How to Print Screen on an HP Laptop

You can capture your HP laptop screen with built-in Windows tools—no extra software required. Whether you need the entire screen, a single window, or a freeform region, use these methods: Print Screen, Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch (Snipping Tool in newer builds), and quick shortcuts. Pick the method that best fits your workflow.

Full-Screen Capture (Clipboard)

Press PrtScn (Print Screen) to copy the entire screen to the clipboard. Then paste into apps like Paint, Word, or email. On some HP laptops, you may need to hold Fn + PrtScn if Print Screen shares a key.

Full-Screen Capture to File

Press Windows + PrtScn. The screen will dim briefly and a PNG file is saved automatically to Pictures/Screenshots. If your keyboard requires Fn for Print Screen, use Fn + Windows + PrtScn.

Active Window Only

Click the window you want, then press Alt + PrtScn. This copies just that window to the clipboard. Paste it into an app to save or share.

Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch

In recent Windows 10 builds, the classic Snipping Tool is combined with Snip & Sketch. Press Windows + Shift + S to open the snipping bar. Choose a snip type (rectangular, freeform, window, or full screen). The capture is copied to the clipboard and a notification lets you edit and save it. Open the Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch app directly for delayed snips and file saving.

Game Bar (Xbox Game Bar)

For games or full-screen apps, press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar, then click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot. Files save to Videos/Captures. Ensure Game Bar is enabled in Settings > Gaming if the shortcut doesn't work.

Touchscreen Gesture

On some HP touch-enabled laptops, you can swipe three fingers down to capture a screenshot if the gesture is enabled. Check Settings > Touchpad for gesture options.

Saving and Formats

Clipboard captures need to be pasted into an app and saved as PNG/JPEG. The Windows + PrtScn and Game Bar methods save automatically as PNG. Use PNG for crisp text; JPEG for smaller file sizes. Rename files in the Screenshots or Captures folder to keep them organized.

Common Issues

Print Screen not working: Try Fn + PrtScn or Fn + Windows + PrtScn. Ensure no screen overlay apps block hotkeys. Black screen in Game Bar: Toggle Settings > Gaming > Game Bar on, or run the game in windowed mode. No Screenshots folder: Create Pictures/Screenshots manually, then retry Windows + PrtScn.

Editing and Sharing Quickly

After using Windows + Shift + S, click the notification to open Snipping Tool and crop or mark up before saving. For fast sharing, paste the clipboard capture into Teams, Slack, or email with Ctrl + V. Use PNG for sharp text and JPEG when you need smaller file sizes for uploads.\n

Quick Shortcut List

• PrtScn: Copy full screen to clipboard.
• Windows + PrtScn: Save full screen to Pictures/Screenshots.
• Alt + PrtScn: Copy active window.
• Windows + Shift + S: Open snipping bar for custom capture.
• Windows + Alt + PrtScn: Game Bar capture (saves to Videos/Captures).

With these shortcuts and tools, you can grab any kind of screenshot on your HP laptop quickly—whether it's a full desktop, a single window, or a custom region.