Windows 11 is a massive upgrade in just about anything compared to Windows 10. However, Microsoft hasn’t been able to work out all the bugs and glitches from the OS just yet.
In this article, we’re looking at the Print Screen key not working in Windows 11 and the solutions you can take to fix the problem.
Check the key combination
If you’re working on a laptop, chances are the Print Screen key is assigned to more than one action. This means that you’ll probably have to use a secondary modifier key to use the Print Screen key. Try using either the Ctrl or Fn keys in combination with the Print Screen key to see if that gets you a screenshot.
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Update your keyboard drivers
An outdated keyboard driver can also cause malfunctions with keys. Try updating it to see if that solves the issue for you.
Step 1: Right-click Start and select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Locate the keyboard driver, right-click on it and click on Update Drivers.
Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will automatically look for and download the latest drivers for your hardware.
While this should help resolve the error, in case it doesn’t, click Uninstall device and restart your PC to force Windows to install the required drivers. You can then update them later.
Run the Windows hardware troubleshooter
Windows comes with a few handy troubleshooters that can resolve a bunch of issues. However, for some reason, Microsoft has removed the hardware troubleshooter from the troubleshooter’s menu. So here’s an alternative way to run the hardware troubleshooter.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type cmd and hit enter.
Step 2: Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press enter. This will launch the hardware troubleshooter.
Proceed along as instructed by the troubleshooter. This should fix the issue for you.
Also read: How to fix Windows 10 update error 0x800f0922?
Check up the registry
There’s a chance that your Windows registry doesn’t have the Screenshotindex key saved in it, causing issues with screenshots. Edit the registry to add this key and try again.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type regedit and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following directory.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Step 3: Check to make sure you have the Screenshotindex key. If you don’t, right-click in the empty space to the right, select New, followed by DWORD and enter ScreenshotIndex as the name.
Step 4: Double-click the newly created entry and select Decimal under Base. Type in 695 as the Value data.
Step 5: Navigate to the following directory.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
Step 6: Find the {B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F} entry and double-click it to open properties.
Step 7: Make sure the Value data field is set to %USERPROFILE%\Pictures\Screenshots.
Now restart your PC and try again.
Use third-party alternatives
If nothing else works, try using third-party alternatives for taking screenshots. Windows itself has a neat little tool built-in called the Snipping Tool, which you can quickly summon by using the Windows + Shift + S key. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools like Snagit to take and edit screenshots.
Also read: Why is my Windows key not working? 10 Fixes
