Are you tired of pressing the Print Screen button on your keyboard, only to find that nothing happens? You’re not alone! Many Windows 7 users have faced this frustrating issue, leaving them wondering why their Print Screen function has stopped working. In this article, we’ll delve into the possible causes and solutions to get your Print Screen function up and running again.
Understanding the Print Screen Function
Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, it’s essential to understand how the Print Screen function works. The Print Screen button, usually labeled as “PrtScn” or “PrntScrn,” is a keyboard shortcut that captures the entire screen or the currently active window as an image. This image is then copied to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into an image editing software, email, or document.
When you press the Print Screen button, Windows 7 is supposed to send the screenshot to the clipboard, and then you can use the “Ctrl + V” shortcut to paste the image into an application. However, if the Print Screen function is not working, you won’t be able to capture screenshots, which can be a significant hindrance, especially for gamers, graphic designers, and technical writers.
Possible Causes of Print Screen Not Working in Windows 7
There are several reasons why your Print Screen function may have stopped working in Windows 7. Let’s explore some of the most common causes:
Keyboard Issues
One of the primary reasons for the Print Screen function not working is a keyboard issue. Here are a few possibilities:
- The Print Screen button is broken or stuck: Inspect your keyboard to ensure that the Print Screen button is not stuck or damaged. Try cleaning the keyboard or replacing it if necessary.
- Keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupted: Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause issues with the Print Screen function. You can update your keyboard drivers from the manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool.
- Keyboard settings are configured incorrectly: Check your keyboard settings to ensure that the Print Screen button is not remapped to another function. You can do this by going to Start > Control Panel > Keyboard and checking the “Keyboard” tab.
Conflicting Software
Sometimes, conflicting software can interfere with the Print Screen function. Here are a few possibilities:
- Snagit or other screenshot software: If you have screenshot software like Snagit or Jing installed, it might be conflicting with the native Print Screen function. Try closing or uninstalling these applications to see if the issue resolves.
- Other keyboard hooking applications: Certain applications, such as game recording software or virtual machine software, might be hooking into the keyboard and preventing the Print Screen function from working.
System File Corruption
System file corruption can also cause issues with the Print Screen function:
- Corrupted system files: Windows 7 system files might be corrupted, causing issues with the Print Screen function. You can try running the System File Checker tool (SFC) to scan and repair corrupted system files.
- DLL file issues: DLL files are essential for Windows 7 to function correctly. A corrupted or missing DLL file can cause issues with the Print Screen function. You can try registering the DLL files again or replacing them if necessary.
System Configuration
System configuration issues can also prevent the Print Screen function from working:
- UAC settings: If User Account Control (UAC) settings are configured too restrictively, it might prevent the Print Screen function from working. Try lowering the UAC level or disabling it temporarily to see if the issue resolves.
- Windows Explorer issues: Windows Explorer is responsible for handling the Print Screen function. If Windows Explorer is not functioning correctly, it might cause issues with the Print Screen function. Try restarting Windows Explorer or repairing it using the System File Checker tool.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Print Screen Not Working in Windows 7
Now that we’ve explored the possible causes, let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps to fix the Print Screen function:
Step 1: Check the Keyboard and Drivers
- Inspect your keyboard to ensure that the Print Screen button is not stuck or damaged.
- Update your keyboard drivers from the manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool.
- Check the keyboard settings to ensure that the Print Screen button is not remapped to another function.
Step 2: Close Conflicting Software
- Close any screenshot software like Snagit or Jing.
- Check for any other keyboard hooking applications and close them temporarily.
Step 3: Run the System File Checker Tool
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the command “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Let the System File Checker tool scan and repair corrupted system files.
Step 4: Register DLL Files Again
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the command “regsvr32 /u [DLL file name]” to unregister the DLL file.
- Type the command “regsvr32 [DLL file name]” to register the DLL file again.
Step 5: Check UAC Settings
- Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.
- Click on “Advanced system settings” on the left side.
- Click on the “Settings” button in the “User Account Control” section.
- Lower the UAC level or disable it temporarily to see if the issue resolves.
Step 6: Restart Windows Explorer
- Press the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Processes” tab.
- Find the “explorer.exe” process and click on it.
- Click on the “Restart” button to restart Windows Explorer.
Alternative Screenshot Methods
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, you can try alternative screenshot methods:
- Use the “Ctrl + Alt + Print Screen” shortcut to capture the active window.
- Use the “Windows + Shift + S” shortcut to capture a region of the screen.
- Use third-party screenshot software like Snagit, Jing, or Lightshot.
Conclusion
The Print Screen function not working in Windows 7 can be frustrating, but by understanding the possible causes and following the troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue. Remember to check your keyboard and drivers, close conflicting software, run the System File Checker tool, register DLL files again, check UAC settings, and restart Windows Explorer. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you can try alternative screenshot methods. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be capturing screenshots like a pro in no time!
Why is my Print Screen button not responding?
The Print Screen button, also known as the PrtScn or PrtScr button, is usually located on the top row of most keyboards and is used to take a snapshot of the current screen. However, sometimes this button may not respond when you press it.
This could be due to various reasons such as a conflicting keyboard shortcut, a malfunctioning keyboard, or a software issue. Try pressing the Fn key (usually located on the lower left corner of the keyboard) and the Print Screen key together, or try using the Windows Snipping Tool as an alternative.
How do I diagnose the problem with my Print Screen button?
To diagnose the problem, try pressing the Print Screen button and then opening an image editing software like Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop. If the screenshot is not pasted into the software, then the issue lies with the Print Screen button itself.
You can also try using the Windows Snipping Tool to see if it captures the screenshot successfully. Press the Windows key and the R key together, type “snippingtool” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. If the Snipping Tool works, then the issue might be specific to the Print Screen button.
What are the common keyboard shortcuts that might be conflicting with the Print Screen button?
Some common keyboard shortcuts that might be conflicting with the Print Screen button include the Fn key combinations, the Alt key combinations, or other software-specific hotkeys. For example, some laptops use the Fn key in combination with the F1-F12 keys to perform specific functions, which might conflict with the Print Screen button.
To resolve this, try pressing the Fn key and the Print Screen key together, or try using the on-screen keyboard to press the Print Screen button. You can also try disabling any other keyboard shortcuts that might be conflicting with the Print Screen button.
How do I use the Windows Snipping Tool as an alternative?
The Windows Snipping Tool is a built-in utility in Windows 7 that allows you to capture screenshots of the entire screen, a window, or a rectangular region. To use the Snipping Tool, press the Windows key and the R key together, type “snippingtool” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
In the Snipping Tool window, you can choose the type of screenshot you want to capture, such as a full screen, window, or rectangular snip. You can then save the screenshot as an image file or email it to someone.
What if the problem is with my keyboard?
If the problem lies with your keyboard, you can try cleaning the Print Screen button or replacing the keyboard altogether. Dirt, dust, or other debris might be causing the button to malfunction.
You can also try using an external keyboard to see if the Print Screen button works on that keyboard. If it does, then the issue is likely with your original keyboard.
Can I use third-party screenshot software as an alternative?
Yes, there are many third-party screenshot software available that can capture screenshots and offer more features than the Windows Snipping Tool. Some popular options include Snagit, Skitch, and Lightshot.
These software programs often provide additional features such as screenshot editing, sharing, and uploading to cloud storage. You can download and install these software programs from their respective websites.
How do I fix the problem if it’s a software issue?
If the problem is a software issue, you can try updating your keyboard drivers or reinstalling the keyboard software. You can also try running a system file checker tool to fix any corrupted system files.
Additionally, you can try booting your computer in safe mode to see if the problem persists in safe mode. If it doesn’t, then the issue is likely caused by a software conflict or malware infection. In this case, try running a virus scan and malware removal tool to fix the issue.