how to program a key to "print-screen"?

Stella Monti 0 Reputation points
2026-11-10T00:05:39.29+00:00

My keyboard does not have a designated "printscreen" key. can I program one myself to print screen?

Windows for home | Other | Accessibility
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  1. Ian-T 16,365 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-10T05:15:37.77+00:00

    Hi @Stella Monti

    First, please feel free to check out the AI answer

    You can also pin the built-in Snipping Tool to the taskbar. If it is the first pinned app, press Windows + 1 to open it; if it is second, press Windows + 2, and so on. This does not create a true Print Screen key, but it provides quick access without installing third-party software.

    Hope this helps. Have a nice day

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-10T00:06:08.76+00:00

    You can take a full-screen screenshot without programming a key by pressing Fn + Windows logo key + Spacebar, or assign an unused key to Print Screen with Microsoft PowerToys.

    Built-in shortcut

    Press:

    Fn + Windows logo key + Spacebar

    Windows saves the screenshot in:

    File Explorer → Pictures → Screenshots ^1^

    This is the simplest option if your keyboard supports the Fn key.

    For a selectable region instead of the entire screen, press Windows logo key + Shift + S, select the region, and then paste the capture into an application with Ctrl + V.

    Assign an unused key with PowerToys

    To create a dedicated screenshot key:

    1. Install and open Microsoft PowerToys.
    2. Select Keyboard Manager.
    3. Ensure Enable Keyboard Manager is turned on.
    4. Select Remap a key.
    5. Select Add key remapping.
    6. Under Select, choose an unused physical key—for example, an extra function or macro key.
    7. Under To send, choose Print Screen.
    8. Select OK and accept the warning.

    Pressing that key will then send the Print Screen command. PowerToys must remain running in the background for the mapping to work. Most Fn keys cannot themselves be remapped, although F1 through F12 generally can be ^2^.

    Choose a key you do not otherwise need because its original function will be replaced. To undo the change, return to PowerToys → Keyboard Manager → Remap a key and delete the mapping.

    References

    1. Keyboard shortcut for print screen | Microsoft Support
    2. Keyboard Manager utility
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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