The fastest way to screenshot on a Samsung laptop

On most Samsung laptops running Windows, press Windows key + Print Screen together. The screenshot saves automatically to your Pictures folder in a subfolder called Screenshots. The screen may dim briefly to confirm the capture worked.

If you want to capture only part of the screen instead of the whole thing, use Windows key + Shift + S. This opens a selection tool where you can draw a box around the area you want. The image copies to your clipboard, and you can paste it into an email, document, or image editor.

For older Samsung laptops or if Print Screen is in a different location on your keyboard, look for the key labeled PrtScn or Print Scr. On some models you may need to hold the Fn key at the same time as Print Screen to make it work.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows key + Print Screen captures your entire screen and saves it automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.
  • Windows key + Shift + S lets you select and capture only part of your screen, copying it to your clipboard for pasting.
  • The Print Screen key location varies by Samsung laptop model, sometimes requiring the Fn key to set up it.
  • Screenshots taken with Print Screen alone copy to your clipboard but do not save to a file unless you paste them first.

Using the Snipping Tool for more control

Windows includes a built-in app called Snipping Tool that gives you more options than the keyboard shortcuts. Search for "Snipping Tool" in your Windows search bar and open it. You can choose between a free-form shape, a rectangular selection, a window capture, or a full-screen capture before you take the shot.

After you capture, the image opens in the Snipping Tool editor where you can crop it, draw on it, or erase parts before saving. Click File and then Save As to choose where to store it and what to name it. This method takes longer than a keyboard shortcut but works well if you need to edit the screenshot right away.

Where your screenshots actually go

When you use Windows key + Print Screen, Windows saves the file to your Pictures folder. Open File Explorer, click Pictures on the left side, then look for a folder called Screenshots. Your images appear there with names like Screenshot (1).png, Screenshot (2).png, and so on.

If you used Print Screen alone without the Windows key, the image only went to your clipboard. You have to paste it into Paint, Word, or another program and save it manually. Many people forget this step and think the screenshot disappeared.

Troubleshooting when screenshots do not work

If Windows key + Print Screen does not work, your Print Screen key might be hidden behind a function key. Look at your keyboard for a key labeled Fn, usually in the bottom left corner. Try holding Fn and Print Screen together, or Fn + Windows key + Print Screen. Some Samsung models require this combination.

If the screen does not dim and no file appears in your Screenshots folder, check whether your keyboard has a secondary function layer. On some Samsung laptops, you need to hold Fn + Windows key + the Print Screen key at the same time. Test each combination once to find the right one for your model.

Another reason screenshots might fail is if your Pictures folder does not have a Screenshots subfolder yet. Windows creates this folder automatically after your first successful screenshot. If it still does not appear, you can create the folder manually by opening Pictures, right-clicking in the empty space, selecting New, then Folder, and typing "Screenshots".

Pasting screenshots into documents and emails

After you take a screenshot with Windows key + Shift + S or Print Screen alone, the image sits in your clipboard ready to paste. Open the document, email, or chat where you want it to appear. Right-click and select Paste, or use Ctrl + V. The screenshot appears when ready.

This method works in Word, Outlook, Gmail, Teams, Discord, and most other programs. You do not need to save the file first. However, once you take another screenshot, the old one leaves your clipboard, so paste it before moving on to something else.

Using third-party screenshot tools

Windows also works with free screenshot apps like Greenshot and ShareX, which you can read from the Microsoft Store or their websites. These tools offer features like automatic uploading to cloud storage, annotation tools, and scheduled screenshots. They are optional — the built-in methods work for most people — but they can save time if you take screenshots constantly for work.

To use a third-party tool, read and install it, then look for a keyboard shortcut in its settings menu. Most let you customize which key combination opens the screenshot tool. Read the app's instructions to learn where it saves files by default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my screenshot show a black screen?

This usually happens when you screenshot a video or full-screen game. Some programs block screenshots for copyright or security reasons. Try taking a screenshot of a regular window or document instead. If you need to capture video content, look for a screen recording tool like Windows Game Bar instead.

Can I take a screenshot of just one window?

Yes. Use Windows key + Shift + S, then select Window Snip from the menu that appears. Click on the window you want to capture. Alternatively, open Snipping Tool and choose Window Snip before clicking the window.

How do I take a screenshot of my entire screen including multiple monitors?

Windows key + Print Screen captures all connected monitors at once and saves them as a single image. If you want to capture only one monitor, use Windows key + Shift + S and manually select the area you need.

Where can I find screenshots I took a long time ago?

Open File Explorer, go to Pictures > Screenshots, and look through the list. If you took the screenshot more than a few months ago, scroll down to find older files. You can also search for "*.png" in the search bar to find all image files on your laptop.

Can I change where screenshots save automatically?

Yes, but it requires changing your Pictures folder settings. Right-click the Screenshots folder, select Properties, then the Location tab, and choose a new folder. This is optional — most people leave screenshots in the default location.