On Samsung laptops, the Print Screen (PrtSc) key sits on the top-right row; press PrtSc, Win+PrtSc, or Alt+PrtSc to grab screenshots.
If you’re trying to capture your screen and can’t spot the right key, you’re not alone. Samsung notebooks ship with Windows, and the capture tools follow Windows rules. The button you want is labeled PrtSc, PrtScn, or Print Screen. On most models it lives in the top row near Insert, Delete, or the function keys. Some compact keyboards put it on a shared key that needs the Fn layer. Once you know where it sits and what each shortcut does, screen grabs take seconds.
Find The PrtSc Key On Samsung Laptops (And What It Looks Like)
Look to the upper-right cluster of the keyboard. You’ll usually see a small label like PrtSc or PrtScn. On slim Galaxy Book models, it can share space with another label (such as Insert) and require the Fn key. If your top row acts as volume/brightness by default, tap Fn + Esc to toggle the function-key lock, then try PrtSc again. If you use an external compact keyboard, the capture key may live as a secondary function on F12 or next to Backspace.
Quick Screenshot Shortcuts That Work On Samsung Notebooks
These are the staple combos on Windows laptops from Samsung. Try them in this order:
Full Screen To A File
Windows + PrtSc saves the entire display as a PNG in Pictures > Screenshots. The screen dims for a moment, which confirms the capture. It’s the fastest way to get a ready-to-share image without opening another app.
Full Screen To Clipboard
PrtSc alone copies the whole display to the clipboard. Paste it into apps like Paint, Word, or chat. Handy when you plan to crop or annotate in another editor.
Only The Active Window
Alt + PrtSc copies just the focused window. This avoids cropping when you only need one app in the shot.
Choose A Region Or Window
Windows + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool overlay. Drag a rectangle, pick a window, or grab the full screen. The result lands in the clipboard and a thumbnail opens for quick edits and save.
How To Make The Print Screen Button Launch Snipping Tool
If you prefer the overlay every time, map the hardware key to it. Open Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and switch on “Use the Print screen button to open screen snipping.” From then on, tapping PrtSc brings up the capture bar instead of only copying the screen. This setting sticks across reboots and works with built-in and external keyboards.
What To Do If The PrtSc Key Seems Dead
Don’t panic—this is usually a mode or settings issue. Work through these fixes:
1) Toggle The Fn Layer
Some Galaxy Book keyboards ship with media functions on by default. Press Fn + Esc to flip the behavior, then try PrtSc again. If your model shows a small light on Esc for Fn lock, match it to how you want the top row to act.
2) Use The Windows Overlay Shortcut
Press Windows + Shift + S. If the overlay appears, your capture tools are fine and the dedicated key just needs mapping in Settings. If nothing shows, jump to the Snipping Tool check below.
3) Check The Snipping Tool App
Open Start, type Snipping Tool, and launch it. If it opens, try a new snip. If it fails to start or the overlay won’t appear, reset the app: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options > Reset. A reboot helps in stubborn cases.
4) Update Samsung Drivers And Windows
Samsung’s driver updates can restore function-row behavior and improve keyboard reliability. Run Windows Update first, then install Samsung’s updates via Samsung Update or the Galaxy Books download center for your exact model. After a restart, test PrtSc again.
5) Try An External Keyboard
If the overlay and shortcuts work, but the laptop key doesn’t, plug in a USB keyboard and press PrtSc. This separates a hardware fault from a software quirk. If the USB board works, your built-in key may need service.
Save Paths, File Behavior, And Clipboard Tips
Knowing where your captures land speeds up your workflow. Here’s what each common method does with the result:
| Shortcut | What It Captures | Where It Goes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + PrtSc | Entire display | Pictures > Screenshots as PNG; auto-saved |
| PrtSc | Entire display | Clipboard; paste into an app |
| Alt + PrtSc | Active window only | Clipboard; paste into an app |
| Windows + Shift + S | Region, window, or full | Clipboard, then Snipping Tool editor |
Model Quirks: Shared Keys And Compact Layouts
Ultralight designs sometimes compress the top row. If the capture label sits in a small sub-legend on a key, hold Fn while pressing it. Some boards also tuck the screen-grab label on the same cap as Insert or F12. When in doubt, check the on-screen result: the screen will dim with Windows + PrtSc, or a snip bar will slide down with Windows + Shift + S. No reaction? Flip the Fn lock and try again.
Fast Edits And Annotations Without Extra Software
Once the overlay pops up, choose a shape from the toolbar (rectangular, free-form, window, or full screen). After you release the mouse, click the preview in the corner to open the editor. Use the pen, highlighter, or crop, then hit Save. If you need delay captures for menus, open the full Snipping Tool app and pick a delay in seconds.
Best Practices For Clean Captures
Center What Matters
Before you shoot, bring the target window forward, set a neutral background, and bump the app to 100% or 125% zoom for crisp text.
Use Window Snips For App-Only Shots
Window snips skip the taskbar and wallpaper, which keeps file sizes small and the content tidy.
Name Files On Save
If you use the editor, give descriptive names like invoice-paid-Oct-06.png. The Pictures > Screenshots folder fills up fast.
When The Overlay Stops Appearing
Two things usually fix it: a reboot or a quick app reset. If the shortcut still fails, open the Snipping Tool from Start and pin it to the taskbar. Launch it once, then try Windows + Shift + S again. If the keyboard shortcut is hijacked by another app, disable the conflict or change that app’s hotkey. Keeping Windows up to date helps with these hiccups.
Extra Options You Might Like
Map PrtSc To The Overlay
If your hand goes to the hardware key by habit, switch on the setting that makes that key open the snip bar. It cuts clicks and makes partial grabs second nature.
Pin Snipping Tool
Search for Snipping Tool once, then right-click and choose Pin to taskbar. When you need a delayed capture or quick markup, it’s one tap away.
Use Alt + PrtSc For Live Apps
Streaming, video calls, or pop-ups are easier to capture cleanly with the active-window shortcut. You’ll avoid timing issues and extra cropping later.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
- Top row stuck on media controls? Press Fn + Esc to switch modes, then press PrtSc.
- No file saved? Use Windows + PrtSc for auto-save to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Overlay missing? Try Windows + Shift + S, then reset the Snipping Tool if needed.
- Using a compact external keyboard? Check the manual for the shared key that carries the capture label.
- Still stuck? Update Windows, then install Samsung driver updates for your exact model.
What You’ll Use Most Day To Day
If you tend to share quick “look at this” shots, stick with Windows + Shift + S. If you need a folder of files for reports, use Windows + PrtSc. When you only want one app, pick Alt + PrtSc. Map the hardware key to the overlay to make all of this muscle memory.
Handy Links For Official Guidance
You can learn the capture overlay and editor in Microsoft’s help pages—link straight to Use Snipping Tool—and see Windows’ own shortcuts in Windows screenshot guide. If function-row behavior feels off on your notebook, Samsung’s support explains hotkeys and Fn lock in its function keys guide.