Taking a screenshot is a quick and useful way to capture what is on your screen, whether you are saving a receipt, troubleshooting a software issue or sharing a funny moment with a friend. Most people are familiar with the Print Screen key on their keyboard, often labelled as “PrtSc” or something similar. However, if your keyboard does not have this key or if it is not working, there are still several reliable ways to take a screenshot without it.
Using Built-in Tools in Windows
Windows includes several tools that allow you to take screenshots without needing the Print Screen key. One of the most useful is the Snipping Tool, which has been part of Windows for years. It allows you to select any part of your screen and save it as an image. You can find it by typing “Snipping Tool” into the Start menu. A more updated version of this tool is Snip & Sketch, which offers the same functions with a slightly more modern interface. Pressing Windows + Shift + S opens this tool directly so you can draw a box around the area you want to capture.
Using the On-Screen Keyboard
If your physical Print Screen key is not available, Windows offers an on-screen keyboard that can be used as an alternative. You can open it by searching “On-Screen Keyboard” in the Start menu. Once it appears, click on the “PrtScn” button from there. It will behave just like the key on a physical keyboard and allow you to capture the whole screen to your clipboard. From there, you can paste the image into Paint, Word or any other program that accepts image input.
Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools
There are many free and paid screenshot tools available that can help you take precise and high-quality screen captures without using the Print Screen key. Popular options include Lightshot, Greenshot and ShareX. These programs usually come with shortcut options, custom capture sizes, editing tools and instant saving features. They are especially helpful if you take screenshots frequently and want more control over the process.
Mac Users and Screenshot Shortcuts
On Mac devices, there is no Print Screen key at all. Instead, Apple provides several built-in keyboard shortcuts. Pressing Command + Shift + 3 will capture the entire screen. If you want to select a portion of the screen, press Command + Shift + 4 and drag the crosshair to define the area. These methods save images directly to your desktop for easy access. You can also use the Screenshot app in macOS by searching for it with Spotlight or finding it in the Utilities folder.
Using Browser Extensions
If you need to take screenshots from web pages specifically, many browser extensions can help. Tools like Awesome Screenshot or Nimbus Screenshot allow you to capture visible areas, full pages or selected sections directly from Chrome or Firefox. These extensions often come with built-in editing and annotation tools which can be useful for creating tutorials or reports.
Screenshotting on Tablets or Touchscreen Devices
If you are using a touchscreen laptop or a tablet, you can take screenshots by using touch gestures or hardware button combinations. On many Windows tablets, pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time will take a screenshot. The image is then saved to your Pictures > Screenshots folder. On touchscreen laptops, gestures or dedicated screen capture buttons in the interface may also be available.
Saving and Editing Screenshots
Once you have taken your screenshot, you may want to edit or share it. Basic editing can be done using Microsoft Paint or Photos, both of which allow cropping, highlighting or annotating. More advanced edits can be done in software like GIMP, Photoshop or built-in apps on your device. Once edited, screenshots can be saved in a variety of formats such as PNG or JPEG depending on your needs.
Conclusion
Even without a Print Screen key, you still have plenty of options to take screenshots on your device. Whether you use built-in tools, on-screen keyboards, third-party apps or browser extensions, the process is straightforward and accessible. Knowing these alternatives ensures you can always capture important or memorable moments from your screen with ease.