How to Screenshot on Samsung Laptop Windows 11: A Quick Guide

By / October 12, 2025

Ever wanted to capture what’s on your Samsung laptop screen — maybe a funny meme, an error message, or an online receipt — but weren’t sure how? Don’t worry.

Taking a screenshot on a Samsung laptop running Windows 11 is incredibly simple once you know the right shortcuts and tools. In this quick yet comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every method to take a screenshot — from using keyboard shortcuts to built-in Windows tools like Snipping Tool and Game Bar.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to capture, edit, and save screenshots like a pro.

Why Taking Screenshots Is Useful

Screenshots are like digital snapshots of your screen — they capture exactly what you see in that moment.

You might need them to:

  • Save a receipt or confirmation page after an online purchase

  • Capture an error message for tech support

  • Share something funny or interesting from social media

  • Record progress on a project or presentation

  • Create tutorials, guides, or reports

Whatever your purpose, Windows 11 gives you multiple fast and flexible options to take screenshots on your Samsung laptop.

2. Common Ways to Take Screenshots on Samsung Laptops

There’s no single “right” way to take a screenshot. The method you choose depends on what you want to capture and how you plan to use it.

Here’s a quick overview:

Method Shortcut Best For
Print Screen (PrtSc) PrtSc Copy full screen to clipboard
Windows + PrtSc Win + PrtSc Save full screen as file automatically
Alt + PrtSc Alt + PrtSc Capture active window only
Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch Win + Shift + S Capture custom areas
Game Bar Win + G Capture during gaming or full-screen apps
Samsung Settings Tool Varies Built-in screenshot shortcuts on Samsung laptops
Third-party apps e.g., Lightshot, Greenshot Advanced editing and sharing options

Let’s go through each in detail.

3. Understanding the Print Screen (PrtSc) Key

Every Samsung laptop keyboard includes a Print Screen key, often labeled as PrtSc, PrtScn, or PrntScrn.

Depending on your laptop model, it might be located:

  • On the top row, near the function keys (F1–F12)

  • Combined with another key, requiring you to press Fn + PrtSc

This key is your gateway to taking quick screenshots — you’ll use it in several methods below.

4. Method 1: Take a Full-Screen Screenshot (PrtSc + Paint)

The simplest way to capture your screen is using the Print Screen key.

Steps:

  1. Press the PrtSc key on your Samsung laptop keyboard.

    • This copies your entire screen to the clipboard.

  2. Open Paint (press Windows + S and type Paint).

  3. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.

  4. Click File → Save As and choose a location, name, and format (PNG or JPEG).

✅ Best for: Quick captures you plan to edit or crop manually.

5. Method 2: Save Screenshots Automatically (Windows + PrtSc)

If you want your screenshots saved automatically (no need to paste them manually), Windows 11 makes it easy.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + PrtSc simultaneously.

  2. Your screen will flash briefly — that means the screenshot has been saved.

  3. Find your saved image in this folder:

    Pictures > Screenshots

✅ Best for: Taking multiple full-screen screenshots quickly.

6. Method 3: Capture Active Window Only (Alt + PrtSc)

Sometimes you don’t need the whole screen — just the window you’re working in (like your browser or Word document).

Steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture to make sure it’s active.

  2. Press Alt + PrtSc together.

  3. Open Paint, Word, or another image editor.

  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste your screenshot.

  5. Save or edit it as needed.

✅ Best for: Sharing only one app or window without showing everything else on your desktop.

7. Method 4: Use Snipping Tool (Built into Windows 11)

Windows 11 combines two older tools — Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch — into one modern, convenient app.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Snipping Tool, and open it.

  2. Click New to start a capture.

  3. Select a shape (rectangular, free-form, window, or full screen).

  4. Drag to select the area you want.

  5. Your screenshot appears in the Snipping Tool editor, where you can annotate, highlight, or crop.

  6. Click Save (floppy disk icon) to store it.

✅ Best for: Custom-shaped or precise screenshots with editing options built in.

8. Method 5: Use Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S)

If you prefer quick keyboard shortcuts without opening an app manually:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S.

  2. Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar appears at the top.

  3. Choose a snip type:

    • Rectangular

    • Freeform

    • Window

    • Fullscreen

  4. Select the area to capture.

  5. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard and appears as a notification.

  6. Click the notification to open Snip & Sketch for editing and saving.

✅ Best for: Fast, customizable captures anywhere on the screen.

9. Method 6: Use Game Bar (Windows + G)

Even if you’re not gaming, Game Bar is a built-in tool that can capture screens and record videos.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.

  2. Click the camera icon (or press Windows + Alt + PrtSc).

  3. A screenshot is taken instantly.

  4. Find it in this folder:

    Videos > Captures

✅ Best for: Capturing gameplay, full-screen apps, or high-quality stills from videos.

10. Method 7: Use Samsung’s Built-In Screenshot Tools

Some Samsung laptops come with Samsung Settings or Samsung Experience Service, which may include screenshot shortcuts.

Check your device manual or do this:

  1. Press Fn + F11 or Fn + PrtSc — these combinations often trigger Samsung’s screenshot tool.

  2. Look in your Pictures or Screenshots folder.

  3. You can also open Samsung Settings → Advanced → Function Key Behavior to customize screenshot shortcuts.

✅ Best for: Quick screenshots with Samsung’s custom keyboard mappings.

11. Method 8: Use Third-Party Screenshot Apps

If you need more control, advanced editing, or cloud sharing, try a third-party app.

Popular options:

  • Lightshot: Simple, lightweight, easy annotation.

  • Greenshot: Open-source, with multiple output options.

  • ShareX: Powerful free tool for screenshots, screen recordings, and automation.

  • Snagit: Premium tool with advanced editing and tutorials.

✅ Best for: Professionals, content creators, and developers who take screenshots often.

12. How to Find and Edit Saved Screenshots

Depending on the method you use, your screenshots might be stored in different folders:

Method Default Save Location
Windows + PrtSc Pictures > Screenshots
Game Bar Videos > Captures
Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch You choose when saving
Print Screen + Paint Wherever you manually save
Samsung Tool Pictures > SamsungScreenshots (varies by model)

You can open and edit screenshots with:

  • Photos app – basic cropping, markup

  • Paint / Paint 3D – draw or resize

  • Snipping Tool – annotate directly

  • Photoshop / GIMP – advanced editing

13. Tips for Better Screenshot Management

To stay organized and efficient:

  • Create folders by project or topic (e.g., “Work Screenshots,” “Receipts,” “Tutorials”).

  • Rename screenshots immediately with descriptive names.

  • Delete temporary or duplicate images regularly.

  • Use cloud backup (OneDrive, Google Drive, or Samsung Cloud) for easy access across devices.

  • Consider using an image viewer like IrfanView for quick previews.

14. Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Problem Possible Cause Solution
PrtSc key not working Function lock enabled Press Fn + F Lock or check Samsung Settings
Screenshots not saving Folder permissions issue Check Pictures > Screenshots folder access
No flash or notification Visual effects disabled Re-enable screenshot notifications in Settings
Clipboard screenshots not pasting Clipboard history disabled Turn on Clipboard history (Settings → System → Clipboard)
Windows + PrtSc doesn’t save Outdated drivers Update keyboard and display drivers

15. Conclusion

Taking screenshots on your Samsung laptop with Windows 11 is simple once you know your options.

Whether you use PrtSc, Snipping Tool, Windows + Shift + S, or Samsung’s built-in shortcuts, you can capture your screen in seconds — no extra software needed.

If you take screenshots often, try tools like Lightshot or Snagit to boost productivity. And remember: keeping your screenshots organized will save you time later.

16. FAQs

Q1. Where do screenshots go on Samsung laptops?
Usually in Pictures > Screenshots. If you used Game Bar, check Videos > Captures.

Q2. How do I take a screenshot without the Print Screen key?
Use Windows + Shift + S or Snipping Tool. Both let you capture areas without using the keyboard’s PrtSc key.

Q3. Why isn’t my screenshot shortcut working?
Try pressing Fn + PrtSc (some Samsung keyboards require the Fn modifier). Also, ensure you’re not using a locked function key mode.

Q4. Can I take a scrolling screenshot?
Not natively in Windows 11, but you can use third-party tools like ShareX or Snagit for scrolling captures.

Q5. How do I edit or annotate screenshots quickly?
Open the screenshot in Snipping Tool or Photos, then use the markup pen, highlighter, or crop tools.

17. Summary and Key Takeaways

  • There are multiple ways to take screenshots on Samsung laptops running Windows 11 — from simple shortcuts to advanced tools.

  • Keyboard shortcuts like PrtSc, Alt + PrtSc, and Windows + PrtSc handle most needs.

  • Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch give more flexibility for area captures.

  • Game Bar is great for gaming or recording.

  • Samsung utilities may offer their own quick-screenshot keys.

  • Third-party apps like Lightshot, Greenshot, or Snagit provide professional-level control.

  • Organize your screenshots for easier access later.

Now you’re ready to capture anything on your Samsung laptop screen — quickly, cleanly, and confidently.

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