Introduction
This is one of the most useful keys on any keyboard, enabling users to capture their screen without much hassle. Still, you can get frustrated when you experience “Print Screen Not Working” issues when you need these screenshots for work, tutorials, or troubleshooting.
This blog will take you through simple steps to troubleshoot problems with the Print Screen function.
1. Check Keyboard Functionality
Before diving into software troubleshooting, make sure that your keyboard is functioning properly.
- Test the Key: Try clicking the Print Screen key several times to eliminate the possibility of a hardware failure.
- Use Another Keyboard: If the key doesn’t respond, use another keyboard to determine if the problem is indeed with the hardware.
2. Check the Print Screen Shortcut
Some require alternative key combinations. For instance, you need to use Fn + Print Screen for some laptops, while others require Windows + Shift + S. Check your device’s manual or settings for shortcut customization.
3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers are the cause of the “Print Screen Not Working” problem.
Update Drivers:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards and right-click on your keyboard driver.
- Select Update driver and follow the on-screen steps
- Reinstall Drivers: Uninstall your keyboard driver, then restart. It will reinstall a new copy automatically
4. Look for Third-Party Conflicts
You may be encountering Print Screen conflicts with third-party software.
- Disable Overlays
There are several applications, such as OneDrive or Dropbox, that are applicable, or Snipping Tool applications that will override your print screen feature. Search through their setups and disable any conflicting features.
- Uninstall Programs Installed Recently: If the problem started after installation of a particular application, remove it and try to see whether the problem is rectified.
5. Enable Clipboard Functionality
The Print Screen key uses a clipboard for temporary saving of captured images. If your clipboard is malfunctioning, no screenshot will save.
- Press Windows + R type services. msc and click Enter.
- ClipBoard User Service—locate this and ensure that it is running. Set the startup type to Automatic if necessary.
6. In-Built Screenshot Feature
There are other screenshot features provided by newer operating systems. If the Print Screen button doesn’t work, then there are alternatives as follows:
- Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch (Windows): Take a snip off some part of your screen with Windows + Shift + S
- Grab (macOS): There’s no hitch to using the screenshot feature with this tool
7. Safe Mode
Booting your system in Safe Mode helps determine if third-party software is causing the “Print Screen Not Working” issue. In Safe Mode, only essential drivers and services load, making it easier to identify problems.
8. Perform a System Restore
If all else fails, restore your system to an earlier point when the Print Screen feature was working correctly.
Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe and follow the instructions to restore your system.
Final Words
Not so much fun to run into the “Print Screen Not Working” issue, but with these troubleshooting steps, you will easily identify and resolve the problem. From confirming the functionality of your hardware to updating drivers and checking third-party issues, it covers everything.