How to Screenshot on an HP Laptop or Desktop [8 Easy Ways]
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With intuitive tools available, taking a screenshot has never been easier. This guide shows you how to screenshot on an HP laptop – HP ProBook, HP EliteBook, HP Pavilion, etc.
Quick summary
Editor's choice for high-quality screenshots: Movavi Screen Recorder
Capturing quick snapshots: Hotkeys
Taking screenshots on Windows 11: Snipping Tool
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How to print screen on an HP laptop
Best for: a quick screenshot shortcut solution
Before moving on, many users ask, “Where is the Print Screen key on an HP laptop?” On most keyboards, you’ll find it in the top right section of the keyboard, near the F12 key. Follow the instructions below to learn how to take a screenshot on an HP laptop using the Print Screen key.
How to print screen on an HP laptop to capture the whole screen
Method 1. Press PrtScn
On your keyboard, look for the key labeled PrtScn or Print Screen and press it.
This action copies the entire screen to your clipboard. Note that it doesn't produce any noticeable effect, but the screenshot is on your clipboard.
Now, open a program where you can paste the screenshot like Microsoft Paint, Word, or an email.
Press Ctrl + V to paste your screenshot and then save it to your computer.
Method 2. Press PrtScn + Windows
Alternatively, you can press PrtScn + Windows to save the screenshot as a file on your notebook instantly.
Take your screenshot, and open the Pictures folder.
Double-click the file labeled Screenshots.
Find your screenshot and open it in an image editor to touch things up.
How to screenshot on an HP computer to capture a window
Click on the window you want to capture to make sure it's in focus.
Press Alt + PrtScn. This action takes a screenshot of the active window and copies it to your clipboard.
Open a program where you can paste the screenshot – Paint or Word.
Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
Save the screenshot wherever you desire.
Note that you can’t take a screenshot of a selected area with the Print Screen button. Read on to learn how to screenshot on an HP laptop to capture only part of your screen.
How to take a screenshot on an HP laptop with Movavi Screen Recorder
Best for: users who want clean, professional screenshots
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 50 reviews
Movavi Screen Recorder is a versatile tool you can use to capture quality screenshots and video recordings. It offers a wide range of professional tools, so you can create the perfect screenshot for your needs.
Below are steps that explain how to take a screenshot on an HP laptop using Movavi Screen Recorder.
Step 1. Install Movavi Screen Recorder
Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder. And then follow the instructions provided to install the application on your HP laptop.
Once you install the software, locate it in your programs list and open it. You should see a control panel with various options related to screen recording and capturing.
Step 2. Set up the screenshot
On the control panel, look for the Screenshot option – represented by a camera icon – and click it.
After you click the Screenshot button, your cursor will change into crosshairs. Use these to create a precise area of your screen to capture. Click and drag your mouse to create a rectangle around the screen capture area.
Step 3. Grab the screenshot
Once you've selected the area, release the mouse button. A box will appear at the bottom of the capture area with multiple options to customize your shot.
You can take a long screenshot by clicking the Scrolling Screenshot button at the bottom of the screen after selecting your capture area. The program will scroll down within your target window.
Step 4. Edit and save the screenshot
Click Editor to use the built-in editing tools to jazz up your screenshot. Once you're happy, click the Copy or Save screenshot button. The folder with your screenshot will open automatically.
How to screenshot on an HP computer with Snipping Tool
Best for: Windows 11 users
Starting with Windows Vista, Microsoft offered Snipping Tool through Windows 10, when they added Snip & Sketch as the internal screenshot program. However, Microsoft merged the two tools and reverted to the original name for Windows 11.
They also added more features, like:
Time delays for 3, 5, or 10 seconds
Video recording – no audio for now!
More intuitive interface
Taking an HP laptop screenshot with the Snipping tool is easy. To use the program on Windows 7, 8, and 11, follow these instructions.
Step 1. Open Snipping Tool
Open the program by navigating to the Start menu and entering Snipping Tool in the search field. Click the icon to launch.
Step 2. Set the capture area
With the Snipping Tool open, click the New button to create a new screenshot. Use the cursor to designate the part of the screen you want to capture. It will be highlighted in blue. After defining your capture area, the screenshot will auto-capture and show in the Snipping Tool window.
Step 3. Save your screenshot
To save the screenshot, select the File tab and from the dropdown menu, choose Save As. Choose where to store the screenshot, name your file, and click the Save button.
How to screenshot on an HP desktop with Snip & Sketch
Best for: taking screenshots on an HP laptop with Windows 10
As stated, Windows 10 offers both Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch. Here’s how to take a screenshot on an HP PC with Snip & Sketch.
Step 1. Open Snip & Sketch
To open the Snip & Sketch tool, press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Snip & Sketch into the search bar, and hit Enter.
Step 2. Choose the type of screenshot
Select the New button in the upper left corner of the window.
Choose the type of screenshot you want to take:
Rectangular clip: allows you to draw a rectangle with your cursor to capture any content inside it.
Free-form clip: allows you to draw a free-form shape with your cursor to capture any content inside it.
Full-screen clip: captures the entire screen instantly.
Step 3. Take a screenshot
After selecting the type of snip, your screen will appear dim, and you can select the area of the screen you want to capture by clicking and dragging. If you select a full-screen clip, your screenshot will process immediately.
Upon releasing the mouse button, the area you selected will open in a new Snip & Sketch window.
Step 4. Edit and save your screenshot
You can now use the program’s tool at the top of the window to annotate the screenshot with the pen, pencil, or highlighter, and the eraser to fix mistakes.
Once you're done annotating, click the disk icon in the upper-right corner to save the screenshot.
Windows will prompt you to choose a save location, filename, and format for your screenshot. After making your selections, click Save.
How to take an HP laptop screenshot with Game Bar
Best for: gamers already leveraging this tool
Game Bar in Windows is another tool that you can use to take screenshots on your HP laptop, especially if you are gaming or need to capture other full-screen activities. Here's how to snip on an HP computer with Game Bar.
Step 1. Open Game Bar
Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar. A screen overlay will appear with various options related to gaming, including screenshots, recording, and settings.
If you don't see the Game Bar, ensure it's enabled in your settings. Go to Settings -> Gaming -> Game Bar, and toggle the Enable Game Bar switch on.
Step 2. Take a screenshot
Navigate to the screen you want to capture. Once you have Game Bar open and are on the screen you want to capture, you can take a screenshot by clicking on the camera icon, or by pressing Windows key + Alt + PrtScn. The screenshot will save automatically.
To access it, go to the Videos folder in your This PC or My Computer window, then open the Captures folder. Your screenshot should appear with the name of the game and a timestamp.
Remember, Microsoft designed Game Bar for gaming, so it might not work with all applications. If you're having trouble, you may need to use another method from our list.
How to snip on an HP tablet
Best for: HP tablet users
If you want to create a screenshot on an HP tablet using Windows, follow these steps.
Access the Tool. Swipe from the right edge of your HP tablet's screen to the center to open the Charms bar. Tap the Search button and type Snipping Tool into the search box. Tap on the Snipping Tool app.
Prepare the screenshot. Once the Snipping Tool is open, tap on the New button to start a new screenshot.
Choose the type of snippet. Tap the Mode button to select the type of snip you want to take. Your options are Free-form Snip, Rectangular Snip, Window Snip, and Full-screen Snip.
Take the screenshot. Use your finger or a stylus to draw around the area you want to capture, or tap the window if you chose Window Snip. If you chose Full-screen Snip, the screenshot will process immediately.
Save the screenshot. The screenshot will open in a new Snipping Tool window. Tap the File button, then Save As to save the screenshot. Choose a location and filename, then tap Save.
Remember that not all HP tablets will have the Snipping Tool, as it requires Windows 10 or later. If your tablet uses Android or another operating system, you'll need to use the screenshot method for that system.
Summary
Now you can answer the question, “How do you take a screenshot on an HP laptop?” Remember, it’s okay to be selective when picking the right path to take a screenshot. We have a lot of options above!
Movavi Screen Recorder
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.
If you don’t want to use the Print Screen button, then maybe the internal Windows tools aren’t up to par. We recommend using Movavi Screen Recorder instead, so you can create professional-quality screenshots with ease.
It depends on which operating system and tool you use to take the screenshot. However, most users press PrtScn + Windows for a fast screenshot. By default, that method saves it to your Pictures folder unless you designate an alternative location.
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