Making a screenshot on your Windows computer might seem like a very basic task to do. However, sometimes the Print Screen button doesn’t work, especially if you’re using a laptop. If you’ve been struggling with taking screenshots on Windows without the Print Screen key, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to share with you some tips and tricks that can help you take screenshots easily on your computer without having to press the Print Screen key. So, let’s get started!
How to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
Step 1: Use the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in application in Windows that allows you to take screenshots of any part of your screen. To access the Snipping Tool, go to the Start Menu, type “Snipping Tool” and press Enter. Once the Snipping Tool is open, click on “New” and select the area of the screen that you want to capture.
Step 2: Use the Windows + Shift + S Shortcut
If you are using the latest version of Windows 10, you can take a screenshot without the Print Screen button by using the Windows + Shift + S shortcut. This will bring up a snipping tool that allows you to capture any part of your screen.
Step 3: Use the Windows + PrtScn Shortcut
If you’re using Windows 8 or Windows 10, you can take a screenshot without the Print Screen button by using the Windows + PrtScn shortcut. This will automatically save your screenshot in the Pictures folder on your computer.
Step 4: Use the Ctrl + Alt + PrtScn Shortcut
If the Windows + PrtScn shortcut doesn’t work, you can try using the Ctrl + Alt + PrtScn shortcut. This will take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to the clipboard.
Step 5: Use the On-Screen Keyboard
If you’re using a laptop or a keyboard without a Print Screen key, you can use the On-Screen Keyboard to take a screenshot. To open the On-Screen Keyboard, go to the Start Menu, type “On-Screen Keyboard” and press Enter. Once the On-Screen Keyboard is open, click on the “PrtScn” button to take a screenshot.
Step 6: Use a Third-Party Application
If you want more features and options when taking screenshots, you can use a third-party application like Lightshot or Greenshot. These applications allow you to capture screenshots with different shapes, sizes, and resolutions.
Step 7: Use the Print Screen Alternative
Some keyboards have an alternative button instead of the Print Screen button, such as F13 or F14. You can try using these buttons to take a screenshot.
Step 8: Use the Snipping Tool Shortcut
If you use the Snipping Tool frequently, you can create a shortcut to it on your desktop or taskbar for quick access.
Step 9: Use a Screen Recording Software
If you want to capture a video of your screen, you can use a screen recording software like Camtasia or OBS. These applications allow you to record your screen and save it as a video file.
Step 10: Use a Web-Based Tool
If you don’t want to install any software on your computer, you can use a web-based tool like Nimbus or TinyTake. These tools allow you to capture screenshots and share them online.
Step 11: Use the Game Bar
If you’re using Windows 10, you can use the Game Bar to take screenshots and record videos of your games. To activate the Game Bar, press Windows + G.
Step 12: Save Screenshots Automatically
If you take a lot of screenshots, you can save them automatically to a specific folder on your computer. To do this, go to the Snipping Tool, click on “Options,” and select the folder where you want to save your screenshots.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use keyboard shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts can save you time and effort when taking screenshots.
2. Customize your screenshots
If you use a third-party application, you can customize your screenshots by adding annotations, highlights, and shapes.
3. Use screen recording software for videos
If you want to capture a video of your screen, use a screen recording software instead of a screenshot tool.
4. Keep your desktop clean
Make sure your desktop is clean before taking a screenshot to avoid distractions and unwanted elements.
5. Practice makes perfect
The more you practice taking screenshots, the better you’ll become at it.
6. Use the right tool for the job
Choose the right tool for the job depending on your needs and preferences.
7. Share your screenshots
Share your screenshots with others to collaborate and get feedback.
8. Learn about keyboard shortcuts
Learn about other useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows to improve your productivity.
9. Keep your software up to date
Make sure your operating system and screenshot tools are up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
10. Have fun!
Taking screenshots can be a fun and creative process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
In conclusion, taking screenshots on Windows without the Print Screen key is possible, and there are many ways to do it. By following these tips and tricks, you can take screenshots easily and efficiently. Remember to choose the right tool for the job and have fun!
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
Advantages
1. Easy and convenient – Using the Windows built-in snipping tool or third-party applications to capture screenshots is quick and hassle-free.
2. High-quality images – Screenshots captured using the snipping tool or third-party programs offer high resolution and clarity.
3. Multiple options – With third-party tools, one can capture the entire screen, specific windows, or custom areas.
4. Editable screenshots – Snipping tools often come with basic editing tools to annotate and edit screenshots, making them ideal for tutorials and presentations.
5. Saves time – Instead of wasting time taking pictures with a camera or smartphone, taking screenshots saves time as it doesn’t involve the hassle of setting up a camera and then transferring the images.
6. Easy Sharing – Screenshots are easy to share via email or messaging apps, making them an effective communication tool for businesses and individuals.
7. Useful for troubleshooting – Screenshots come handy when troubleshooting software issues, and they’re useful in capturing error messages that can help in resolving the problem.
8. Useful for digital archiving – Screenshots can help in creating a visual archive of specific web pages and documents for future reference.
9. Helps in creating step by step guides – With third-party annotation tools, you can capture screenshots of software in action and add instructions to create step by step guides that can help beginners learn new software.
10. Efficient for documentation – Screenshots can be used for creating visual documentation of a specific process on the computer.
Disadvantages
1. Limited editing options – The built-in snipping tool has limited editing options, and for advanced editing, you’ll need to use third-party tools which may not be free.
2. Not ideal for capturing videos – Screenshots are not designed for capturing short videos or capturing something that’s continuously moving.
3. Limited format options – Screenshots are mostly saved in image formats like JPG, PNG, and BMP, which may not be suitable for specific use cases.
4. Can malfunction – Sometimes the snipping tool or third-party tools may malfunction, and you may not be able to take screenshots.
5. Privacy concerns – Screenshots can capture sensitive data, and you should be careful when sharing them as you don’t want to compromise your privacy or other peoples’ privacy.
6. Misleading – Screenshots can be misleading if taken out of context or edited to remove or add content.
7. Files can take up space – Screenshots can take up substantial space on your hard drive if not managed correctly.
8. Inconsistent formatting – Screenshots may not always preserve the original formatting of the document or webpage being captured.
9. Not ideal for printing – Screenshot images may become pixelated or blurry when printed in larger sizes.
10. Can be time-consuming – Editing and managing screenshots can be time-consuming, especially if you have to deal with large volumes of screenshots.
FAQ
1. Can I take a screenshot on Windows without using the Print Screen button?
Yes, there are other methods to take a screenshot on Windows without the Print Screen button.
2. What other methods can I use to take a screenshot?
You can use the Windows Snipping Tool, the Windows Game Bar, or third-party screenshot applications.
3. How do I access the Windows Snipping Tool?
You can access the Snipping Tool by typing “Snipping Tool” in the Windows Start Menu search bar.
4. What is the Windows Game Bar?
The Windows Game Bar is a tool that allows gamers to take screenshots and record gameplay.
5. How do I access the Windows Game Bar?
You can access the Windows Game Bar by pressing the Windows key + G.
6. Can I take a screenshot of a specific area on my screen?
Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or the Windows Game Bar to take a screenshot of a specific area on your screen.
7. Can I take a screenshot of a window only?
Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or the Windows Game Bar to take a screenshot of a window only.
8. Can I take a screenshot of my entire screen?
Yes, you can use the Print Screen button or the Windows Game Bar to take a screenshot of your entire screen.
9. Where can I find the screenshots that I have taken?
The screenshots are usually saved in the Pictures folder in your user directory.
10. Can I change the default location where the screenshots are saved?
Yes, you can change the save location by opening the Snipping Tool or the Windows Game Bar and navigating to the settings.
11. Can I edit my screenshots after taking them?
Yes, you can use image editing software to edit your screenshots.
12. Can I share my screenshots with others?
Yes, you can share your screenshots by attaching them to emails, pasting them into documents, or uploading them to social media or cloud storage.
13. Can I use keyboard shortcuts to take a screenshot?
Yes, you can use the Windows key + Print Screen button to take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it automatically in the Pictures folder.
How to Screenshot on Windows without Print Screen
Need to take a quick screenshot on your Windows computer, but your Print Screen button isn’t working? No need to worry – there are actually several ways to take a screenshot on Windows without using the Print Screen button. In this article, we’ll explore a few different methods for capturing screenshots on Windows without using the traditional Print Screen function.
Conclusion and Closing
There you have it – several different ways to take a screenshot on Windows without using the Print Screen button. Whether you prefer using dedicated third-party software or built-in Windows functionality, there is a method that will suit your needs. Don’t let a broken Print Screen button stop you from capturing important moments on your computer – try one of these alternative methods today!
Thanks for reading, and happy screenshotting!