Many users experience issues with remote desktop connections when using the most basic application for taking screenshots. The phenomenon of the Print Screen not working within the remote session is one common instance. If you’ve been experiencing this problem, then know you’re not alone. This problem can be pretty frustrating because you may be trying to capture very important information or troubleshoot elsewhere. But let’s not get worried, because in this blog, we’ll cover some efficient solutions on how to resolve Print Screen issues that won’t work in Remote Desktop.
Why the Print Screen Feature Might Not Work in Remote Desktop
There could be various reasons for the issue; let’s go through it one by one.
Keyboard Shortcut Conflicts: The Print Screen button may not be mapped correctly in the remote session.
Permissions and Settings: Sometimes, the Remote Desktop is not configured to pass certain key presses, such as the Print Screen.
Remote Desktop Version: Older versions of Remote Desktop may not fully support the Print Screen feature.
Clipboard Redirection: Sometimes the clipboard feature-that is, clipboard functionality, and even screenshots isn’t redirected to the remote Desktop session.
Knowing some of these possible causes, let’s discuss steps to resolve such an issue.
1. Check Remote Desktop Settings
Firstly, one would need to check their Remote Desktop settings to solve the Print Screen not working issue. The clipboard feature must be enabled for the screenshot copy function. This is done as follows:
- Launch the Remote Desktop Connection client.
- Click on Show Options.
- Under the Local Resources tab click on Local devices and Resources and make sure the Clipboard option is checked.
- This will ensure that your clipboard, which involves your Print Screen function, will be redirected well.
2. Employ the On-Screen Keyboard
If the print screen button physically is not found on your remote session, use the on-screen keyboard to snap a screenshot of your screen. Here’s how you can go about it:
On your Remote Desktop, click on your Start menu then search for On-Screen Keyboard.
Use the on-screen Print Screen button to take your screenshot when opened
This method is one of the fastest workarounds if hardware keyboard shortcuts cannot be used.
3. Update Remote Desktop Client
If you’re using an outdated version of Remote Desktop, it may lack full functionality, including proper support for the Print Screen feature. To fix the Print Screen not working, make sure you’re running the latest version of Remote Desktop. Here’s how to check for updates:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your local machine.
- Search for Remote Desktop.
- If an update is available, click Update to install the latest version.
- Reboot your session and try Print Screen, that’s all.
4. Keyboard Mapping and Key Combinations
The problem can also be caused by keyboard shortcuts such as Print Screen being blocked or mapped incorrectly in your remote session. Just follow the following steps:
- Open up your Remote Desktop Session and then go to Local Group Policy.
- Under User Configuration go to Administrative Templates
- Then Control Panel > Personalization and check to enable Allow Windows+X hotkeys.
This will ensure that the Print Screen and its like work perfectly well during the Remote Desktop session.
5. Use Alternative Screenshot Tools
If the above steps don’t help you to resolve your problem of Print Screen not working, you can then use third-party screenshot tools. You can use tools such as Snipping Tool or Snagit for your snapshots within Remote Desktop. These do not require you to use the Print Screen button.
Download and install Snipping Tool or any other reliable screenshot tool.
Open the tool and capture the screenshot as usual.
These tools often bypass standard keyboard shortcuts and can be a reliable means of capturing content on the screen remotely.
Conclusion
If you have been frustrated by the failure of Print Screen to work in Remote Desktop, the solutions above should help you solve the problem. First, check your settings, ensure that clipboard redirection is enabled, and update your Remote Desktop client. If these do not work, you can resort to using the on-screen keyboard or a third-party screenshot tool to capture your screen.