Fix: Why Screenshot Not Working Windows 10

Why is Screenshot Not Working Windows 10 computer? It’s not just you. Many users have issues using the screenshot function that prevent them from taking screenshots and sharing their screens effectively. In this article, I’ll describe the reason why the screenshot function is not working on Windows 10 and provide you with solutions to resolve the problem.

If you’re unable to take a picture or are experiencing issues in printing using the or your images aren’t being saved correctly there are troubleshooting procedures that you can take to fix the issue. When you understand the root of the issue and applying the correct solution, you can restore the ability to create screen shots easily.

How to Enable Print Screen Key to Launch Screen Snipping in Windows 10

Why is Screenshot Not Working Windows 10 computer? One way to address the screenshot issue in Windows 10 is by enabling the Print Screen key to launch the Screen Snipping feature. This allows you to easily capture and annotate screenshots using the Windows Snip & Sketch tool. By following a few simple steps, you can activate this feature and enhance your screenshot experience.

To enable the Print Screen key for screen snipping in Windows 10, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located in the taskbar.
  2. Type “Settings” in the search bar and click on the “Settings” app.
  3. In the Settings window, click on “Ease of Access.”
  4. On the left sidebar, click on “Keyboard.”
  5. Scroll down to the section titled “Print Screen.”
  6. Toggle the switch next to “Use the PrtScn button to open screen snipping” to the “On” position.

Once you have enabled the Print Screen key to launch screen snipping, you can press the Print Screen key on your keyboard to open the snipping toolbar. From there, you can choose the type of snip you want (such as rectangular, freeform, or full-screen) and capture the desired area of your screen. The captured screenshot will open in the Snip & Sketch tool, where you can add annotations or save it for future use.

By making use of the Print Screen key as a shortcut to launch screen snipping, you can streamline the process of capturing screenshots in Windows 10. This method provides a convenient and efficient way to capture and annotate content from your screen, whether it’s for personal or professional use.

Now that you know how to enable the Print Screen key to launch screen snipping in Windows 10, you can take full advantage of the Snip & Sketch tool to capture and annotate screenshots with ease. This feature offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to capture specific portions of your screen and make annotations to highlight important details. Say goodbye to the screenshot not working issue and embrace a seamless and efficient screenshot capture experience on your Windows 10 device.

Solution 1 – Stop Background Programs

Closing these programs can help resolve the issue and allow for proper screen capture functionality.

How to Stop Background Programs:

  1. Right-click on the Windows taskbar and select Task Manager. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager directly.
  2. In the Task Manager window, navigate to the Processes tab.
  3. Look for any programs that may be running in the background and causing conflicts with the Print Screen function.
  4. Select the program and click on the End Task button to close it.

After closing the background programs, try taking a screenshot again using the Print Screen key or the desired key combination. This should resolve any conflicts and allow for successful screen captures.

stop background programs

Solution 2 – Check if You’re Using Print Screen Correctly

When the Print Screen function is not working, it’s crucial to verify if you’re using it correctly. On certain devices, you may need to press an additional key, such as the Function (Fn) key, in conjunction with the Print Screen key to successfully capture a screenshot. Trying different key combinations such as Fn + Print Screen or Fn + Windows key + Print Screen can help determine if the Print Screen functionality is being utilized correctly.

Make sure to test various combinations to identify the correct key combination for your specific device. If you’re unsure about the specific requirements of your computer, consult the user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

Properly using the Print Screen key and any associated key combination is essential to successfully capture screenshots on your Windows 10 device.

Common Key Combinations:

  • Fn + Print Screen
  • Fn + Windows key + Print Screen
  • Other possible combinations specific to your device

By ensuring that you are using the correct key combination, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues with the Print Screen function on Windows 10.

Solution 3 – Update Your Keyboard Drivers

Outdated keyboard drivers can cause issues with the Print Screen function in Windows 10. It is recommended to update your keyboard drivers to ensure proper communication between the keyboard and the operating system. By updating your keyboard drivers, you can resolve any compatibility issues and improve the functionality of the Print Screen feature.

To update your keyboard drivers, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the menu.
  2. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Keyboards” category.
  3. Right-click on your keyboard device and select “Update driver” from the context menu.
  4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Windows will search for the latest driver software for your keyboard and install it if available.
  6. Once the driver update is complete, restart your computer.

Updating your keyboard drivers can help resolve compatibility issues and ensure that the Print Screen function works as intended. It is recommended to periodically check for driver updates to keep your system running smoothly.

Solution 4 – Run the Hardware Troubleshooter for Your Keyboard

If you’re experiencing issues with the Print Screen function in Windows 10 and the previous solutions didn’t work, don’t worry. Windows 10 provides a built-in hardware troubleshooter that can automatically detect and resolve problems related to your keyboard. By running the hardware troubleshooter, you can troubleshoot and fix any underlying issues that may be causing the Print Screen not working problem.

To run the hardware troubleshooter for your keyboard, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Start” button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
  2. In the search bar, type “Troubleshoot settings” and open the corresponding result.
  3. Scroll down and click on the “Keyboard” option under “Find and fix other problems”.
  4. Click on the “Run the troubleshooter” button and wait for Windows 10 to detect and analyze any keyboard-related issues.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the recommended fixes and resolve the problem.

If the hardware troubleshooter detects any issues, it will provide you with the necessary steps to fix them. By utilizing this feature, you can effectively troubleshoot keyboard issues that may be interfering with the Print Screen function on your Windows 10 device.

Solution 5 – Update Windows 10 to the Latest Version

Updating Windows 10 to the latest version can often resolve various issues, including problems with the Print Screen function. It is recommended to regularly check for updates and install any available updates to ensure that your operating system is up to date. This can potentially fix bugs, introduce new features, and address compatibility issues that may be causing the screenshot problem.

To update Windows 10 and fix the Print Screen issue, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Select Update & Security.
  4. Click on Windows Update in the left-hand menu.
  5. Click on the Check for updates button.
  6. If there are any available updates, click on the Download and install button.
  7. Wait for the updates to be installed.
  8. Restart your computer.

By keeping your Windows 10 up to date, you ensure that you have the latest security patches, performance improvements, and bug fixes. This can greatly improve the functionality of the Print Screen key and resolve any issues you may be experiencing.

update Windows 10

Conclusion

The Print Screen function is a valuable tool for capturing and sharing screen content on Windows 10. However, encountering issues where the screenshot is not working can be frustrating. Fortunately, by following the solutions provided in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix the screenshot not working problem on your Windows 10 device.

Nilesh Kamble is Certified in Microsoft & GCP, having 13+ Years of Experience in IT Industry. As a Senior IT Employee, having vast experience on Windows Server, Windows Client, Powershell, Cloud Technologies. Passionate about Laptop, Mobiles & Other emerging Technologies.