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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →There is no single screenshot key combination that works on every laptop. The shortcut depends on the operating system first and the keyboard second. Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS each document different keys, and on Windows the Print Screen key may or may not exist on your machine. Start by identifying your system, then use the section below that matches it.
Quick reference by platform
| Platform | Full screen | Selected area | Window or menu | What happens next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows laptop | Windows logo key + PrtScn, where the hardware supports it (Microsoft, Keyboard shortcut for print screen) | Windows logo key + Shift + S (Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots) | Not stated in the reviewed Microsoft pages | Windows+Shift+S opens the screen snipping flow; Print Screen can be configured to open it too |
| Mac laptop | Shift-Command-3 | Shift-Command-4, then drag | Shift-Command-4, then Space, then click the window or menu | Files save to the desktop by default; Control with the shortcut copies to the clipboard (Take a screenshot on Mac) |
| Chromebook | Not stated per mode on the reviewed Google page | Not stated per mode on the reviewed Google page | Not stated per mode on the reviewed Google page | Ctrl + Show windows takes a screenshot; the capture interface also handles screen recordings (Take a screenshot or record your screen) |
Windows laptops
Capturing a selected region
Press Windows logo key + Shift + S. The screen dims and a snipping bar appears so you can choose a rectangle, a freeform shape, a window, or the full screen, depending on the mode you pick. Release the mouse to capture the selection. Microsoft’s Snipping Tool page describes this capture workflow and lists additional shortcuts used inside the Snipping Tool app itself.
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Using the Print Screen key
The key may be labeled Print Screen, PrtSc, or PrtScn. Windows settings can be configured so that pressing Print Screen opens screen snipping instead of capturing immediately. If pressing the key shows a selection tool rather than a finished image, check that setting before assuming the shortcut is broken. Microsoft also states that, depending on hardware, Windows logo key + PrtScn may work as a screenshot shortcut. Because that behavior depends on the machine, test it once on your own laptop.
Keyboards without a Print Screen key
Many compact laptops have no dedicated PrtScn key. For those devices Microsoft documents Fn + Windows logo key + Space bar as an alternative. Availability depends on the device, so this combination is not guaranteed on every Windows laptop. If it does nothing, use Windows+Shift+S, which does not depend on a Print Screen key.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
When you cannot find the screenshot
Separate two outcomes: a capture copied to the clipboard and a saved image file. Paste into an app such as an image editor or document to see whether the clipboard holds the capture. Look for the capture notification or open the snipping tool to find the result. The Microsoft pages reviewed here do not establish one universal save location across Windows configurations, so do not assume a folder without checking your own settings.
Mac laptops
macOS uses Shift-Command-3, Shift-Command-4, and Shift-Command-5. These work on the built-in keyboard of a MacBook without any extra hardware.
Rank #2
- Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
- Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
- Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
- Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS
Full screen
Press Shift-Command-3. The entire screen is captured immediately, and the image is saved by default.
Selected area
Press Shift-Command-4. The pointer changes to crosshairs. Drag over the area you want, then release. The selected region is captured right away.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
A single window or menu
Press Shift-Command-4, then press Space. The pointer changes to a camera icon. Move it over the window or menu you want, then click. Apple’s page describes this sequence as the way to capture a window.
Screenshot tools and output location
Shift-Command-5 opens the Screenshot app’s tools, which include capture controls and an Options menu. Apple says screenshots are saved to the desktop by default. Use the Options menu to choose a different save location. Holding Control with a screenshot shortcut copies the capture to the clipboard instead of saving a file. Keyboard shortcuts can be changed in Keyboard settings.
Rank #4
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
Compatibility and restrictions
Apple documents Shift-Command-5 for macOS Mojave 10.14 or later. Some apps restrict screenshots of their own windows; Apple cites DVD Player as an example. If a window appears blank or missing in a capture, the app may be restricting it rather than the shortcut failing.
Chromebooks
ChromeOS has its own key set, and the Mac and Windows shortcuts above do not apply.
Best Value
- Connect in seconds: Fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology simply connects without the need for a dongle or USB port
- Durable and reliable: Built for quality, K250 offers long-lasting keys, a spill-resistant design (2)
- Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
- Space-saving: with a compact layout that still includes number pad, arrow keys, and handy F-key shortcuts
- Made responsibly: Designed to last, K250 plastic parts are durably made with minimum 64% recycled plastic (3) to withstand everyday use
Ctrl + Show windows
On a standard Chromebook keyboard, press Ctrl + Show windows. The Show windows key is the one that displays open windows. Google’s Chromebook shortcut guide lists this combination for taking a screenshot.
External keyboards without Show windows
If you connect a regular Windows or Mac keyboard that does not have a Show windows key, Google documents Ctrl + Shift + F5 as the alternative. Google’s Screen Capture help page explains that the capture interface covers both screenshots and screen recordings.
Search and Command keys
Some ChromeOS shortcuts use the Search (Launcher) key. Google says Windows or Mac keyboard users should press the Windows or Command key in place of Search for the applicable shortcut. Apply this substitution only to the shortcuts where Google specifies it, rather than assuming every modifier key works interchangeably.
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Choosing the right method
- Need the whole display: use the platform’s full-screen shortcut (Shift-Command-3 on Mac; Windows logo key + PrtScn on Windows where supported).
- Need part of the display: use Windows+Shift+S, Shift-Command-4, or the Chromebook capture interface reached through Ctrl + Show windows.
- Need one window or menu on a Mac: use Shift-Command-4 and then Space.
- Need to paste into another document right away: use the Control modifier on a Mac, or confirm that your Windows capture went to the clipboard before pasting.
When the shortcut does not respond
- Confirm the operating system. The same combination is not valid across Windows, Mac, and Chromebook.
- Look for a Print Screen or Show windows key on your keyboard, and check whether a compact keyboard uses a secondary function label on the same key.
- On Windows, if the Print Screen key opens a selection tool, the setting that routes it to screen snipping is enabled. Use Windows+Shift+S for the same result.
- On a Mac, press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot tools and check the destination in the Options menu.
- On a Chromebook with an external keyboard lacking Show windows, try Ctrl + Shift + F5.
Limits of this guide
These instructions are based on the current official Microsoft, Apple, and Google support pages. They do not cover every laptop manufacturer’s custom Fn layer, so a model-specific key may differ from the one described. Linux desktops were not covered, because the shortcuts there depend on the desktop environment and distribution, and no single method applies across them.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
