Take a Screenshot on an HP Laptop with Ease

Capturing screenshots is a valuable technique that comes in handy for a variety of purposes, from creating tutorials to preserving important information.

Whether you're a seasoned notebook computer user or a novice, knowing how to take a screenshot on your HP laptop is a basic skill that can enhance your productivity and streamline your digital communication.

Hewlett-Packard, commonly known as HP, was founded in a one-car garage in Palo Alto, California, in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard. This small garage is now often referred to as the birthplace of Silicon Valley.

In this guide, we'll explore various methods and tools available, providing the step-by-step instructions of taking a screenshot on your laptop to ensure you can effortlessly capture and share what's on your screen.

Icecream Screen Recorder

For HP laptop users, utilizing the function of making a screenshot can prove to be an advantageous means of capturing significant information or moments. Taking a snapshot on your laptop becomes effortless and efficient with the help of this Windows screen recorder.

How to screenshot on HP laptop:

  1. Download the screen recorder on your device.
  2. Install and launch the program. Prior to capturing a screenshot, customize the settings to your preferences, including the output folder, file format (PNG, JPG), and other options.
  3. Click the "Screenshot" button. This action will open a menu allowing you to select the desired area for the screenshot - whether it's the entire screen or a specific region.
  4. Once the capture area is defined, access the drawing panel by tapping on the pencil icon. Use this feature to add notes, steps, or annotations to your screenshot.
  5. To take a snapshot, hit "Screenshot". The resulting image will be automatically saved to the designated folder.

Icecream Screen Recorder allows for seamless screenshot-taking on your HP laptop, just follow these uncomplicated directions. Say goodbye to complicated methods and start capturing important moments with ease.

Pros:

  • Flexible Capture. The app provides diverse capture options, allowing you to shoot the entire screen, a selected area, or a specific window.
  • Annotation Tools. The screen capture software includes a drawing panel that enables you to enhance your screenshots with notes, arrows, shapes, and other annotations.
  • Capture and Record. The program not only captures screenshots but also allows you to record your screen.
  • Free of Charge. Best of all, the recorder is completely free to use. Enjoy all the benefits of this powerful app without spending a dime.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Capturing a visual of your HP laptop's monitor may feel daunting, but utilizing Movavi Screen Recorder makes it less complicated. This software allows you to capture anything on your screen with just a few clicks.

How to make a screenshot:

  1. Acquire and set up the software on your HP laptop.
  2. Open the program and click the screenshot button to activate the crosshair cursor.
  3. Select the area of the screen for capturing. A frame will appear, allowing for further adjustments.
  4. Then, you have several options:
    • Hit "Copy" to duplicate the picture to the clipboard without saving the screenshot to a file.
    • Click "Save" to preserve the file and open its containing folder.
    • Tap "Share" to load the image to Movavi Cloud or Google Drive.
Capturing screenshot with Movavi

Utilizing the Movavi software, you can effortlessly take a screenshot on your HP laptop.

HP was one of the pioneers in the development of laptop computers. The company introduced its first laptop, the HP-110, in 1984. It was a compact and portable computer with a built-in keyboard and screen.

Snipping Tool

Thanks to the pre-installed Snipping Tool you have the ability to take a screen grab and transform it into an image file without any third-party tools. Whether you want to save a funny meme or capture an important document, this application has you covered.

How to take a screenshot on an HP laptop:

  1. Click the "Start" button and enter "Snipping Tool" or use the shortcut Win+Shift+S to open the program.
  2. Once the app is launched, choose the type of snip you want to create (rectangular, free-form, window, or full-screen).
  3. Tap "New" to initiate the process, causing your screen to pause with a white overlay. Use your mouse to define the shape of your snip.
  4. Release the mouse button and a screenshot of the specified area will be captured.
  5. Now, you can utilize the available tools to draw lines, highlight, or insert text as needed.
  6. Press the "Save" button to get your edited screenshot.
Snipping tool user interface

With a few simple clicks, you can seamlessly screenshot the HP desktop. No longer will you have to rely on third-party screen recorders – just a few clicks and your screenshot is securely saved.

HP's Elite Dragonfly is known as one of the world's lightest business laptops. Weighing under 1 kg, it combines portability with impressive battery life, making it a favorite among professionals on the go.

Game Bar

Utilizing the screenshot function on your HP laptop is an effective means of capturing crucial data or significant events. The Game Bar feature allows for an effortless recording screen while gaming or utilizing other programs.

How to screen capture HP screen:

  1. Press Windows key + G on your keyboard to open the Game Bar.
  2. Click the camera icon or press Windows key + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.
  3. The captured image will be stored in your "Videos \ Captures" folder by default.
Screenshot on HP laptop with Game Bar

If you want to personalize your screenshot tool, click the "Settings" button in the Game Bar and choose "Capture". From here, you can adjust the shortcut keys and select the destination for your screenshots. Easily capture images on your HP laptop with these simple steps.

The HP Spectre series is recognized for its cutting-edge design. The Spectre x360, for example, is a convertible laptop with a 360-degree hinge, allowing it to transform from a laptop to a tablet.

Keyboard shortcuts

If you own an HP laptop, there are several ways to take a snapshot through the use of keyboard commands. This method is quick and efficient, making it a popular choice among users.

Using the Print Screen key:

  1. Locate the PrtScn (Print Screen) . It is usually located in the top row of the keyboard.
  2. To capture the entire screen, press PrtScn . If the PrtScn key is combined with another key, like Fn, you may need to press the Fn + PrtScn combination.
  3. The screenshot is now copied to your clipboard.

Using Alt + PrtScn keys:

  1. To capture only the active window press and hold Alt.
  2. While holding down the key, press PrtScn.

Using the Snipping key (Windows 10):

On some HP laptops running Windows 10, you may have a dedicated snipping key.

  1. Look for a key with a pair of scissors icon.
  2. Press the key to open the "Snip & Sketch" tool directly.
  3. Follow the prompts to screenshot the HP desktop.

For the first two methods, the captured screenshot is copied to the clipboard. To save it, open an image editing program (e.g., Paint or Word) and paste (Ctrl + V) the screenshot. Save the image in your desired location.

If you use the Snip & Sketch, you can save the screenshot directly from the respective tool.

HP Omen series includes high-performance gaming laptops that are VR-ready. These laptops cater to gamers looking for powerful hardware and immersive experiences.

Tips

  • Ensure the screen content you want to capture is visible and properly aligned.
  • Check that you have sufficient storage space on your HP laptop for saving images.
  • Make sure your device is up-to-date with the latest software updates for optimal performance.
  • Close unnecessary applications to reduce clutter and focus on the content you want to capture.
  • Verify that your screen resolution and scaling settings are adjusted for clear and high-quality pictures.
  • Consider organizing and naming your screenshot files immediately after capturing them for easy retrieval.
  • Regularly back up important screenshots to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss.

Screenshot on HP laptop: FAQs

Can I customize the shortcut keys for taking screenshots?
Absolutely, you are able to alter the default keys by accessing Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and opting for the "Print Screen shortcut".
What should I do if my HP laptop doesn't have a PrtScn key?
Some HP laptops have a different keyboard layout that may not include the Print Screen key. In this case, you might need to use a combination of keys, such as Fn + Insert, Fn + Spacebar, or Fn + Windows + Spacebar.
What is the difference between using the Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch for screen recording?
The Snipping Tool is available on Windows 7, offering basic screencast features. Snip & Sketch, introduced in Windows 10, provides a more modern interface and additional features, making it a preferred choice for some users.
Can I capture screenshots while using an external monitor on my HP laptop?
Yes, screen capture works similarly regardless of whether you're using the laptop's built-in display or an external one. The keyboard shortcuts and tools remain effective in both scenarios.
What if my HP laptop is running on a different operating system?
The methods for taking a screenshot may vary slightly on different OSs. However, most HP laptops run Windows, and the instructions provided are tailored for this environment. If using another operating system, consult the specific guidelines for that OS.

How to take a screenshot on an HP laptop: Conclusion

In conclusion, capturing screenshots on your HP laptop is a basic skill that empowers you to visually communicate, document, and share information effortlessly.

Whether you opt for the traditional PrtScn key, utilize built-in tools like the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, or explore third-party applications such as Icecream Screen Recorder, the diverse options presented in this guide cater to various preferences and scenarios.

Go ahead, try it out, and screenshot your HP desktop with confidence!

Rean Uehara

Expert Tech Writer

Rean is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, operations specialist, and eCommerce coach who focuses on distributed teams. He began working remotely on web-related projects in 2010 and has never looked back. His articles published on Hongkiat, so his authoritative opinion on technology can be fully trusted.
5 min read
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