How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you just got an Asus laptop and want to capture what’s on your screen—maybe a funny meme, a crucial part of an assignment, or a software glitch to show tech support. But you’re wondering, “How do I screenshot on this thing?” You’re not alone. Asus laptops don’t differ too much from other Windows machines, but those key combos can be confusing if you’re new to it. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with easy, step-by-step instructions.

In this guide, we’ll explore all the different methods to take a screenshot on an Asus laptop, explain which keyboard shortcuts work best, show you how to save or edit your screenshot once captured, and even introduce the built-in tools Asus laptops come with. Let’s make capturing your screen feel effortless!

Different Methods to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop

Before diving into shortcuts, it’s helpful to know there’s more than one way to do this. Here are your main options:

1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
2. Using Built-in Windows Tools
3. Using Third-Party Software

We’ll focus mostly on the first two since you don’t need to download anything extra.

Keyboard Shortcuts to Capture Your Screen on Asus Laptops

This is the quickest way to grab a screenshot, and Asus laptops respond to Windows shortcuts like any other PC.

1. The Classic: Press PrtSc (Print Screen)

• Hit the PrtSc button once.
• This copies the entire screen to your clipboard.
• Now open Paint, Word, or any image editor, press Ctrl + V to paste.
• Save the image manually.

Note: On many Asus laptops, especially slimmer models, you might have to press Fn + PrtSc because the PrtSc function is shared with other keys. So if PrtSc alone doesn’t work, try holding Fn as well.

2. Capture and Auto-Save the Entire Screen: Windows Key + PrtSc

• This combo captures the full screen and automatically saves the screenshot in your Pictures > Screenshots folder.
• The screen might briefly dim, signaling the screenshot was taken.
• No need to paste anything manually.

This shortcut is a lifesaver when you want your screenshots saved without extra steps.

3. Capture the Active Window Only: Alt + PrtSc

• Press Alt + PrtSc to copy just the currently active window.
• Again, paste it into an editor to save.
• This is handy if you don’t want the whole desktop, just one app or window.

If this doesn’t work, try pressing Alt + Fn + PrtSc on some Asus models.

4. Capture a Partial Area: Windows Key + Shift + S

• This opens the Snip & Sketch tool to let you select a portion of your screen.
• Drag your mouse to choose the area.
• It’s copied to your clipboard—paste anywhere to save or edit.
• You also get an on-screen notification to directly open the snip in the editor.

This is perfect for when you just want a specific bit of the screen, like a chart or a message box.

Built-in Tools for Screenshots on Asus Laptops

You might wonder—“Are there any Asus-specific tools for this?” Well, Asus laptops run Windows, so the Windows Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch apps come pre-installed.

Windows Snipping Tool (Older Windows Versions)

• Search for Snipping Tool in your Start menu.
• Click New, select your capture type—freeform, rectangular, window, or full-screen.
• The captured image opens in the Snipping Tool for annotation or saving.

Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11)

• Press Windows Key + Shift + S or search for Snip & Sketch.
• Choose the type of snip: rectangular, freeform, window, or full screen.
• After selecting, it copies to the clipboard and gives an option to open it for editing.
• Easy to annotate, crop, or highlight parts before saving.

Both tools are user-friendly and eliminate the need to open Paint or third-party software for minor edits.

How to Save or Edit Screenshots After Capturing

Now that you have your screenshot, what next? This is where many people get stuck.

Saving Your Screenshot

• If you used Windows + PrtSc, check your Pictures > Screenshots folder. Your files are saved as PNG images by default.
• If you just pressed PrtSc or Alt + PrtSc, remember the screenshot is only copied to your clipboard—you must paste it somewhere to save (Paint, Word, or email).
• To save in Paint:
• Open Paint (type “Paint” in Start).
• Press Ctrl + V to paste.
• Click File > Save As.
• Choose PNG or JPEG and save.

Editing Your Screenshot

Editing can be as simple or advanced as you want.

• For quick cropping, highlighting, or annotations, open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch or Paint.
• In Snip & Sketch, you can draw, erase, and crop.
• In Paint, you can crop and add simple text or shapes.
• If you want more powerful tools, software like Greenshot or Lightshot are free and easy to use.

FAQs on Taking Screenshots on Asus Laptops

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues on Asus Laptops

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned.

• Screenshot key doesn’t work at all? Check if your Fn Lock is on or off. Try pressing Fn + PrtSc or toggle Fn Lock by hitting Fn + Esc.
• Screenshots not saving automatically? Make sure you’re using Windows Key + PrtSc and not just PrtSc alone.
• Clipboard empty after pressing PrtSc? Try pasting immediately into Paint or Word, or use the snipping shortcut for more control.
• Want to take a screenshot on a tablet or touchscreen Asus laptop? You can press Windows + Volume Down to capture the screen like on a phone.

Wrapping Up: Quick Recap

If you remember just a couple things, it’ll make your life easier:

• Press Windows + PrtSc for a fast, saved screenshot.
• Use PrtSc or Alt + PrtSc (with Fn if needed) to copy to clipboard, then paste.
• Try Windows + Shift + S for partial screen snips.
• Check your Pictures > Screenshots folder for saved images.
• Use Snip & Sketch to edit right after capturing.

Pretty neat, right? Once you get the hang of it, capturing screenshots on your Asus laptop becomes second nature. Next time you want to save something on your screen, you’ll know exactly what to do—no fumbling or guessing.

References

1. According to Microsoft Support, “use Windows key + PrtScn to capture the entire screen and save it automatically” (source)
2. Asus user manuals note that the Fn key may need to be pressed along with PrtSc on some models (Asus Official)
3. Windows Snip & Sketch tool details and shortcuts can be found via Microsoft’s documentation (source)

Got any other questions about your Asus laptop? Feel free to ask! Screenshots should never be frustrating again.