Taking screenshots on Windows 11 is supposed to be as simple as pressing the Print Screen key, then copying and pasting the screenshot wherever you want it. However, for some reason, it can stop working randomly, usually after Windows updates, which hints that there is a bug in the system somewhere that keeps breaking the feature. That said, it isn't the only way it might stop working, so follow along as we guide you through a few different steps you can use to fix Print Screen not working on Windows 11.

Takeaways:

  1. Is there a way to change the print screen key on Windows 11?
  2. Fixing the print screen function not working on Windows 11

How to Fix Unable to Take Screenshots on Windows 11

If the Print Screen (PrtSc) key is not working, Windows may have disabled its default behaviour. This isn't likely, but it's a quick check. You can re-enable it so that it opens the Snipping Tool:

  • Open Settings
  • Go to Bluetooth & devices
  • Click Keyboard
  • Turn on: Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture

Once you flip the option back on, Print Screen should work again.

Try Different Keyboard Shortcuts

If one shortcut fails, others might still be working. It's possible your Print Screen key is broken, which would be pretty rare and unlucky.

  • Win + Shift + S (opens Snipping Tool selection mode)
  • PrtSc
  • Fn + PrtSc
  • Win + PrtSc (saves screenshot automatically)
  • Alt + PrtSc (captures active window only)

On some laptops, the Fn key is required for Print Screen to work. If you suspect your Print Screen key is broken, you can remap it using the steps in this guide.

Check the Screenshot Save Location

Sometimes screenshots are saved, just not where you expect.

To check the save location:

  • Open Snipping Tool
  • Click the three-dot menu
  • Go to Settings
  • Find Automatically save original screenshots
  • Click Open folder

Enable Clipboard History

Screenshots taken with PrtSc may be stored temporarily in the clipboard.

If clipboard history is off, screenshots can be lost before you paste them.

  • Press Win + V
  • Click Turn on

After this, screenshots will be stored in the clipboard history so you can paste them later instead of losing them instantly.

Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool

A broken Snipping Tool can prevent screenshots entirely.

  • Open Settings
  • Go to Apps > Installed apps
  • Find Snipping Tool
  • Click the three-dot menu > Advanced options
  • Click Repair

If it still doesn’t work, try the Reset Option instead.

Check if Any Apps Are Blocking Screenshots

Some apps interfere with screenshot capture, especially:

  • Discord overlays
  • NVIDIA overlay
  • Game recorders
  • Streaming tools
  • OBS

In my experience, OBS is the most common one to cause issues, as there is a setting inside of OBS that blocks screenshots and recording of the OBS screen. Here's the guide on that issue.

Run the Windows SFC Command

Running the System File Checker (SFC) command can repair corrupted system files.

  • Type CMD into the Start menu, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete and repair any errors found.

Windows 11 print screen not working

If the process doesn’t complete properly, restart your computer in Safe Mode and repeat the scan.