7 Best Way To Take a Screenshot On HP Laptop

Comparison Table: Screenshot Methods on HP Laptops

This table is your roadmap. Below, I’ll dive into each method with exhaustive detail, followed by enhanced sections to make this guide a gold mine for readers.

Why Screenshots Are Essential in 2025

Screenshots are the digital equivalent of a snapshot, capturing exactly what’s on your screen. In 2014, I used screenshots to document a quirky app bug on an HP Pavilion for a developer.

Today, they’re indispensable—whether you’re a student saving lecture notes, a professional sharing a report, or just grabbing a meme. HP laptops, powered by Windows, offer multiple ways to take a screenshot on an HP laptop, each tailored to different needs.

Beginners will appreciate methods that are intuitive, require no extra software, and deliver results fast.

A Brief History of Screenshots on HP Laptops

Screenshots have evolved significantly. In the 2000s, HP laptops on Windows XP relied on the Print Screen key, forcing users to paste captures into Paint. The Snipping Tool, introduced with Windows Vista in 2006, brought precision.

By 2018, Snip & Sketch modernized the experience with shortcuts like Windows + Shift + S. Today, on HP laptops like the Omen or Envy, you have a powerful suite of tools, from Windows features to third-party apps. This context shows why taking a screenshot on an HP laptop is now so user-friendly.

Best Ways to Capture Screenshots on HP Laptops Fast

Method 1: Using the Print Screen (PrtSc) Key

The Print Screen key (“PrtSc” or “PrtScn”) captures your entire screen to the clipboard for pasting into apps like Paint or Word. It’s basic but reliable.

Detailed Steps to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop with PrtSc

Locate the PrtSc Key: Find it in the top row, near the function keys (F1–F12). On compact models like the HP Stream, it may be a secondary function (e.g., “PrtSc/SysRq”). Use the Fn key (bottom left) with it.

Capture the Screen: Press PrtSc (or Fn + PrtSc). No visual feedback appears. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard.

Paste the Screenshot: Open Microsoft Paint (search “Paint” in the Windows search bar). Press Ctrl + V or right-click and select “Paste.”

Edit (Optional): Crop unwanted areas or add notes using Paint’s tools.

Save: Click “File > Save As,” choose PNG, name the file, and save.

Verify: Check the saved file in File Explorer.

Pro Tip:- Create a “Screenshots” folder in Pictures for organization.

Troubleshooting Tips

• PrtSc Fails: Try Fn + PrtSc or update drivers on HP’s support site.
• Clipboard Issues: Paste immediately to avoid overwriting.

Personal Take:-

The Print Screen key is like that old flip phone you keep in a drawer—it’s not fancy, but it always works when you need it. I’ve used it countless times over the years, from capturing error messages on a 2009 HP G60 to grabbing a quick reference image on my current Spectre.

Just last week, I was troubleshooting an HP Envy for a client who needed to document a weird app crash. PrtSc got the job done in seconds, pasting the full screen into Paint for a quick save.

It’s not my go-to for daily use—mostly because the lack of visual feedback and manual pasting feel a bit clunky in 2025—but for beginners taking their first screenshot on an HP laptop, it’s a no-fuss starting point. If you’re just dipping your toes into screenshots, give it a try; it’s like learning to ride a bike with training wheels.

Method 2: Windows + PrtSc for Instant Saves

Windows + PrtSc captures the full screen and saves it as a PNG in Pictures > Screenshots, skipping the clipboard.

Detailed Steps to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop with Windows + PrtSc

Find the Keys: Windows key (logo, near spacebar) and PrtSc (top row).

Capture: Press Windows + PrtSc. The screen dims briefly.

Locate: Go to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots in File Explorer.

Edit (Optional): Open in Paint or Photos to crop or annotate.

Share: Drag the file into an email or app.

Pro Tip:- Pin the Screenshots folder to Quick Access.

Troubleshooting Tips:-

• No Dimming: Update keyboard drivers.
• Folder Missing: Create “Screenshots” in Pictures.

Personal Take:-

Windows + PrtSc is the unsung hero of screenshot methods on an HP laptop. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to an electric scooter—same basic idea as PrtSc, but faster and smoother.

I’ve been hooked since I first tried it on an HP Pavilion in 2015, when I was rushing to capture a client’s dashboard for a last-minute meeting. The auto-save to the Screenshots folder and that satisfying screen dimming effect make it feel like the laptop is saying, “Got it, you’re good!”

I still use it on my HP Omen for full-screen captures, like grabbing a game leaderboard or a webinar slide. For beginners, it’s a dream because there’s no clipboard fuss—just press, find, and share.

My only gripe? It captures all monitors in a multi-monitor setup, so you might need to crop. Still, it’s my go-to when I need a screenshot on an HP laptop without thinking twice.

Method 3: Snipping Tool for Custom Captures

Snipping Tool lets you capture specific areas or windows with basic annotations.

Detailed Steps to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop with Snipping Tool

Open Snipping Tool: Search “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar.

Select Mode: Choose Rectangular, Free-form, Window, or Full-screen Snip.

Set Delay (Optional): Add 1–5 seconds for menus.

Capture: Click “New,” drag to select, and release.

Annotate: Use Pen or Highlighter to mark up.

Save: Save as PNG or JPEG.

Pro Tip:- Pin Snipping Tool to the taskbar.

Troubleshooting Tips:-

• App Missing: Update Windows.
• Blurry Images: Save as PNG.

Personal Take:-

Snipping Tool is like a well-worn utility knife in my tech toolkit—versatile, reliable, and just sharp enough for most jobs. I’ve been using it since its Windows Vista days, back when I was documenting software bugs on an HP Compaq for a startup.

Its ability to capture exactly what I need—whether a specific button or a single window—makes it a standout for taking a screenshot on an HP laptop. Last year, I used it on an HP EliteBook to create a training manual, snipping precise UI elements and adding quick annotations to guide new hires.

The delay feature is a hidden gem for capturing tricky dropdown menus, which I’ve done countless times. For beginners, it’s a step up from PrtSc because it gives you control without complexity. My only wish is for fancier editing tools, but for quick, precise captures, it’s hard to beat.

Method 4: Snip & Sketch for a Modern Workflow

Snip & Sketch offers quick captures via Windows + Shift + S and modern editing.

Detailed Steps to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop with Snip & Sketch

Access: Search “Snip & Sketch” or press Windows + Shift + S.

Capture: Select a mode, drag to capture, and click the notification.

Edit: Crop, draw, or add text.

Save: Save as PNG or JPEG.

Pro Tip:- Map PrtSc to Snip & Sketch in Settings.

Troubleshooting Tips:-

• No Notification: Paste into Paint.
• Toolbar Issues: Update Windows.

Personal Take:-

Snip & Sketch is my desert-island screenshot tool, hands down. It’s like the sleek sports car of screenshot methods—fast, stylish, and intuitive. I fell in love with it in 2019 while working on an HP ZBook, when I needed to capture a buggy website form for a client.

The Windows + Shift + S shortcut let me grab just the faulty section in a heartbeat, and the editing tools (pens, highlighters, cropping) made it easy to highlight the issue. I’ve since used it on my HP Spectre for everything from annotating lecture slides to marking up design mockups.

For beginners taking a screenshot on an HP laptop, it’s a game-changer because it combines speed with just enough editing power. My only quibble? Missing the notification can be a pain, but pasting into Paint saves the day. If you try one method from this guide, make it this one.

Method 5: Third-Party Tools (Lightshot Example)

Lightshot and similar tools offer advanced editing and sharing.

Detailed Steps to Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop with Lightshot

Install: Download from lightshot.app.

Once you’ve installed and opened the app, go to the site or screen you want to screenshot and press the “Print Screen” button. Immediately, you’ll get a notification that you have a screenshot waiting to be edited or saved on Greenshot.

You can screenshot a lot of views and then go edit or save them on your laptop’s local storage later by clicking on the notification.

Pro Tip:- Try Greenshot or ShareX for alternatives.

Troubleshooting Tips:-

• Hotkey Conflicts: Change in Lightshot settings.
• Upload Fails: Check internet.

Personal Take:-

Lightshot is like Snip & Sketch with a turbo boost—perfect for anyone who takes screenshots on an HP laptop regularly. I started using it in 2020 on an HP ProBook during a remote design project, and it transformed how I collaborated. Capturing a mockup, adding arrows and text, and uploading it for a shareable link took under 30 seconds, making Slack exchanges a breeze.

I’ve since used it on my HP Omen to share gaming highlights, blurring out sensitive chat details with its handy tool. For beginners, it’s a bit more involved than Windows tools, but the intuitive toolbar and cloud-sharing feature make it worth the download.

My one critique? Hotkey conflicts can be a hassle, but a quick settings tweak fixes that. If you’re ready to level up your screenshot game, Lightshot’s your ticket.

Advanced Tips for Power Users (Still Beginner-Friendly)

Once you’ve mastered the basics of taking a screenshot on an HP laptop, these detailed, beginner-friendly tips will elevate your workflow without overwhelming you. Each tip includes step-by-step guidance and practical applications to help you work smarter.

1. Batch Screenshots with Snip & Sketch

What It Is: Capture multiple areas quickly and organize them in one place.

How to Do It:

• Press Windows + Shift + S to capture a specific area.
• Paste each capture (Ctrl + V) into a Word document or Paint canvas, creating a collage.
• Alternatively, click the Snip & Sketch notification to save each capture individually.
• Name files sequentially (e.g., “Chart_1,” “Chart_2”) for clarity.

Example: I used this on my HP Spectre to capture multiple dashboard widgets for a report, pasting them into Word to compare trends.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: No new tools required, just repeat a familiar shortcut.

Pro Tip: Use a Word template with labeled sections to organize captures.

2. Create Custom Hotkeys in Lightshot

What It Is: Assign unique hotkeys for different capture types to speed up your workflow.

How to Do It:

• Right-click the Lightshot icon in the system tray (bottom-right) and select “Options.”
• Under “Hotkeys,” set one key (e.g., Ctrl + PrtSc) for area captures and another (e.g., Alt + PrtSc) for full-screen.
• Test the hotkeys to ensure they don’t conflict with Windows shortcuts.
• Save captures to a dedicated folder (e.g., Pictures > Project_Screenshots).

Example: I set custom hotkeys on my HP Omen for a gaming project, capturing UI elements and full screens without switching apps.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Lightshot’s settings are simple, and hotkeys save clicks.

Pro Tip: Write down your hotkeys until they become muscle memory.

3. Automate Uploads with ShareX

What It Is: Automatically upload screenshots to cloud services like Google Drive for instant sharing.

How to Do It:

• Download ShareX from getsharex.com and install it.
• Open ShareX, go to “Destinations,” and link your Google Drive account (follow the OAuth prompts).
• In “After capture tasks,” enable “Upload image to host” and “Copy URL to clipboard.”
• Press ShareX’s default hotkey (Ctrl + Print Screen) to capture and upload.
• Paste the URL (Ctrl + V) into an email or chat.

Example: I used ShareX on my HP ProBook to share client mockups instantly via Drive links, bypassing email attachments.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: ShareX has a setup wizard, and you only need to configure it once.

Pro Tip: Test uploads with a small screenshot to ensure the link works.

4. Leverage Touchscreen Annotations on HP Laptops

What It Is: Use your HP laptop’s touchscreen to draw annotations directly on screenshots.

How to Do It:

• Open Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S) and capture an area.
• Click the notification to open the editor.
• Select the “Touch Writing” tool (a hand icon) and use your finger or stylus to draw arrows, circles, or notes.
• Save as PNG to preserve clarity.
• On non-touchscreen laptops, use the mouse with the Pen tool instead.

Example: On my HP Spectre x360, I annotated a lecture slide with my stylus to highlight key points for a study group.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Touch controls are intuitive, like drawing on paper.

Pro Tip: Adjust the pen thickness in Snip & Sketch for bolder annotations.

5. Capture Specific Monitors in Multi-Monitor Setups

What It Is: Isolate one monitor’s content in a multi-monitor setup without cropping.

How to Do It:

• Open Snipping Tool and select “Window Snip” mode.
• Click “New,” then click the window on the desired monitor to capture it.
• Alternatively, use Snip & Sketch’s Windows + Shift + S and drag over one monitor’s area.
• Save the capture as PNG.
• If using Windows + PrtSc, crop the saved image in Paint to focus on one screen.

Example: I used Window Snip on my HP ZBook to capture a single monitor’s app during a dual-monitor presentation, avoiding clutter.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Window Snip is a built-in option requiring no extra skills.

Pro Tip: Label monitors in Windows (Settings > System > Display) to identify them easily.

6. Use Snipping Tool’s Delay for Dynamic Content

What It Is: Capture menus or tooltips that disappear when you click.

How to Do It:

• Open Snipping Tool and set “Delay” to 3–5 seconds.
• Click “New,” then quickly open the menu or hover for the tooltip.
• When the screen freezes, drag to capture the desired area.
• Save and annotate as needed.

Example: I captured a dropdown menu on my HP Envy for a software guide, using a 3-second delay to position the cursor.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: The delay feature is built into Snipping Tool and easy to use.

Pro Tip: Practice with a simple menu to get the timing right.

7. Organize Screenshots with File Naming Conventions

What It Is: Use consistent naming to find screenshots quickly.

How to Do It:

• After saving a screenshot (e.g., in Snip & Sketch or Lightshot), rename it immediately.
• Use a format like “Project_Date_Description” (e.g., “Report_2025-05-11_Chart”).
• Store all screenshots in a dedicated folder (e.g., Pictures > Work_Screenshots).
• Use File Explorer’s search to find files by date or keyword.

Example: I organized screenshots for a client project on my HP Omen, naming them “ClientX_2025-05-10_Mockup1,” making them easy to retrieve.

Why It’s Beginner-Friendly: Renaming files is a basic Windows skill.

Pro Tip: Use tags in Windows (right-click > Properties > Details) for extra searchability.

Accessibility Considerations for Screenshots

To make taking a screenshot on an HP laptop inclusive:

Keyboard-Only: Use Alt + N in Snipping Tool or Windows + Shift + S for Snip & Sketch. Navigate with Tab and Enter.

Screen Readers: Enable Narrator (Windows key + Ctrl + Enter) to confirm saves.

High-Contrast Mode: Turn on in Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast.

Touchscreen: Use Snip & Sketch’s Touch Writing on touchscreen HPs.

Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues

• PrtSc Fails: Try Fn + PrtSc or update drivers.
• Screenshots Not Saving: Check disk space and the Screenshots folder.
• OneDrive Interference: Disable OneDrive’s screenshot auto-save.
• HP Chromebook: Use Ctrl + Show Windows.
• Blurry Screenshots: Save as PNG and set scaling to 100%.

FAQ’s

1. How do I take a screenshot on an HP laptop without the Print Screen key?

Some HP laptops, like Chromebooks or compact models, lack a dedicated PrtSc key. Instead:

• On HP Chromebooks, press Ctrl + Show Windows (the key with a rectangle and two lines, usually above the number keys).
• The screenshot saves to the Downloads folder. Open File Explorer, go to Downloads, and find the file (e.g., “Screenshot 2025-05-11.png”).
• For Windows laptops without PrtSc, use Windows + Shift + S with Snip & Sketch to capture an area, then save via the notification.
• If your keyboard has a secondary PrtSc function, press Fn + PrtSc/SysRq.

2. Why aren’t my screenshots saving on my HP laptop?

If Windows + PrtSc or other methods aren’t saving screenshots:

• Check the Screenshots Folder: Go to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots. If it’s missing, create it (right-click > New > Folder).
• Disk Space: Open File Explorer, right-click C:, select “Properties,” and ensure free space. Use “Disk Cleanup” to free up room.
• OneDrive Settings: If screenshots save to OneDrive, disable this in OneDrive settings (system tray > Settings > Backup > uncheck “Automatically save screenshots”).
• Driver Issues: Update keyboard drivers on HP’s support site.
• Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install patches.

3. Can I take a screenshot on an HP laptop with a touchscreen?

Yes, touchscreen HP laptops (e.g., Spectre x360) support screenshots:

• Use Windows + Shift + S with Snip & Sketch to capture an area.
• Click the notification to open the editor, then select “Touch Writing” to annotate with your finger or stylus (e.g., draw arrows or write notes).
• Save as PNG for clarity.
• Alternatively, use Snipping Tool and annotate with the mouse if touch isn’t preferred.
• For full-screen captures, press Windows + PrtSc and edit in the Photos app with touch controls.

4. How do I edit a screenshot on an HP laptop?

Editing screenshots is easy with built-in or third-party tools:

• Snip & Sketch: After capturing (Windows + Shift + S), click the notification. Use the Pen, Highlighter, or Crop tools to edit. Save as PNG.
• Snipping Tool: Capture, then use the Pen or Highlighter to annotate. Save as PNG or JPEG.
• Microsoft Photos: Open a screenshot (e.g., from Pictures > Screenshots), click “Edit,” and use drawing or cropping tools.
• Lightshot: After capturing, add arrows, text, or blur sensitive areas. Save or upload.
• Free Software: Download GIMP (gimp.org) for advanced edits like layers or filters, but it’s more complex.

5. What’s the best free screenshot tool for an HP laptop?

The best free tool depends on your needs:

• Snip & Sketch: Built-in, fast (Windows + Shift + S), with cropping and annotations. Ideal for beginners.
• Snipping Tool: Built-in, great for precise captures (e.g., Window Snip). Good for occasional use.
• Lightshot: Free, downloadable from lightshot.app. Offers advanced editing (arrows, text, blur) and cloud sharing. Perfect for frequent users.
• Greenshot: Free, open-source (getgreenshot.org). Lightweight with similar features to Lightshot.
• ShareX: Free, powerful (getsharex.com). Best for automation (e.g., auto-uploads to Drive).

For most beginners, Snip & Sketch balances ease and functionality without requiring a download.

6. How do I take a screenshot of just one window on an HP laptop?

To capture a single window (e.g., a browser or app):

• Snipping Tool: Open the app, select “Window Snip” mode, click “New,” and click the desired window. Save as PNG.
• Snip & Sketch: Press Windows + Shift + S, choose “Window Snip” from the toolbar, and click the window. Save via the notification.
• Alt + PrtSc: Press Alt + PrtSc to capture the active window to the clipboard. Paste (Ctrl + V) into Paint and save.
• Ensure the window is active (click it) before capturing.

7. How do I take a screenshot on an HP laptop running Windows 11?

Windows 11 on HP laptops uses the same methods as Windows 10, with minor UI updates:

• PrtSc: Press to copy the screen, paste into Paint.
• Windows + PrtSc: Saves to Pictures > Screenshots.
• Windows + Shift + S: Uses Snip & Sketch (now integrated into Snipping Tool) for area captures.
• Snipping Tool: Updated in Windows 11 with a cleaner interface. Search for it and select a mode.
• Lightshot: Works identically on Windows 11.

Update Windows 11 (Settings > Windows Update) for the latest Snipping Tool features.

8. How do I take a screenshot on an HP laptop for gaming?

For gaming on HP laptops (e.g., Omen):

• Windows + PrtSc: Captures the full game screen and saves to Pictures > Screenshots.
• Windows + Shift + S: Select a specific game area (e.g., a score screen).
• NVIDIA/AMD Tools: If your HP has a dedicated GPU, use NVIDIA GeForce Experience (Alt + Z) or AMD Radeon Software to capture gameplay.
• Lightshot: Ideal for quick edits and sharing (e.g., highlight a kill streak).
• Save as PNG for crisp game visuals and avoid capturing during intense moments to prevent lag.

9. How do I share a screenshot from an HP laptop instantly?

To share screenshots quickly:

• Snip & Sketch: After capturing (Windows + Shift + S), click the notification, then the “Share” icon to send via email or Teams.
• Lightshot: Capture, click the cloud icon to upload, and copy the link for sharing via chat or email.
• Windows + PrtSc: Open the saved file (Pictures > Screenshots), right-click, select “Share,” and choose an app.
• Clipboard: Use PrtSc or Windows + Shift + S, paste (Ctrl + V) directly into apps like WhatsApp or Slack.
• Ensure a stable internet connection for uploads.

10. How do I take a screenshot on an HP laptop with multiple monitors?

Multi-monitor setups require specific techniques:

• Windows + PrtSc: Captures all monitors as one image. Crop in Paint to focus on one screen.
• Snipping Tool: Use “Window Snip” to capture a single monitor’s window or “Rectangular Snip” to select one screen’s area.
• Snip & Sketch: Press Windows + Shift + S, choose “Window Snip,” or drag over one monitor.
• Lightshot: Drag to select one monitor’s area after pressing PrtSc.
• Label monitors in Settings > System > Display for clarity.

11. Can I take a screenshot on an HP laptop without software?

Yes, Windows offers built-in tools:

• PrtSc: Copies the screen to the clipboard for pasting.
• Windows + PrtSc: Saves to Pictures > Screenshots.
• Windows + Shift + S: Captures an area with Snip & Sketch.
• Snipping Tool: Select specific areas or windows.

No downloads are needed, making these ideal for beginners or users avoiding third-party apps.

12. How do I fix blurry screenshots on my HP laptop?

Blurry screenshots often result from scaling or format issues:

• Set Scaling to 100%: Go to Settings > System > Display, set “Scale and layout” to 100%.
• Save as PNG: Use PNG in Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tool for crisp images.
• Check Resolution: Ensure your display is at its native resolution (Settings > System > Display > Display resolution).
• Update Graphics Drivers: Download the latest drivers from HP’s support site.
• Avoid Zoom: Don’t zoom in on apps before capturing.

Test with a small screenshot to confirm clarity.

About the Author

Afam Onyimadu is a seasoned tech writer with over 15 years of experience exploring the ins and outs of consumer technology, from early Windows XP laptops to cutting-edge 2025 models.

Specializing in HP laptops, Afam has tested countless devices, mastering tools like Snip & Sketch and Lightshot to teach beginners how to take a screenshot on an HP laptop with ease.

His hands-on approach—honed through years of troubleshooting, documenting software bugs, and creating user-friendly guides—makes complex tech accessible to all. When he’s not writing, Afam enjoys gaming on his HP Omen, capturing epic moments to share with friends, or mentoring new tech enthusiasts.

His work has appeared in leading tech blogs, where he blends practical advice with real-world insights. Connect with Afam on LinkedIn or follow his YouTube Channel to dive deeper into tech tips and tricks.

Conclusion

Taking a screenshot on an HP laptop is a skill that empowers you to capture, share, and document with ease. From PrtSc to Snip & Sketch to Lightshot, this guide—built on my 15 years of tech writing—covers every method with granular detail, troubleshooting, advanced tips, and a robust FAQ.

Start with Windows + PrtSc for simplicity, try Snip & Sketch for precision, and explore Lightshot for collaboration. My favorite? Snip & Sketch’s Windows + Shift + S—it’s fast and modern. Use the checklist, experiment, and share your favorite method in the comments!