Print screen not working? No problem! In today’s article, we’ll take a look at what can be causing this problem and how you can fix it.
Why doesn’t the print screen work?
The Print Screen key can stop performing its assigned work literally at any time – and there are a whole bunch of reasons for this! Everything from an elementary bug in the OS to a hardware failure of the keyboard.
However, most often it all comes down to somewhat incorrect user actions. Press Print Screen, go to any graphics editor, for example, the same Paint, and press the Ctrl + V combination to paste the captured image – what could be simpler?
Printscreen not working – how to fix it?
Solution # 1 Using the Fn key
If you are trying to take a screenshot on a laptop, then in addition to the Print Screen key, you may also need to press the Fn key. Simply put, press Fn + Print Screen – the image of the entire screen is captured and placed on the clipboard.
Solution # 2 Restart your computer
Are you sure you are doing everything right? Then try restarting your computer. Unfortunately, some Windows functions can suddenly stop working – this is a documented phenomenon. Possibly buggy keyboard driver. One way or another, in such situations, a regular restart of the PC helps.
Solution # 3 Update the keyboard driver
While we’re on the subject of a driver, the Print Screen key may stop capturing an image if the keyboard driver doesn’t work correctly. This driver can be updated or reinstalled. Try the following:
- press Win + R;
- write down devmgmt.msc and press Enter;
- open the “Keyboards” section and double-click on the one connected to your PC;
- in the device properties window go to the “Driver” tab;
- click on the “Update driver” button;
- select the option “Search automatically for updated drivers”.
If Windows can find a new version of the keyboard driver, it will install it. If you have an up-to-date version of the driver installed, then it’s time to start reinstalling it. It is done like this:
- open Device Manager and go to your keyboard driver properties;
- click on the “Remove device” button;
- confirm your intention by clicking on “Delete” in the new dialog box;
- Click on Update Hardware Configuration (monitor and magnifying glass icon) to have Windows detect the connected keyboard and automatically install the driver for it.
Trying to create a screenshot. Is the print screen key still not working? Moving on.
Solution # 4 Disable background utilities
Some utilities running in the Windows background may block the functionality of the Print Screen button. Sometimes it happens by mistake, and sometimes it happens on purpose. Disable any programs you don’t need in the background, and then try to take a screenshot again.
Solution # 5 Cleaning the keyboard
Have you ever thought that your keyboard is too dirty and the print screen key is simply stuck? You may have spilled something sweet on your keyboard not long ago. One way or another, the keyboard can always be carefully opened and cleaned from various contaminants. The duration of such a procedure will depend solely on the state of the keyboard itself.
Solution # 6 Toggle the F-lock key
Some users claim that the Print Screen key worked for them after pressing the F-lock – the button that is used to switch the state of the function keys (F1-F12). Experiment with the F-lock, if available, and test that the Print Screen works.
Still not working with the print screen? Well, then you need to fork out for a new keyboard … or use system scissors or third-party software to take screenshots.