However, some users reported that they were not able to use the print screen function on their computers. This can be due to several reasons such as the correct driver for keyboard not installed or some interference with third-party programs. We have listed down some workarounds for this issue.
Solution 1: Stopping background programs
Many background programs such as OneDrive, Snippet tool or Dropbox, etc. can cause a problem and restrain you from taking screenshots on your computer. They have features that override the default windows function; hence the problem. You should try closing each of these programs one by one and check each time to know which application is the culprit. Once you have identified the application, you can easily keep it closed when you want to use the print screen function. You may try using the Safe Mode to block all applications from opening at startup and this can help you identify the root cause of the problem. You may also check your cloud service (e.g. OneDrive or Dropbox) pictures folder for the screenshots being saved there. Because many cloud services have an option that allows your screenshots to be saved in that cloud service. Also many photo editor apps e.g. Movavi photo editor can take over your print screen command, so make sure that is not the case with you. Moreover, try to delete the contents of the folder that are no more required. Then check if the Print screen is functioning properly. Note: You may also try to clean boot your computer to get rid of any rogue “Services” that may startup with the computer in a normal boot.
Solution 2: Checking if Print Screen is being used correctly
Mostly on laptops, there is an additional button you need to press before you can use the print screen function (mostly a key called “fn”). Press that key and then press the print screen button to capture the screenshot accordingly. The button might different on different machines according to the manufacturer. Look around on your keyboard and look for this kind of buttons present. Also, there are some cases where the laptop was manufactured in another country and you are using the default English keyboard. In that case, you should check if all the keys present on your keyboard are in sync when you press them (check if the writing correctly represents the key). If there is a difference, you should try pressing other keys around and figure out what is the actual print screen button. You may try using the on-screen keyboard.
Solution 3: Updating your Keyboard Drivers
Incorrect keyboard drivers might also be the reason why you are not able to use the print screen function. This issue usually arises on laptops where you have to install the proper driver for your keyboard for all the keys to work. You should head over to your manufacturer’s website and download the required drivers accordingly. After you have saved the driver to an accessible location, proceed with the solution. Another way to launch the device manager is by pressing Windows + R to launch the Run application and typing “devmgmt.msc”.
Solution 4: Using Alternatives
If all the above solutions don’t work for you, there are many alternatives through which you can print the screen in front of you. We have listed down the most convenient and reliable alternatives for you to try. Note: You can also try pressing the Alt + Print screen to save the captured screen to your clipboard which you can later paste in other applications (Paint etc.).
Solution 5: Run Hardware Troubleshooter for Keyboard
Windows has many built-in troubleshooters to troubleshoot common Windows problems. If the problem you are facing is a result of a wrong configuration of the keyboard, then running the built-in hardware troubleshoot for the keyboard may solve the problem. Therefore, as a workaround, we will be attempting to scan for and install any available Windows Updates on our computer which should get it back to working normally and might even fix the print screen issue. In order to do that: Note: It is important that you do not shut your computer off or allow it to run out of battery during the update process. Doing so can cause a corruption of the operating system, which can often only be fixed by reformatting the computer.
Solution 7: Look For F-Lock Key
The F-Lock key is a toggle key on a PC compatible keyboard used to enable or disable the F1 through F12 key’s secondary functions. The F-Lock key is similar to caps lock in that it “forces” F1 through F12 to use their standard functions, as defined by the program being used. Pressing and releasing the F-Lock key toggles on, or enables, the F1-F12 keys to use their standard functions. Pressing the F-Lock key again toggles off (disables) the F1-F12 key standard functions, and turns on the ability to use the secondary functions on those keys. Today, the F-Lock key is included on very few keyboards. Instead, the Fn key is included, which allows users to activate the F1-F12 keys’ secondary functions on a case-by-case basis. If there is an F Mode key or F Lock key on your keyboard, the Print Screen not working Windows 10 may be caused by them, because such keys can disable the Print Screen key. If so, you should enable the Print Screen key by pressing the F-Mode key or F-Lock key again.
Solution 8: Configure Alternate Hotkeys for the Print Screen Key
If you cannot get the print screen key to work on your computer, you can temporarily try to use a workaround and configure another key or a macro to perform the function for you. Therefore, in this step, we will be using a third-party tool to perform this function for us which should be an adequate workaround to this issue.
Solution 9: Tweak OneDrive Settings
Microsoft One Drive is a file hosting service operated by Microsoft as part of its web version of Office and we got to know that some of Onedrive’s settings were responsible for the Printscreen issue. Hence, follow the steps indexed below to tweak its settings:
Solution 10: Monitor Hardware
In some cases, there is a remote possibility that the keyboard that you are using on your computer is acting up and causing this issue. Therefore, it is vital that you actually rule out a faulty keyboard before attempting other fixes because if there is a hardware fault with the keyboard, no software reconfiguration will help you get this functionality back until you actually replace the keyboard. Therefore, try to connect the keyboard to another computer or connect another keyboard to your computer and check to see if this function works correctly. If it works on the other computer or with the other keyboard, this indicates that the keyboard that you are using is faulty and it needs to be replaced with another one. Make sure to do this before actually trying again.
Solution 11: Modify Registry Editor
Registry Editor allows users to perform the following functions: Creating, manipulating, renaming and deleting registry keys, subkeys, values, and value data. Importing and exporting REG files, exporting data in the binary hive format. There might be an issue with the Registry Editor after the latest Windows Update so it is better to do some modifications in the Registry Editor to get rid of this glitch. Unlike Group Policy Editor, which comes preinstalled in Windows Pro and higher versions only, Registry Editor is available in Windows Home aswell. Workaround: The last thing you can try once you failed to take a screenshot by pressing PrtScn key is that you can try to press Fn + PrtScn, Alt + PrtScn or Alt + Fn + PrtScn keys together to try again. In addition, you also can use a snipping tool at Accessories from the Start menu to take a screenshot. In addition, if you’re on Windows 7 when you can’t use PrtSc on the physical keyboard, try to use the key on the virtual On-Screen Keyboard: Click the Start button > All Programs > Accessories > Ease of Access > On-Screen Keyboard.
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