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There is no single screenshot shortcut that works on every laptop. The key combination depends on the operating system: Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS each document different keys, and some Windows keyboards need an alternate key combination. Identify your system first, then use the matching shortcut below. Apple, Microsoft, and Google each describe what happens after the capture, which matters because a screenshot may be copied to the clipboard, saved as a file, or simply left in a capture tool until you act on it.
Screenshot shortcuts by platform
| Platform | Capture type | Shortcut | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Region (selected area) | Windows logo key + Shift + S | Opens the screen snipping flow so you choose the area | Microsoft Support, Snipping Tool |
| Windows | Print Screen key | PrtScn (labeled Print Screen or PrtSc on some keyboards) | Depends on the Windows setting; it can be configured to open screen snipping | Microsoft Support, Print Screen shortcut |
| Windows | Alternative for keyboards without PrtScn | Fn + Windows logo key + Space bar | Available only on some devices, according to Microsoft | Microsoft Support, Print Screen shortcut |
| Mac | Full screen | Shift-Command-3 | Captures the whole screen and saves it to the desktop by default | Apple Support, Take a screenshot on Mac |
| Mac | Selected area | Shift-Command-4, then drag | Captures the area you select | Apple Support, Take a screenshot on Mac |
| Mac | Window or menu | Shift-Command-4, then Space, then click | Captures the window or menu you click | Apple Support, Take a screenshot on Mac |
| Mac | Capture controls | Shift-Command-5 | Opens the Screenshot tools, including destination options | Apple Support, Take a screenshot on Mac |
| Chromebook | Screenshot | Ctrl + Show windows | Takes a screenshot through the capture interface | Google Chromebook Help, Take a screenshot or record your screen |
| Chromebook | Screenshot, external keyboard without Show windows | Ctrl + Shift + F5 | Documented by Google as the alternative for this keyboard type | Google Chromebook Help, Take a screenshot or record your screen |
Windows laptops
Capturing a selected region
Press Windows logo key + Shift + S to open the screen snipping flow. Drag over the part of the screen you want. Microsoft’s Snipping Tool page describes this capture method and also lists shortcuts used inside the Snipping Tool app. The capture is placed in the clipboard and a notification appears so you can open it for editing. If you need a saved file, open the image from that notification or from the Snipping Tool and save it yourself.
The Print Screen key
Many Windows keyboards label this key Print Screen, PrtSc, or PrtScn. Microsoft notes that, depending on the hardware, Windows logo key + PrtScn may work as a shortcut. A Windows setting can also make the Print Screen key open screen snipping, so pressing it may show a selection tool instead of capturing immediately. If that happens on your PC, the setting is the cause rather than a fault in the keyboard.
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Some compact laptops have no PrtScn button. For these devices Microsoft documents Fn + Windows logo key + Space bar as an alternative. This combination is tied to specific hardware, so it may not work on every laptop, and laptop makers can assign their own function-key layers. If it does not respond, the device likely does not support it, and the region shortcut Windows logo key + Shift + S is the more reliable choice.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Mac laptops
Apple’s support article says you can “capture the entire screen, a window, or just a portion of the screen” (Apple Support, “Take a screenshot on Mac,” reviewed October 2026). The three main shortcuts are below.
Full screen
Press Shift-Command-3. The screenshot is saved to the desktop by default.
Rank #2
- Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
- Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
- Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
- Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS
Selected area
Press Shift-Command-4, then drag over the area you want. The capture is saved to the desktop unless you change the destination.
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Press Shift-Command-4, then press Space, then click the window or menu. The pointer changes to a camera so you can select it.
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Screenshot tools and destination
Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot app tools. Its Options menu lets you pick a different save location. Apple documents this shortcut for macOS Mojave 10.14 or later. You can also hold Control with the screenshot shortcut to copy the capture to the clipboard instead of saving a file. Keyboard shortcuts can be changed in Keyboard settings.
Some apps restrict screenshots of their own windows. Apple uses DVD Player as an example, so a capture of that window may not show the content you expect.
Rank #4
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
Chromebooks
Ctrl + Show windows
On a Chromebook with the standard keyboard, press Ctrl + Show windows. Google’s shortcut guide lists this combination for taking a screenshot, and Google’s Screen Capture help page describes the same capture interface for screenshots and screen recordings.
External keyboards without Show windows
If you connect an external keyboard that has no Show windows key, use Ctrl + Shift + F5. Google documents this as the alternative for that case.
Best Value
- Connect in seconds: Fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology simply connects without the need for a dongle or USB port
- Durable and reliable: Built for quality, K250 offers long-lasting keys, a spill-resistant design (2)
- Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
- Space-saving: with a compact layout that still includes number pad, arrow keys, and handy F-key shortcuts
- Made responsibly: Designed to last, K250 plastic parts are durably made with minimum 64% recycled plastic (3) to withstand everyday use
Search key versus Windows or Command key
Chromebook shortcuts often use the Search (Launcher) key. Google says people coming from Windows or Mac keyboards should press the Windows or Command key in place of Search for the applicable shortcut. Apply that substitution to the specific shortcut Google lists; it is not a blanket rule that every key works the same way in every context.
Quick Recap
When the shortcut does not work
- Confirm your operating system. Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS use different shortcuts, so a combination that works on one will not necessarily work on another.
- Look at the top row of your keyboard for a Print Screen, PrtScn, or Show windows key. Some keys carry a second label that only works with the Fn key.
- On Windows, if Print Screen opens a selection tool, a Windows Settings option is set to open screen snipping. Use that tool, or switch the setting if you want an immediate capture.
- On a Mac, press Shift-Command-5 to check the destination in the Options menu. Screenshots go to the desktop unless you change the location, and a Control-held capture goes to the clipboard instead.
- On a Chromebook with an external keyboard that lacks Show windows, try Ctrl + Shift + F5.
- If you cannot find a screenshot, first check whether it went to the clipboard rather than a file. The Windows and Chromebook pages cited here do not establish one fixed save folder that applies to every configuration, so check the notification or capture tool that opened after the capture.
Limits of these instructions
- These steps cover Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS only. This guide does not provide a universal method for Linux laptops, because the shortcuts differ by distribution.
- Laptop makers may add their own Fn layers or key mappings. The Fn alternative for Windows is hardware-specific, so check your device documentation if the documented combination does not respond.
- Shortcuts reflect the official Microsoft, Apple, and Google support pages cited above. Settings and menu labels can change with operating system updates.
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