Windows PC from taking screenshots.

Step 3:To close an app from the Windows Task Manager, right-click on it and click onEnd task.

Try taking a screenshot after closing these apps and check if it works.

Fix 2: Modify Cloud Drive Settings

Apps from Dropbox, OneDrive, and others have an option to instantly take a screenshot and save it on the cloud when you press the Print screen key.

So, if you press the hotkey but don’t see anything happening, it is possible that the screenshots are being saved elsewhere on your PC.

Here is how to disable it on OneDrive. Other apps have similar settings that you can turn off.

Step 1:Right-click theOneDrive iconat the bottom-right corner of your PC’s taskbar.

Step 2:Next, click onSettings. That will open a new OneDrive Settings window.

Step 3:Toggle off theSave screenshots I capture to the OneDriveoption.

Take screenshots and check if they are visible in your PC’s default screenshot folder.

On Dropbox, you must go toPreferences > Backupsand toggle offScreenshots.

Fix 3: Enable Print Screen for Screen Snipping

If pressing the Print screen button doesn’t do anything, including saving the screen to a cloud app, you can set it to launch the Snipping tool.

Step 1:PressWin + S, typesnipping, and click to launch theSnippingtool.

Step 2:Click on thethree-dot menu> selectSettings.

Step 3:Scroll to find theShortcutssection and click onChange in Windows settingslink to open the Keyboard settings of the Accessibilitysection.

Step 4:Toggle onUse the Print screen key to open screen capture.

Fix 4: Use Print Screen + Hotkey Combinations

If you use a professional screenshot tool that offers varied features, check thehotkey combinationof these tools. You will usually find combinations such asAlt + PrtScnorWin + PrtScn. Some of these hotkeys allow you to instantly capture the active windows, or select an area on the screen, and so on.

FAQs

Does the Print Screen Key Work Without Any Tool?

Yes, and if you want to check, use Ctrl + V in any image editor. You should see the same content you had when you pressed the Print screen key. Pressing Print Screen captures an image of your entire screen and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer’s memory.

Windows Logo Key + PrtScn and Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar are the most popular keyboard shortcuts used on PCs and Laptops.

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Last updated on 04 June, 2024

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