Taking screenshots on an Asus laptop may seem straightforward, but many users face confusion and frustration due to inconsistent key combinations, difficulty locating saved files, and limited knowledge of alternate screenshot methods. This comprehensive guide addresses your pain points and provides clear, step-by-step solutions to help you capture exactly what you need — quickly and reliably.
Confusion About Which Key Combinations Work on Asus Laptops Specifically
Causes and Impact
Many Asus laptop users assume standard Windows screenshot shortcuts (like Print Screen) always work the same way. However, depending on your Asus model, keyboard layout, Windows version, or manufacturer-customized keys, some shortcuts may behave differently or require additional keys (like Fn). This confusion leads to wasted time and missed screenshots.
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Understand the Basic Screenshot Keys on Asus Laptops
- PrtSc (Print Screen): Captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard.
- Fn + PrtSc: On many Asus laptops, the Print Screen key requires holding the Fn (Function) key simultaneously due to dual-purpose keys.
- Alt + PrtSc or Fn + Alt + PrtSc: Captures only the active window.
- Windows + PrtSc or Windows + Fn + PrtSc: Captures the entire screen and saves it as a PNG file in the Screenshots folder.
2. Try These Common Key Combinations
- Press PrtSc alone (then paste in Paint or Word).
- Hold Fn + PrtSc if PrtSc alone doesn’t respond.
- Press Alt + PrtSc or Fn + Alt + PrtSc for active window capture.
- Press Windows key + PrtSc or Windows + Fn + PrtSc to capture and auto-save.
3. Confirm Your Keyboard Layout
Check if your Asus laptop keyboard has a dedicated PrtSc button or if it’s shared with another key (e.g., Insert). Refer to your user manual or Asus support site for your model’s layout Source.
Cost/Time Trade-Offs
Experimenting with these combos takes just a few minutes but saves hours lost to confusion later. Using Windows + PrtSc gives instant saved screenshots without needing to paste.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring the Fn key can cause Print Screen not to work.
- Assuming Mac or Linux shortcuts apply on Windows-based Asus laptops.
- Forgetting to paste from the clipboard if you only use PrtSc without Windows key.
Expert Help
If none of the above work, update your keyboard drivers via Device Manager or visit Asus support forums for model-specific advice Source.
Difficulty Finding the Saved Screenshot Files After Capturing
Causes and Impact
Users often capture screenshots but can’t locate them later, causing frustration and wasted time. This usually happens because screenshots captured with different methods save to different folders or not at all (if copied only to clipboard).
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Know Where Screenshots Save by Default
- Windows + PrtSc saves screenshots automatically in:
C:Users<YourUserName>PicturesScreenshots - Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch prompts you to save the file manually.
- PrtSc alone copies the image to Clipboard—you must paste it in an app and save.
2. Use File Explorer to Locate Screenshots
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to Pictures > Screenshots folder.
- Sort files by date to find recent captures.
3. Change Screenshot Save Location (Optional)
You can redirect the default Screenshots folder by right-clicking it > Properties > Location tab.
Cost/Time Trade-Offs
Saving automatically via Windows + PrtSc saves time. Manual saving offers more control but requires extra steps.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Assuming screenshots saved to Desktop or Downloads by default.
- Not saving clipboard images after pressing PrtSc alone.
- Deleting or moving Screenshots folder unknowingly.
Expert Help
Use Windows search bar to search for “*.png” files modified today or use third-party tools like Everything Search Source to find screenshots.
Lack of Knowledge About Alternative Screenshot Methods Beyond Print Screen
Causes and Impact
Limited awareness of tools beyond Print Screen means users miss out on powerful features like delay capture, annotation, and custom area selection, making screenshots less efficient and harder to explain.
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Use Snipping Tool (Windows 10 and earlier)
- Press Windows key, type Snipping Tool, and open it.
- Click New to capture freeform, rectangular, window, or full screen.
- Annotate or save as needed.
2. Use Snip & Sketch (Windows 10/11)
- Press Windows + Shift + S to open snip toolbar.
- Choose rectangular, freeform, window, or fullscreen snip.
- Screenshot is copied to clipboard and a notification appears to edit/save.
3. Use Asus ScreenPad for Select Models
Some Asus laptops have ScreenPad features that allow screen capture with stylus or touch Source.
4. Third-Party Screenshot Tools
Tools like Lightshot, Greenshot, or ShareX offer advanced features such as timed capture, editing, and cloud upload.
Cost/Time Trade-Offs
Learning Snip & Sketch takes a few minutes but significantly speeds up capturing and annotating screenshots. Third-party tools might require installation and setup.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Relying only on Print Screen and missing flexible snipping options.
- Ignoring Windows notifications after Snip & Sketch capture.
- Downloading untrusted third-party software.
Expert Help
Explore Microsoft’s official Snip & Sketch tutorial or Asus support guides for device-specific software Source.
Uncertainty About Capturing Only Part of the Screen or Active Windows
Causes and Impact
Users often want to capture a specific window, dialog box, or region rather than full screen but don’t know how, leading to unnecessary cropping and longer editing.
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Capture Active Window
- Press Alt + PrtSc (or Fn + Alt + PrtSc).
- Open Paint or Word and press Ctrl + V to paste.
- Save the file manually.
2. Capture Custom Area Using Snip & Sketch
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Select Rectangular Snip (default option).
- Click and drag to select the specific area.
- Image copies to clipboard; click notification to edit/save.
3. Use Snipping Tool for More Shapes
- Open Snipping Tool; choose New, then select Free-form or Rectangular snip.
- Capture area and save.
Cost/Time Trade-Offs
Using Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tool saves time cropping screenshots later. Alt + PrtSc for active window capture is quick but requires pasting and saving manually.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Forgetting to paste clipboard contents when using Alt + PrtSc.
- Not clicking Snip & Sketch notification before it disappears.
- Trying to select multiple windows in one screenshot.
Expert Help
For repeated use, pin Snip & Sketch or Snipping tool to taskbar for quick access. Asus forums often have tips for model-specific keys Source.
Troubleshooting When Screenshot Shortcuts Do Not Work as Expected
Causes and Impact
Screenshot shortcuts may fail due to software conflicts, outdated drivers, or disabled keys, causing user frustration and loss of productivity.
Step-by-Step Fix
1. Check if the PrtSc Key Is Disabled or Overridden
- Some Asus laptops have custom apps that remap keys—disable or reconfigure them.
- Check Asus Hotkey Service is running (use Task Manager).
2. Update Keyboard and Display Drivers
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards and Display adapters.
- Right-click and select Update driver.
3. Check Ease of Access Settings
- Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Ensure Print Screen shortcut is enabled (Windows 10/11 feature).
4. Test with External Keyboard
If built-in keys fail, try an external USB keyboard to isolate hardware issues.
5. Use On-Screen Keyboard (OSK)
- Search On-Screen Keyboard in Windows.
- Use the virtual PrtSc key to capture screens.
Cost/Time Trade-Offs
Driver updates and settings checks take 10-20 minutes but restore functionality. Hardware fixes might cost if keyboard replacement is required.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring system updates that fix bugs.
- Installing unverified driver software.
- Not rebooting after changes.
Expert Help
Contact Asus support or Microsoft support if troubleshooting steps fail. Use Windows built-in troubleshooter for keyboard and hardware issues Source.
Quick Screenshot Checklist for Asus Laptop Users
- [ ] Know your model’s Fn + PrtSc requirement.
- [ ] Use Windows + PrtSc to auto-save screenshots.
- [ ] Use Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S) for custom areas.
- [ ] Check Pictures > Screenshots folder for saved files.
- [ ] Update drivers and check hotkey software if shortcuts fail.
- [ ] Consider third-party tools for advanced needs.
Alternative Screenshot Methods Summary
| Method | Key Combination | Saves Automatically? | Captures Area Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Screen (Clipboard) | PrtSc or Fn + PrtSc | No | Entire screen |
| Active Window | Alt + PrtSc or Fn + Alt + PrtSc | No | Active window only |
| Full Screen (Auto Save) | Windows + PrtSc or Windows + Fn + PrtSc | Yes | Entire screen, PNG file saved |
| Snip & Sketch | Windows + Shift + S | No (clipboard + notification) | Custom area, window, full screen |
| Snipping Tool | Open app, click New | No | Freeform, rectangular, window, full |
References
- Asus Official Support
- Microsoft Snip & Sketch Guide
- Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
- Asus ROG Forum
- Everything Search Tool
- Microsoft Keyboard Troubleshooter
By understanding the specific key combinations your Asus laptop uses, knowing where screenshots save, exploring alternative methods, and troubleshooting common issues, you can take screenshots confidently and efficiently. Whether you need quick full-screen captures or precise custom area snips, this guide ensures you never miss the shot again.
Danny Inayat