Windows 10 Print Screen Not Working: Taking Screenshots Again
You press the Print Screen key, open an app to paste, and nothing appears. When Windows 10 Print Screen not working, capturing errors, receipts, or images becomes YYPAUS Resmi awkward.
The key normally copies the whole screen to the clipboard. Windows also offers other combinations that save files or capture part of the screen.
Problems usually come from keyboard function settings, other apps taking over the key, or clipboard issues.
The problem can be confusing, because pressing the key gives no feedback. Windows does not show a message, so it is easy to think nothing happened when the image may actually be waiting on the clipboard.
What Might Be Causing It
Print Screen fails for these reasons:
- The keyboard requires Fn to be held for the Print Screen function.
- Another program, such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or a screenshot tool, has taken over the key.
- The keyboard driver or clipboard is not working properly.
- The key is assigned to open Snip & Sketch instead.
Some laptops label the key PrtSc and share it with another function.
First Steps to Try
Try alternative shortcuts.
- Press Windows + Print Screen. The screen dims briefly, and the image saves to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Try Fn + Print Screen on laptops.
- Press Windows + Shift + S to capture part of the screen.
- Paste into Paint with Ctrl + V to check whether the clipboard received the image.
- Restart the PC.
If Windows + Print Screen works but Print Screen alone does not, another app may be capturing the key.
If the Problem Continues
Check apps and settings.
- Open OneDrive or Dropbox settings and look for screenshot options. Turn them off or on to test.
- Close third-party screenshot tools.
- Open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and check “Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping.”
- Update or reinstall the keyboard driver.
- Test another keyboard.
If the key fails only in some apps, those apps may block screenshots for security reasons, such as streaming or banking software.
Protect Your Data First
Be careful when sharing screenshots, since they may contain passwords or personal information. Delete screenshots you no longer need from the Screenshots folder.
The Bottom Line
Print Screen problems are usually caused by keyboard settings or other apps. Try Windows + Print Screen, check Fn settings, and look at OneDrive or screenshot tools.
Keeping the Windows + Shift + S shortcut in mind is useful even after Print Screen works again, as it lets you capture only part of the screen and avoid sharing more than you intend.