In today’s digital world, capturing what’s on your screen is a fundamental skill. Whether you need to share a funny meme, document an error message for tech support, or create a visual guide, screenshots are indispensable. The quickest and most common way to take a screenshot on a Windows computer is by using the Print Screen key. But Where Is The Print Screen Key exactly? This guide will walk you through locating this essential key on various keyboards and mastering its different functions.
Locating the Print Screen Key on Different Keyboards
The Print Screen key, often abbreviated as PrtScr, PrntScrn, or similar variations, isn’t always in the most obvious spot. Its location can differ depending on whether you’re using a desktop or laptop keyboard. Let’s break down where to find it:
Desktop Keyboards
On a standard desktop keyboard, you’ll typically find the Print Screen key in the upper right-hand corner. Look for it in the block of keys to the right of the function keys (F1-F12) and above the Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End, and Page Down keys. It’s usually positioned near the Scroll Lock and Pause Break keys.
Keep an eye out for these common labels:
- Print Screen
- PrtScn
- PrntScrn
- PrntScr
- PrtSc
- PrtSc
Regardless of the specific label, these keys all serve the same purpose: capturing your screen.
Illustration of the print screen key on Dell Precision 5550 mobile workstation keyboard
Laptop Keyboards
Finding the Print Screen key on a laptop keyboard can be slightly different. Due to the compact nature of laptops, manufacturers often integrate multiple functions into a single key. The Print Screen key is commonly located on the Function key row (F1, F2, F3…).
Often, you’ll need to press the Fn (Function) key in combination with another key to activate the Print Screen function. Look for PrtScr (or a similar abbreviation) printed on one of the function keys, most frequently F10. To take a screenshot, you would press and hold the Fn key and then press the PrtScr key simultaneously.
Some laptops with capacitive function key rows (where the function keys are touch-sensitive and illuminated) require you to press the Fn key first to switch the function keys to their standard functions, including Print Screen. Once illuminated, you can then press the designated PrtScr key. Refer to your laptop’s user manual for precise instructions if you have a capacitive function key row.
Illustration of the print screen key on Dell Precision 5550 mobile workstation keyboard
Special Cases: No Dedicated Print Screen Key
In rare instances, particularly with some compact wireless keyboards like certain Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse combos (e.g., model KM3322W), you might not find a dedicated Print Screen key at all. In these cases, the Print Screen function is often assigned to a combination of keys. A common combination is pressing the Fn key and the Insert key together to take a screenshot. Always consult your keyboard’s documentation if you’re unsure.
Using the Print Screen Key in Windows 10 and Windows 11
Now that you’ve located the Print Screen key, let’s explore how to use it to capture different types of screenshots in Windows:
Capture the Entire Screen
To capture a screenshot of your entire screen, including all windows and applications, simply press the Print Screen key (PrtScr) by itself. The screenshot is then copied to your clipboard, ready to be pasted.
Alternatively, for quicker saving, you can press the Windows logo key + PrtScr key together. This method captures the entire screen and automatically saves it as a PNG image file in the Screenshots folder within your Pictures library. On tablets without a physical keyboard, you can achieve the same result by pressing the Windows logo button + the volume down button simultaneously.
Capture All Active Windows
If you have multiple windows open and want to capture all of them in a single screenshot, press the PrtScr key. This will capture all currently active windows, treating them as one combined image in your clipboard.
Capture a Single Active Window
To capture only the currently active window (the window you are currently working in), select that window by clicking on it to ensure it’s active, and then press the Alt + PrtScr keys together. This will capture only the selected window and copy it to your clipboard, excluding any other open windows or your taskbar.
Pasting and Utilizing Your Screenshots
Once you’ve captured your screenshot using any of the methods above, it’s temporarily stored on your clipboard. To use or edit your screenshot, you need to paste it into an application.
Using Image Editors
The most common way to utilize your screenshot is by pasting it into an image editor like Microsoft Paint (included with Windows) or more advanced software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
- Open your desired image editor.
- Create a new image document (if necessary).
- Press Ctrl + V (or right-click and select “Paste”) to paste the screenshot from your clipboard into the image editor.
- From here, you can edit, crop, annotate, or save your screenshot in various image formats (JPEG, PNG, etc.).
Exploring the Snipping Tool
For more advanced screenshot options and annotation tools, Windows offers the Snipping Tool (and its newer replacement, the Snip & Sketch tool in newer Windows 10 versions and Windows 11). The Snipping Tool allows you to capture specific regions of your screen, free-form selections, or window snips, and provides built-in annotation features. You can search for “Snipping Tool” in your Windows search bar to launch it.
Taking screenshots is a vital skill for effective communication and documentation in the digital age. Now that you know where is the Print Screen key and how to use its various functions, you can confidently capture and share your screen content whenever needed.
