16 Ways to Fix Print Screen Not Working in Windows

The Print Screen button is one of the quickest and easiest ways. To take a screenshot on a Windows 11 computer and Windows 10, but sometimes it may stop working. This page will guide you through the best ways to fix a broken Print Screen button, whether the cause is related to your Windows device's hardware or software.

Why is my screen printing not working?

The Print Screen button not working the way it should is often the result of physical damage to the button itself or a keyboard that needs a firmware update. An outdated Windows operating system can also cause Print Screen malfunctions, as can insufficient system storage space and free memory.

How to Fix the Print Screen Button on Windows

Here's how to get the Windows Print Screen function and button working properly so you can take screenshots again.

1. Are you pressing the correct key? Make sure you are pressing the correct key. Print Screen The specific button on the keyboard because your muscle memory might be clicking on something else. It should contain Prn Scr Or PrtSc Or PrtScn Or PrntScrn Or, of course, screen print it. Note: Some Windows laptops and desktops, such as the HP Envy x360, place the Print Screen function on a completely different key, such as Shift.
2. Click on Windows keyTo save the screenshot in Pictures folder > Screenshots You need to press Windows and Print Screen keys At the same time. Advice: Win+PrtSc will automatically save the screenshots as an image file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder while PrtSc will automatically add the screenshot to the Windows clipboard for pasting.
3. Reconnect your Windows keyboard. Unplug or disconnect the keyboard from your Windows device and then reconnect it.
4. Restart Windows. A quick restart can fix many Windows 10 and Windows 11 problems and errors.
5. Windows UpdateYour computer may need a software or firmware update for certain keyboard functions to work properly.
6. Clear Windows clipboard. Click on Windows + V and select Clear all To delete all current saved clipboard data. Note: If you don't use clipboard history, you won't see the option to clear anything.
7. Click on Print Screen several times. If the Print Screen key is faulty or damaged, try pressing it quickly. three times Instead of once.
8. turn off Sticky Keys. This accessibility setting can change the function of some Windows keyboard shortcuts.
9. Turn off the Windows function key. Depending on your keyboard layout, the function key may disable the function of the key. Print Screen Or change the way it works. Advice: The function key is the one labeled Fn. It usually has a light that turns on when it's active.
10. Free up space in Windows. This process can help make Windows 10 and 11, apps, and functions run faster and more efficiently.
11. Delete temporary Internet files. This only takes a few seconds and can sometimes fix Windows Print Screen errors.
12. Close background applications and processes. Open the Windows Task Manager and exit all programs running in the background that you don't need to open.
13. Run the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter. Troubleshooters come preinstalled in both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and offer a simplified way to scan and fix your device for errors.
14. Clean your Windows keyboard. There may be dust or dirt preventing the Print Screen button from working.
15. Update your keyboard drivers. This is a slightly more advanced tip that should only take a minute or two and can be effective in fixing Windows 11 and 10 device issues.
16. Try another method for taking a screenshot in Windows. There are several ways to take a screenshot in Windows, some of which don't include the Print Screen method. Microsoft's Surface devices also have several unique methods for taking a screenshot that you may not be aware of.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How do I fix screen printing? Black?
The answer: If your screenshots work, but all you get is a black screen, it may be due to a copyright issue. Platforms like Netflix and Hulu may block screen captures and recordings to combat piracy.

Q2: My Windows print screen will only save and not print. How do I fix the problem?
The answer: You may need to take additional steps to actually print your screen. Try opening a word processing document and pasting the screenshot into it, and you can print it from there. You can also print directly from image programs like Preview on a Mac or Photos in Windows.