The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScn or PrtScr, is a key on most computer keyboards that allows you to capture a screenshot of the entire screen or a selected area. Here's how to use it:
The Print Screen function key has numerous practical applications: print screen function key
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Pressing PrtSc does nothing | Check if Fn lock is on. Try Fn + PrtSc . | | Screenshot is blank/black | Some DRM-protected content (video players, games) block captures. Use Xbox Game Bar ( Win + G ). | | Want automatic saving | Use Win + PrtSc or Snip & Sketch. | | On-screen keyboard needed | Search "On-Screen Keyboard" in Windows, click PrtSc there. | The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScn
| Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | PrtSc | Captures → clipboard | | Alt + PrtSc | Captures only the active window → clipboard | | Win + PrtSc | Captures entire screen → saves as PNG in Pictures\Screenshots | | Win + Shift + S | Opens Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch to select an area | | Fn + PrtSc (on some laptops) | Same as PrtSc (if PrtSc is a secondary function) | | | Screenshot is blank/black | Some DRM-protected
The key was introduced by IBM in 1981 with the launch of the IBM PC .
Press Win + Shift + S → Choose: