Stuck with a malfunctioned Prtscn key on your keyboard? You are not alone!
The PrtScn button on the keyboard is a special key mapped to taking screenshots. Almost everyone uses it to instantly jump to their screenshot utility, which is much more convenient than opening an application and capturing the screen.
While the key plays a crucial role, many users have recently shared their experiences with the PrtScn button not working.
This blog will discuss all the factors that may cause your PrtScn button to malfunction. So, without delay, let’s jump straight to it!
5 Issues that Might Be Causing PrtScn to Stop Working [With Solutions]
The PrtScn button on your keyboard is mapped to capture the screen. Since there are multiple manufacturers of Windows PCs, each has a different way of marking this key.
Some of the most common terms you may find on this key are “Print Screen,” “PrtSc,” “PrtScn,” “PrtScr,” and “Prt Scr.” Do not get confused; they all work the same way, so their fixes are similar.
But the core question here is, why does it happen? Why is the PrtScn button not working on your keyboard? Well, as the title says, there can be 5 things that might be wrong with your PC –
Issue #1 – You are not using the key as required
The first and most common issue users encounter is the intended way of using the PrtScn key. Most users believe pressing the key once should give them feedback about taking a screenshot, which never does. Also, many laptops and keyboards require a hotkey combination for the print screen keys to work properly.
Solution – The ultimate solution to this problem can be found in the manual of your keyboard or laptop. You need to understand how exactly your PrtScn key works, whether you need to use hotkey combinations like Alt+PrtScn, Win+PrtScn, or Ctrl+PrtScn.
The usage can get tricky, as many keyboard layouts, especially the smaller form factor ones, combine the PrtScn key with the shift key, making it complicated. Hence, the best thing you can do is use your manual and know how to use your PrtScn key.
Issue #2 – The F lock on your keyboard is ON
Another problem that might be causing the Print screen key not responding error is the function key (F key) lock on your keyboard.
Solution – If there is an indicator on the F key, you can check it to analyze if the use of PrtScn is ON or Off.
The F keys are your F1 to F12 keys. These keys also serve as media controls on laptops, so there is a function lock key to convert them as required. If you continuously use the PrtScn key but still have no luck, chances are your F key lock was enabled. Turn it off, and you should be good.
Issue #3 – The required PrtScn shortcut is not enabled
If both issues above are not the case, the ability to capture a screen using this key is not a default feature. You need to enable it manually on several devices. You should do it now!
Solution – Here are the steps that can help you enable the PrtScn key-
Step 1 – Press Windows + U to open the Accessibility Settings.
Step 2 – In the Accessibility options, spot keyboard options and open them.
Step 3 – After opening the keyboard options, look for the Print Screen shortcut and toggle it ON.
Once you finish these 3 steps, your PrtScn key should start working as usual.
Issue #4 – A third-party screenshot application is causing the button to stop working
If you are using a third-party application for screenshots, chances are that it has remapped your screen-capturing shortcut to some other key combination.
Solution –
If this is the case with your PrtScn key, there’s no need to worry. You can disable or uninstall third-party applications by trying to use the PrtScn key. If it works fine, you can enable or re-install the screenshot application. Otherwise, you can also rely on the inbuilt print screen functionality.
Issue #5 – You are using outdated keyboard drivers on your PC
Last but not least, if your keyboard is working fine, but only a few keys are not performing properly, there is a high possibility that the drivers are outdated. When drivers go outdated, they start affecting the device’s functionality. Hence, the PrtScn button not working can result from an outdated driver.
Solution – Updating your keyboard driver is the only way to resolve this issue. If you know the steps to update drivers on a Windows PC, you can manually update them.
If you are not well-versed in it, we recommend you use a simpler method, Advanced Driver Updater. It is a dedicated tool that allows you to fetch the latest updates in minutes.
Here’s how the tool works –
Step 1 – Download Advanced Driver Updater on your PC using the button below
Step 2 – Install the tool on your PC and run it.
Step 3 – On the home screen, you will find the Start Scan Now button. Click on it to initiate the scanning process.
Step 4 – Let the scan go through all the installed drivers on your PC and compare it to the latest on the tool’s server.
Step 5 – After the scan, you will have a list of outdated drivers.
Step 6 – Click on Update All to update these drivers.
That’s it! Your keyboard drivers will be installed in minutes. The best part is that if any other drivers were causing issues, they would be updated, too, leaving no loose end.
Instant Fixes to Resolve the PrtScn Button on Windows 10/11
If you cannot identify the exact issue causing the print screen key to malfunction, you can try a few instant fixes. Please remember that you should primarily check for the abovementioned issues and resolve them to the best of your abilities.
Fix #1 – Close Interfering Background Applications
The first thing you should do is trace the malfunction and identify the app preventing your screenshot shortcut key from working. It can be anything, from a recently installed antivirus to a third-party browser. Simply check your task manager and close the application by ending its process.
Step 1 – Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
Step 2—Close all the applications running in the background and not being used. Click on an application to select it and use the End Process button.
Repeat step 2 until you are sure that you have cleared all the applications. Refresh your PC using the F5 key and check if the PrtScn button works.
Fix 2 – Use an Alternative Screenshot Application
If the internal screen capture utility is not working or cannot be triggered using the PrtScn button, finding an alternative screenshot application is better. Several apps allow you to take screenshots on Windows. Some have integrated advanced features such as instant editing, cropping, scrolling screen capture, etc., while others simply use your keyboard shortcuts to take a screenshot. The choice is completely up to you.
If you are confused about which app to use, here’s a list of the best screenshot applications. Check it out.
Fix 3 – Restart Your Computer
Occasionally, your PC is not performing to its best abilities by default. This can happen when your computer is experiencing stress when handling all the processes currently running. If you have not been able to restart your computer recently, we recommend you restart it. Sometimes, when using your device for professional reasons, you avoid shutting it down. Considering that you may be required to access it anytime, users put their PCs in hibernation mode, leaving behind the necessary optimizations that regular restarts bring.
Restart your PC right now and check if that resolves your issue.
PrtScn Not Working? NO WORRIES!
Thanks to these 5 solutions, there is no need to worry if the PrtScn key is not working on your keyboard. Simply match the best situation that suits your PC, use the solution, and you will be good to go.
Most users prefer to use native keys to perform basic tasks. These fixes should be enough if you are struggling with your PrtScn key/Screenshot shortcut key.
And with that, we have reached the end of this post. Feel free to drop any of your queries in the comments section below.
Good luck!
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