Solution: Your Temp folder is corrupted. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files and delete everything. Reboot.
If you’re capturing a game or a full-screen video (Netflix, Zoom, etc.):
Printing your screen on a new laptop no longer requires a dedicated key. Whether you use the modern Win + Shift + S shortcut, rely on OneDrive cloud backup, or configure a third-party tool like ShareX, you have more power than ever.
The single best habit to learn today:
Press Windows logo key + Shift + S . It works on every new Windows laptop sold in 2024 and 2025. Master this, and you will never hunt for the Print Screen key again.
Have a specific model not mentioned? Leave a comment below or check your manufacturer's support page for "utility keys."
Windows offers multiple ways to capture your screen, from simple clipboard copies to advanced selection tools. The "New" Standard (Snipping Tool): Windows Key + Shift + S
. This dims the screen and opens a toolbar allowing you to choose a rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snip. The result is copied to your clipboard and can be edited or saved immediately. Quick Save: Windows Key + Print Screen
(PrtSc). This captures the entire screen and automatically saves it as a file in your Pictures > Screenshots Active Window Only: Alt + Print Screen how to print screen on laptop new
. This copies only the window you are currently using to the clipboard. One-Key Access: In Windows 11, you can set the key to automatically open the Snipping Tool via Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard macOS (MacBooks)
Apple uses consistent shortcuts that save images directly to your desktop by default. The Repair Depot Full Screen: Command + Shift + 3 Partial Screen: Command + Shift + 4
. Your cursor becomes a crosshair you can drag to select a specific area. The Screenshot App: Command + Shift + 5
(available on macOS Mojave or later). This opens a menu with options to capture, record the screen, or change the save location. ChromeOS (Chromebooks) How to Take Screenshot in Laptop 21-Oct-2024 —
Mastering the Screenshot: How to Print Screen on a New Laptop
Whether you just unboxed a sleek new ultrabook or a powerful gaming rig, one of the first "utility" tasks you’ll need to master is capturing your screen. While the classic "PrtSc" button still exists, modern laptops—especially those running Windows 11 or macOS—have introduced faster, more flexible ways to grab exactly what you need.
In this guide, we’ll walk through every method to print screen on a new laptop, from full-screen captures to precise snips. 1. The "Modern Standard": Windows + Shift + S Solution: Your Temp folder is corrupted
If you are using a new Windows laptop (Windows 10 or 11), this is the only shortcut you truly need to memorize. Pressing Windows Key + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool overlay at the top of your screen. From here, you can choose four different modes: Rectangular Snip: Click and drag to select a specific area. Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around an object.
Window Snip: Capture a specific app window without the taskbar. Fullscreen Snip: Captures everything at once.
Once captured, the image is saved to your clipboard (to paste into an email or document) and a notification appears that lets you save the file directly to your "Screenshots" folder. 2. The Classic "Print Screen" (PrtSc) Key
On most new laptops, the PrtSc key is located in the top row of the keyboard. However, its behavior has changed:
Just PrtSc: In Windows 11, pressing this often opens the Snipping Tool by default. If it doesn’t, it simply copies the entire screen to your clipboard.
Alt + PrtSc: This is a "pro tip" for productivity. It captures only the active window you are currently working in, ignoring the rest of the desktop.
Fn + PrtSc: On many compact laptops (like Dell XPS or HP Spectres), the Print Screen function is shared with another key. You may need to hold the Fn (Function) key to activate it. 3. The Instant Save: Windows + PrtSc If you’re capturing a game or a full-screen
If you want to skip the "pasting" step and save a file immediately, hold the Windows Key + PrtSc. What happens: Your screen will momentarily dim.
Where it goes: A PNG file is automatically created in This PC > Pictures > Screenshots. This is the fastest way to take multiple captures in a row without stopping to save each one. 4. Taking Screenshots on a New MacBook
If your "new laptop" is a MacBook Air or Pro, the commands are different but equally powerful:
Command + Shift + 3: Captures the entire screen and saves it as a file on your desktop.
Command + Shift + 4: Turns your cursor into a crosshair so you can select a portion of the screen.
Command + Shift + 5: Opens the screenshot menu, which also allows you to record your screen as a video. 5. Using the Built-In Snipping Tool App
Sometimes shortcuts are hard to remember. You can always click the Start button and type "Snipping Tool." This app allows you to set a delay (3, 5, or 10 seconds). This is perfect if you need to capture a "hover menu" or a tooltip that disappears the moment you press a key. Summary Checklist for New Users Shortcut (Windows) Shortcut (Mac) Select an area Win + Shift + S Cmd + Shift + 4 Full screen (Auto-save) Win + PrtSc Cmd + Shift + 3 Active window only Alt + PrtSc Cmd + Shift + 4 + Space Open Screen Menu Search "Snipping Tool" Cmd + Shift + 5
Pro Tip: If you find yourself taking dozens of screenshots for work or school, consider checking out "Clipboard History" by pressing Windows + V. This lets you see all the screenshots you’ve taken recently in one list!