Key Takeaways :
-
Windows + PrtScn is the fastest way to capture the full screen on a Windows laptop and save it straight to Pictures > Screenshots.
-
Windows + Shift + S lets you capture a selected area, a single window or the full screen. On Windows 11 the image is copied and saved automatically.
-
On a MacBook, use Shift + Command + 3 for the full screen, Shift + Command + 4 for an area, and Shift + Command + 5 for the full toolbar. Screenshots save to the Desktop by default.
-
No Print Screen key? Use Windows + Shift + S, the Snipping Tool, Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G) or the On-Screen Keyboard.
-
Shortcut not working? Try the Fn key or Fn Lock, check that no other app has taken over PrtScn, and test the key on the On-Screen Keyboard before you assume the hardware has failed.
-
If a key really is damaged, MY Laptop Spares can help you find a genuine or Lapgrade replacement keyboard that matches your exact laptop model.
You need a screenshot more often than you think. A payment confirmation that may vanish once you close the page. A slide your teacher skipped past in an online class. An error message you want to send to the IT person at work, or to us when you're checking which part fits your laptop.
The good news is that both Windows and macOS have screenshot tools built in, so you don't need to install anything. This guide explains how to take screenshots on your laptop step by step, whether you use a Windows 10 or Windows 11 laptop (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS) or a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. It also covers where your screenshots get saved and what to do when the shortcut stops working.
At MY Laptop Spares, our support team asks customers for screenshots every day, usually of a part number or a system information page, so we can confirm the right replacement part. This guide is based on the steps we walk people through most often.
How to Take a Screenshot on a Windows Laptop
Quick answer: Press Windows + PrtScn to capture the whole screen and save it automatically. Press Windows + Shift + S to choose a specific area. On many laptops you may need to add the Fn key, for example Fn + Windows + PrtScn.
1. Windows + PrtScn: capture and save the full screen
-
Press the Windows key and PrtScn together.
-
The screen dims for a moment. That means the capture worked.
-
The image is saved as a PNG file in Pictures > Screenshots.
This is the simplest method when you want a saved file without opening any app.
2. PrtScn alone: copy the screen
On Windows 10, pressing PrtScn by itself copies the entire screen to the clipboard. No file is saved. Paste it with Ctrl + V into Paint, Word, WhatsApp Web or an email.
On Windows 11, PrtScn now opens the screenshot selection bar by default. If you prefer the old behaviour, go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off "Use the Print screen key to open screen capture."
3. Alt + PrtScn: capture only the active window
Click on the window you want, then press Alt + PrtScn. Only that window is copied to the clipboard, without your taskbar or other open apps. Paste it wherever you need it.
4. Windows + Shift + S: select what you want
This shortcut opens a small toolbar at the top of the screen with four options: Rectangle, Freeform, Window and Full screen.
-
Press Windows + Shift + S.
-
Choose a mode and select the area.
-
The screenshot is copied to the clipboard, and a notification appears.
-
Click the notification to annotate, crop or save it.
On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool also saves these captures to Pictures > Screenshots automatically. On Windows 10, you have to save them manually from the notification.
5. Using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11
Search for Snipping Tool in the Start menu and open it.
-
Click New (or press Ctrl + N).
-
Pick a mode and capture.
-
Use the pen, highlighter or crop tools, then press Ctrl + S to save.
A handy feature is the delay timer (3, 5 or 10 seconds). It helps when you want to capture a drop-down menu that closes as soon as you press a key. The Windows 11 Snipping Tool can also record your screen.
6. When PrtScn needs the Fn key
On many compact laptops, PrtScn shares a key with another function, such as Insert, Home or F10. In that case, hold Fn while pressing it: Fn + PrtScn, Fn + Alt + PrtScn or Fn + Windows + PrtScn. Keyboard layouts differ from model to model, so check the small labels on your keys.
If the PrtScn or Fn key on your laptop has stopped responding completely, you can find a matching replacement laptop keyboard for Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer and ASUS models at MY Laptop Spares.
How to Take a Screenshot on a MacBook
Quick answer: Press Shift + Command + 3 for the full screen, Shift + Command + 4 for a selected area, or Shift + Command + 5 to open the full screenshot toolbar.
1. Shift + Command + 3: the entire screen
Press all three keys together. A thumbnail appears in the bottom-right corner. Click it to edit, or leave it and it saves to your Desktop.
2. Shift + Command + 4: a selected area
Your pointer turns into crosshairs. Drag across the area you want and let go to capture it. Press Esc to cancel.
3. Shift + Command + 4, then Spacebar: a single window
After pressing Shift + Command + 4, press the Spacebar. The pointer becomes a camera icon. Move it over a window and click. If you'd rather not have the window shadow, hold Option while you click.
4. Shift + Command + 5: screenshot and recording controls
This opens a toolbar where you can capture the full screen, a window or a selected portion, and record the screen. Click Options to set a timer or choose where screenshots are saved: Desktop, Documents, Clipboard, Mail, Messages, Preview or Other Location.
Tip: Add Control to any of these shortcuts (for example Control + Shift + Command + 4) to copy the screenshot to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Windows and MacBook?
If OneDrive backup is on, Windows may save screenshots to OneDrive > Pictures > Screenshots instead. On a Mac, if screenshots aren't on the Desktop, press Shift + Command + 5 and check the Options > Save to setting.
How to Take a Screenshot of Only One Part of the Screen
-
Windows: Press Windows + Shift + S, choose Rectangle or Freeform, and drag over the area.
-
MacBook: Press Shift + Command + 4 and drag across the part you need.
Both methods let you skip cropping afterwards, which saves time when you're sharing a small detail such as a model number or an error code.
How to Take a Screenshot Without the Print Screen Key
Some laptops don't have a dedicated PrtScn key, or the key is damaged. You still have options:
-
Windows + Shift + S works without PrtScn.
-
Open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
-
Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar and use its capture widget.
-
Open the On-Screen Keyboard (search "On-Screen Keyboard" in Start) and click its PrtScn key.
MacBooks don't use a Print Screen key at all, so the Shift + Command shortcuts are the standard method.
A plug-in or Bluetooth keyboard with a PrtScn key is another quick workaround while you sort out the built-in one. Have a look at our best wireless keyboards for laptops if you're considering one.
How to Fix Screenshot Problems on a Laptop
Print Screen key not working. Try Fn + PrtScn first. Some laptops have an Fn Lock (often Fn + Esc) that changes how the top-row keys behave. Also check whether OneDrive, Dropbox or another screenshot app has taken over the key.
Screenshots not saving automatically. Plain PrtScn and Alt + PrtScn only copy to the clipboard. Use Windows + PrtScn for a saved file. In Windows 11, open Snipping Tool > Settings and make sure Automatically save screenshots is on.
Screenshots copying to the clipboard instead of a folder. On Mac, check whether you're adding the Control key, or whether Save to is set to Clipboard in the Shift + Command + 5 options.
Shortcut not responding. Restart the laptop first. On Windows, check that Snipping Tool notifications are allowed under Settings > System > Notifications. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Screenshots and make sure the shortcuts are ticked.
If your laptop is slow to respond to every shortcut, not just screenshots, the cause may be general system load. These simple tips to increase laptop speed can help.
Specific keys not working. Open the On-Screen Keyboard and try the same shortcut. If it works there, the software is fine and the problem is likely the physical key. Clean around it with compressed air and update the keyboard driver in Device Manager before you think about replacing anything.
When a key is physically damaged, a repair rarely lasts. Here's why laptop keyboards are usually replaced rather than repaired.
If you do decide on a replacement, our guide on how to buy the right internal laptop keyboard shows you how to match the layout, connector and part number to your model.
Windows vs MacBook Screenshot Shortcuts
Need a Replacement Keyboard? Why Laptop Users Choose MY Laptop Spares
Most screenshot problems are settings issues you can fix in a few minutes. But if a key is worn out or physically broken, this is how we help:
-
Genuine and compatible parts: original branded keyboards, batteries, chargers and screens, plus our in-house brand Lapgrade for budget-friendly compatible replacements.
-
Model-specific compatibility help: send us a screenshot of your laptop's model number or part number and our team will help you confirm the right fit before you order.
-
All major brands: spare parts for Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS and more, in one place.
-
Decades of IT distribution experience: the team behind MY Laptop Spares has long worked in IT product distribution, so you get practical guidance, not guesswork.
-
Competitive pricing: options for different budgets, from original OEM parts to Lapgrade alternatives.
-
Secure shopping and delivery across India: safe online checkout and nationwide shipping to your doorstep.
Wondering whether a Lapgrade keyboard is right for you? Read why a Lapgrade laptop keyboard is a dependable, cost-effective replacement.
Conclusion
Now you know how to take screenshots on your laptop without extra software. For most Windows users, Windows + Shift + S is the most flexible shortcut and Windows + PrtScn is the fastest way to get a saved file. MacBook users can rely on Shift + Command + 4 for everyday captures and Shift + Command + 5 for the full toolbar. Bookmark this page so you have the shortcuts handy the next time you need them.
If a key on your keyboard has stopped responding even after troubleshooting, the MY Laptop Spares support team can help you find a keyboard that matches your exact laptop model.
And if you're curious about what else you can upgrade or swap out yourself, read our guide on which laptop parts can be replaced.
