The fastest way: Windows key + Print Screen

On an Asus laptop running Windows, press Windows key + Print Screen at the same time. Windows saves the screenshot automatically to your Pictures folder in a subfolder called Screenshots. The file appears as a PNG image with a timestamp in the name, like "Screenshot (1).png".

This method works on any Windows laptop, including Asus models. You do not need to install anything or open an app first. The screenshot captures your entire screen, and you can find it when ready in your file explorer.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows key + Print Screen captures your full screen and saves it automatically to your Pictures folder.
  • The Snipping Tool (built into Windows) lets you select just part of your screen before capturing, and you can annotate it before saving.
  • Windows 11 laptops have a dedicated screenshot button: Windows key + Shift + S opens a menu to capture a region, window, or full screen.
  • To record video of your screen, use Windows key + Alt + R to start and stop Xbox Game Bar recording, which saves as an MP4 file.
  • Asus laptops do not have a special screenshot key — use the standard Windows methods that work on any Windows machine.

Capturing just part of your screen with Snipping Tool

If you want to capture only a portion of your screen, open the Snipping Tool. On Windows 10, search for "Snipping Tool" in the taskbar search box and click it. On Windows 11, the same search works, or you can press Windows key + Shift + S to open the screenshot menu directly.

Once the Snipping Tool opens, you see options to capture a rectangular selection, a free-form shape, a window, or your full screen. Click the type you want, then click and drag to select the area. The tool opens your capture in an editor where you can draw, highlight, or erase before saving. Click File > Save As to choose where to store it.

Recording video of your screen with Xbox Game Bar

To record a video of what is happening on your screen, use Xbox Game Bar, which comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. Press Windows key + Alt + R to start recording. A small control panel appears in the corner showing that recording is active.

Do your task or show what you want to record. When you are done, press Windows key + Alt + R again to stop. Windows saves the video as an MP4 file in your Videos folder in a subfolder called Captures. The file includes audio from your microphone and any sound playing on your laptop.

If you want to record without microphone audio, open Xbox Game Bar first by pressing Windows key + G, then look for the microphone icon in the control panel and toggle it off before you start recording.

Where Asus laptops differ (and where they do not)

Asus does not add its own screenshot or recording tools to Windows. Some Asus models include a dedicated key labeled with a camera icon or "Screenshot" on the keyboard, but this key straightforward triggers the same Windows functions described above — it is a shortcut, not a separate program.

If your Asus laptop has such a key, pressing it does the same thing as Windows key + Print Screen. Check your keyboard for a key with a camera or screenshot symbol, usually in the top row. If you see one, try pressing it to see whether it captures your screen. If it does not work, the keyboard shortcut methods above will always work instead.

Saving and organizing your captures

Windows stores screenshots and recordings in specific folders by default. Screenshots go to Pictures > Screenshots. Videos from Xbox Game Bar go to Videos > Captures. You can change where files are saved by opening the file after you capture it and choosing File > Save As to pick a different location.

If you take many screenshots, create a new folder inside Pictures to organize them by project or date. Right-click in your Pictures folder, select New > Folder, and name it. Then move your screenshots there by dragging them or using cut and paste.

Editing your screenshots before sharing

After you capture a screenshot, you can edit it using the built-in Photos app or Paint. Right-click the screenshot file, select Open With, and choose Paint or Photos. In Paint, you can crop, resize, add text, or draw on the image. In Photos, you can crop and adjust brightness or color.

The Snipping Tool also includes a basic editor that opens automatically after you capture. You can draw, highlight, or erase parts of the image before saving. This is useful if you want to blur sensitive information or mark up what you are showing someone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my screenshot blank or black?

If you are recording a video game or app that uses full-screen mode, Xbox Game Bar recording may capture a black screen. Try running the game in windowed mode instead. For screenshots, a black screen usually means the capture happened while your screen was locked or the display turned off. Make sure your screen is on and unlocked before capturing.

Can I record just one window instead of my whole screen?

Xbox Game Bar records your entire screen by default. If you want to record only one window, use third-party software like OBS Studio (free, open-source) or Camtasia. For screenshots, use the Snipping Tool or Windows key + Shift + S to select just the window you want.

Where do I find my recordings if I cannot locate them?

Xbox Game Bar saves videos to Videos > Captures by default. Open File Explorer, click Videos in the left sidebar, then look for a folder named Captures. If you saved a screenshot or recording somewhere else, use File Explorer's search box (top right) and type the file name or search for "*.mp4" to find all video files.

Can I take a screenshot of just my second monitor?

Windows key + Print Screen captures all monitors at once. To capture only one monitor, use the Snipping Tool or Windows key + Shift + S and select just the area on that monitor. Alternatively, use Alt + Print Screen to capture only the active window, which works if your window is on the monitor you want.

Is there a way to take a screenshot without using keyboard shortcuts?

Yes. Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the taskbar, then click New to capture. You can also right-click your desktop, select New, and look for a screenshot option if your Asus model includes one. These methods do the same thing as the keyboard shortcuts but do not require memorizing key combinations.