The Windows+Print Screen (also written as Windows+PrtScn) keyboard shortcut is one of the fastest ways to capture your entire screen on a Windows PC. It instantly takes a screenshot of everything visible on your display and saves it as an image file, eliminating the need to paste into another program first. This shortcut is especially useful for documentation, troubleshooting, sharing visuals, and saving online content before it disappears.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Windows + Print (Windows + Prtscn) Screen works, where your screenshots are stored, how it interacts with Microsoft and other applications, common issues, Mac equivalents, and practical usage tips.
Table of Contents
Use in Windows
On Windows systems, Windows+Print Screen (Windows+Prtscn) is designed to quickly capture the entire screen and save it automatically.
Steps to use:
- Make sure the screen shows exactly what you want to capture.
- Press Windows key and Print Screen simultaneously.
- The screen will briefly dim to indicate a screenshot has been taken.
- The captured image is saved in Pictures → Screenshots as a PNG file with an automatically generated filename.
Key Points:
- It captures all visible monitors if you use multiple displays.
- The file is saved in high resolution without compression loss.
- No need to paste into Paint, Word, or any other app — the image is ready to use.
- Ideal for quick, repeatable documentation work.
Use in Microsoft Applications
While the shortcut itself is handled by the Windows operating system, the screenshots can be easily inserted into Microsoft applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Examples:
- Microsoft Word: Insert → Pictures → This Device → Select your screenshot from the Screenshots folder.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Quickly add visuals for presentations without additional formatting steps.
- Microsoft Outlook: Attach the screenshot file directly to an email for clear visual explanations.
Since the screenshot is already a saved file, you avoid extra steps compared to the plain Print Screen method, which requires manual pasting.
Use in Other Applications
Because Windows + Print Screen creates an actual PNG file, it integrates seamlessly with almost any application that supports image uploads or imports.
Web Browsers
You can attach the saved screenshot in web-based apps like Gmail, Google Docs, or Trello without needing to paste it from the clipboard.
Graphic Design Tools
In Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva, simply import the saved PNG file from your Screenshots folder to start editing.
Communication Platforms
Apps like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Discord let you drag and drop the screenshot file into a chat window for instant sharing.
FAQs
Sometimes Windows + Print Screen may not work as expected. Common causes include:
- Laptop Function Key Settings:
Some laptops require holding the Fn key along with Windows + Print Screen if the PrtScn key shares functions with other commands. - Folder Permissions:
If Windows cannot save the file to the Screenshots folder due to permission issues, the shortcut may appear to do nothing. - OneDrive or Cloud Storage Interference:
OneDrive may override default screenshot behavior and save files to a cloud location instead. - Multiple Keyboard Layouts:
In some keyboard layouts, the Print Screen key is in a different position or labeled differently (e.g., PrtSc, PrtScrn, PrintScr).
Fixes:
- Check the Pictures → Screenshots folder.
- Try using Fn + Windows + Print Screen on laptops.
- Ensure you have enough storage space and correct folder permissions.
- Disable any third-party screenshot tools temporarily to rule out conflicts.
Mac Equivalent
Macs do not have a direct equivalent to Windows+Print Screen (Windows+Prtscn), but the closest option is:
- Command + Shift + 3 – Captures the entire screen and saves it as a file on the desktop.
- Command + Shift + 4 – Allows you to select a portion of the screen.
- Command + Shift + 5 – Opens the screenshot toolbar with additional options.
Like Windows + Print Screen, Command + Shift + 3 automatically creates an image file without needing to paste it into another program.
Conclusion
The Windows+Print Screen (Windows+Prtscn) shortcut is a fast, reliable, and automatic way to take full-screen screenshots in Windows. Unlike the basic Print Screen key, it skips the clipboard step and saves the file directly to your Pictures → Screenshots folder, ready for use in documents, presentations, or online sharing. It works well across Microsoft Office apps, web browsers, communication platforms, and design tools, making it a must-know shortcut for productivity.
By understanding how it functions, where your screenshots are saved, and how to troubleshoot common problems, you can make the most out of this time-saving feature — whether for work, school, or personal projects.