How to print screen without PrintScreen button
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Method
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Tool/Approach
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Description
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1. Third-party App (Screenpixel)
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Screenpixel
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Use mouse actions to capture screen. Quick download & installation.
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2. On-Screen Keyboard
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Windows Built-in
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Accessible via Ease of Access, allows use of a virtual Print Screen button.
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3. Shortcut (Windows+Shift+S)
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Windows Built-in Shortcut
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Press Windows+Shift+S to select and capture a specific screen area.
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4. Remap PrintScreen Button
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Windows Settings/Third-party Apps
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Remap another key to perform as the Print Screen button through settings or software like SharpKeys.
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5. Snipping Tool
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Windows Built-in Tool
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Offers various snip types; free-form, rectangular, window, and full-screen captures with extra features.
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Method 1: Use Third-party App (Screenpixel)
Using Screenpixel for Screen Captures:
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Download and Install Screenpixel: Visit Screenpixel's website and download the application. Follow the installation instructions to set it up on your computer.
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Initiate a Screenshot: Once installed, you can initiate a screenshot by pressing two mouse buttons simultaneously. This action activates Screenpixel's capture mode.
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Select the Capture Area: Click and drag your mouse to select the specific area of your screen you wish to capture.
Capture and Save:
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To copy a link to the screenshot, press Enter. Screenpixel automatically generates a short link and copies it to your clipboard for easy sharing.
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To save the screenshot image directly, press Ctrl+C. You can then paste (Ctrl+V) the image into any image editing software or document.
Screenpixel simplifies how to print screen without the print screen button, offering a user-friendly solution for quick and intuitive screen captures.
Method 2: Use On-Screen Keyboard
For users seeking a built-in solution within the Windows ecosystem, the On-Screen Keyboard offers a viable route to capture your screen without a print screen button on your physical keyboard. Accessible via the Ease of Access settings, the On-Screen Keyboard includes all standard keys, including Print Screen. Simply navigate to the On-Screen Keyboard, click the PRTSC button, and your screenshot is ready to be pasted (with Ctrl+V) into your document or image editor of choice. This method serves as an effective keyboard shortcut for print screen without the printscreen button, ensuring that the lack of a physical button is no barrier to capturing your screen.
Method 3: Use Windows+Shift+S
Windows 10 and 11 have introduced a new shortcut that streamlines taking screenshots without needing the Print Screen button. By pressing Windows+Shift+S, the screen dims, and you can select the specific area of your screen you wish to capture. This action copies the selected area to the clipboard, ready to be pasted into your desired application. It's a versatile method that simplifies how to print screen without the print screen button, offering flexibility to users who need to quickly capture and share a portion of their screen.
Method 4: Remap PrintScreen Button
For users who don't mind a little customization, remapping another key to serve as the Print Screen key offers a practical solution. Windows allows for key remapping through various methods, one of the most accessible being through third-party software like SharpKeys. Here's a simplified step-by-step guide:
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Download and install SharpKeys or a similar tool.
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Open the application and select “Add” to create a new key mapping.
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In the list that appears, choose the key you wish to remap (e.g., Scroll Lock) and then select the Print Screen function as its new assignment.
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Apply the changes and restart your computer for them to take effect.
This method, while requiring some initial setup, results in a permanent fix for computers lacking a dedicated Print Screen button, demonstrating the Windows system’s flexibility to adapt to user needs for a more personalized experience.
Method 5: Use Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a versatile Windows feature designed to make screen capturing without the Print Screen button straightforward. Here's how to quickly launch the Snipping Tool and take a screenshot:
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Open the Snipping Tool by typing “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar and selecting the app from the results.
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Once open, click “New” to start a new snip. You will then be able to choose from different snip types – free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen – according to your needs.
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Select the area of your screen you wish to capture. For free-form or rectangular snips, click and drag to select the capture area. For window snips, simply click on the window you want to capture.
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After capturing, the screenshot will open in the Snipping Tool window, where it can be annotated, saved, or shared directly.
This approach offers flexibility beyond the traditional Print Screen method, accommodating users who require advanced features such as delayed captures or the ability to select specific areas of the screen to capture.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenge of how to print screen without the print screen button in Windows doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With several built-in options like the On-Screen Keyboard, Windows+Shift+S shortcut, and the Snipping Tool, alongside third-party solutions such as Screenpixel, capturing your screen is more accessible than ever. Each method offers unique advantages, whether you’re looking for the simplicity and efficiency of Screenpixel or the customization options of remapping keys.
Remember, the best tool for the job will depend on your specific needs and workflow preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, flexibility, or customization, there’s a solution that aligns with your requirements. Explore these options to find your ideal screenshot method and make how to print screen without the print screen button a question of the past.
FAQ
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How do I make a printscreen if my keyboard doesn't have a Print Screen button?What if I have a keyboard without a print screen button? Making a screenshot without a Print Screen button on your keyboard is straightforward with several methods available. You can use Screenpixel, a third-party application designed for ease of use, allowing you to capture your screen with just a couple of mouse clicks. Alternatively, the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows includes a virtual Print Screen key, enabling you to take a screenshot without needing a physical button. Another option is utilizing the Windows+Shift+S shortcut, which lets you select a specific area of your screen for capture.
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What is the best way to make a print screen without a Print Screen key?The best method depends on your needs and the tools you're comfortable using. For utmost convenience and ease, Screenpixel is highly recommended. It bypasses the need for keyboard shortcuts altogether, allowing for mouse-only operation. For those preferring built-in Windows solutions, the Windows+Shift+S shortcut offers quick and selective screen capturing capabilities. If you're looking for a method that doesn't require any downloads or learning new shortcuts, the On-Screen Keyboard or the Snipping Tool are excellent choices.
