How To Take Screenshot On PC Without Print Screen?

Take Screenshot on PC Without Print Screen: A Complete Guide

Taking screenshots is something most of us do daily—whether it’s for work, school, or sharing something cool with friends. But what if your Print Screen key isn’t working, or you simply want alternative ways to capture your screen on a PC? Don't worry! You don’t have to rely solely on the Print Screen button to snap screenshots.

In this guide, we’ll explore several smart, easy-to-use methods for taking screenshots on your Windows PC without hitting that Print Screen key. Whether you want quick keyboard shortcuts, built-in Windows apps, or third-party tools, this post has you covered.

Why Look Beyond the Print Screen Key?

The Print Screen key has been a staple for screen capturing since the early days of Windows. However, there are a few reasons why you might want to explore alternatives:

• Key malfunction: Sometimes the key physically breaks or stops responding.
• More flexibility: Alternative methods often allow for easier editing, direct saving, or partial screenshots.
• Improved workflows: Some tools automate screenshot sharing, cropping, or annotating, boosting productivity.

Let’s dive into some practical, user-friendly methods you can use right now.

1. Use the Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch App

Windows has long included the Snipping Tool, and more recently, the upgraded Snip & Sketch app. These tools are fantastic for taking customized screenshots without needing the Print Screen key.

How to Use Snip & Sketch

• Step 1: Press Windows + Shift + S simultaneously. This opens the snipping toolbar at the top of your screen.
• Step 2: Choose your snip type:
  • Rectangular Snip
  • Freeform Snip
  • Window Snip
  • Full-screen Snip
• Step 3: Select the area or window you want to capture.
• Step 4: Your screenshot is automatically copied to the clipboard and a notification appears—click it to open in Snip & Sketch for editing and saving.

Why It’s Great

This method lets you quickly capture exactly what you want without dealing with the entire screen. Plus, Snip & Sketch offers handy annotation tools—perfect for adding highlights or notes before sharing.

2. Leverage the Game Bar for Screenshots

If you’re a gamer or just want a quick way to snap your screen, Windows 10 and 11 come with a hidden gem: the Xbox Game Bar. It’s primarily for capturing game footage, but works perfectly for any screen capture.

How to Take a Screenshot Using Game Bar

• Step 1: Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar overlay.
• Step 2: Click the Camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.
• Step 3: Screenshots are saved automatically in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Videos\Captures.

Pros of Using Game Bar

• Quick access with shortcuts
• Automatic saving without needing to paste from clipboard
• Great for full-screen or window captures

3. Use Microsoft PowerToys for Advanced Screenshot Tools

If you want to step up your screenshot game with customization and automation, Microsoft PowerToys is a free, open-source utility packed with productivity features—one of which is a superior screenshot tool called Screen Ruler and FancyZones.

How to Use PowerToys Screen Capture

• Step 1: Download and install Microsoft PowerToys.
• Step 2: Open PowerToys and enable the Screen Ruler and screenshot tools under the “Utilities” section.
• Step 3: Use the shortcut Win + Shift + S to take screenshots (similar to Snip & Sketch but enhanced with PowerToys features).

Why Choose PowerToys?

• Highly customizable shortcuts and capture settings
• Integrates well with Windows for smooth workflow
• Additional productivity tools bundled together

4. Try Third-Party Screenshot Tools

If you want more control or special features—like scheduled screenshots, scrolling capture, or advanced editing—third-party apps can be lifesavers. Here are some popular options:

• Greenshot: Lightweight, free, with annotation features and easy sharing.
• Lightshot: Simple, with instant upload and sharing capabilities.
• ShareX: Powerful, open-source, supports scrolling capture and automation.

How to Use Greenshot as an Example

• Step 1: Download and install Greenshot from its official website.
• Step 2: Open Greenshot—it runs quietly in the system tray.
• Step 3: Use customizable hotkeys like Ctrl + PrtScn or set your own to capture the screen.
• Step 4: Edit or save your screenshot using Greenshot’s built-in tools.

Benefits of Third-Party Tools

• Extended features beyond Windows defaults
• Easy sharing options (direct upload, copy to clipboard)
• More flexible capture types, including scrolling windows

5. Use the Browser’s Built-in Screenshot Features

If you mostly need screenshots of web pages, many modern browsers include screenshot tools—no need for any external apps or keyboard shortcuts.

How to Take Browser Screenshots

• Google Chrome: Open Developer Tools (Ctrl + Shift + I), then press Ctrl + Shift + P, type “screenshot,” and choose options like full-page or visible area screenshot.
• Mozilla Firefox: Right-click on a page and select Take Screenshot. You can capture the visible part, full page, or a custom selection.
• Microsoft Edge: Use the Web Capture tool in the menu or press Ctrl + Shift + S.

Why Use Browser Tools?

• Great for capturing entire web pages, including parts off-screen
• No installation needed
• Easy editing and saving right from the browser

Bonus Tips for Screenshot Efficiency

• Use Clipboard History: Windows 10/11 have clipboard history (Windows + V)—enable it to access multiple screenshots quickly.
• Set Default Save Locations: Tools like Game Bar and Greenshot allow you to specify where screenshots go, keeping your files organized.
• Use Cloud Storage: Integrate screenshot saving with cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive for instant backup and access on other devices.
• Annotate Quickly: Many tools have built-in editors—use them to add arrows, text, or highlights before sharing.

No Print Screen? No Problem!

As you can see, there’s a wide array of ways to take screenshots on your PC without ever touching the Print Screen key. From Windows’ native Snip & Sketch to powerful third-party apps, and even browser-based tools—there’s a method to fit every need and workflow.

Experiment with the options that feel most natural to you. Do you prefer quick keyboard shortcuts, or would you rather use a full-featured app with editing and sharing built-in? Let us know in the comments which method you use most, or if you have any cool screenshot tips to share!

Happy screenshotting!