TakeASnapshot
desktop

How to Screenshot on Acer Laptop

Written by: Isaac
Published: August 7, 2025
Reading time: 4 min read
How to Screenshot on Acer Laptop

How to Screenshot on Acer Laptop

Taking screenshots on an Acer laptop is essential for capturing important information, creating tutorials, or sharing content. Acer laptops run Windows and offer multiple built-in methods to capture your screen, from simple keyboard shortcuts to advanced tools with editing capabilities. These methods work similarly to other Windows laptops like Dell, ThinkPad, and Surface Pro devices.

Method 1: Print Screen Key (PrtScn)

The most common method using the dedicated Print Screen key on Acer laptops.

Steps:

  1. Locate the Print Screen key (usually labeled 'PrtScn' or 'PrtSc') on your Acer keyboard
  2. Press the Print Screen key to capture the entire screen
  3. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard
  4. Open an image editor like Paint, Word, or any application that accepts images
  5. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot
  6. Save the file in your desired format and location
?? Pro Tip: On some Acer laptop models, you may need to press Fn + PrtScn if the Print Screen key has dual functions.

Method 2: Alt + Print Screen

Capture only the currently active window instead of the entire screen.

Steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture to make it active
  2. Press Alt + Print Screen simultaneously
  3. The active window screenshot is copied to clipboard
  4. Open any application that accepts images (Paint, Word, etc.)
  5. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot
  6. Save the file as needed
?? Pro Tip: This method is perfect for capturing specific applications without including the desktop background or other windows.

Method 3: Windows + Print Screen

Automatically save a full screenshot to your Pictures folder.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + Print Screen simultaneously
  2. Your screen will briefly dim to indicate the screenshot was taken
  3. The screenshot is automatically saved to Pictures > Screenshots folder
  4. Navigate to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots to find your image
  5. The file will be named 'Screenshot (date and time).png'
?? Pro Tip: This is the quickest method if you want to save multiple screenshots without opening an editor each time.

Method 4: Snipping Tool

Windows built-in tool for custom area screenshots with basic editing.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key and type 'Snipping Tool'
  2. Click on the Snipping Tool app to open it
  3. Click 'New' to start a new screenshot
  4. Select the type: Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen
  5. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture
  6. The screenshot opens in the Snipping Tool editor
  7. Use the pen and highlighter tools to annotate if needed
  8. Click File > Save As to save your screenshot
?? Pro Tip: Snipping Tool includes basic editing features like highlighting, drawing, and cropping.

Method 5: Snip & Sketch (Windows 10/11)

Modern replacement for Snipping Tool with advanced features. This method works identically across all Windows devices, including standard Windows desktops.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S to open Snip & Sketch
  2. Your screen will dim and a toolbar will appear at the top
  3. Choose from: Rectangular snip, Freeform snip, Window snip, or Fullscreen snip
  4. Select the area you want to capture
  5. The screenshot is copied to clipboard and a notification appears
  6. Click the notification to open in Snip & Sketch for editing
  7. Use advanced editing tools like rulers, cropping, and various annotation options
  8. Save or share your edited screenshot
?? Pro Tip: Snip & Sketch offers the most comprehensive editing tools including rulers, text boxes, and various drawing options.

Method 6: Acer Care Center (if available)

Some Acer laptops include screenshot functionality in Acer Care Center.

Steps:

  1. Open Acer Care Center from the Start menu
  2. Look for 'Tools' or 'Utilities' section
  3. Find 'Screenshot' or 'Screen Capture' option
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to capture your screen
  5. Choose your preferred capture method and area
  6. Save the screenshot to your desired location
?? Pro Tip: This method may not be available on all Acer laptop models and depends on the installed Acer software.

Method 7: Third-Party Screenshot Tools

Use specialized screenshot software for advanced features.

Steps:

  1. Download tools like Greenshot, LightShot, or ShareX
  2. Install your preferred screenshot application
  3. Configure hotkeys and settings according to your preferences
  4. Use the tool's hotkey or interface to capture screenshots
  5. Take advantage of advanced features like scrolling capture, cloud upload, or automatic editing
  6. Save or share your screenshots directly from the application
?? Pro Tip: Third-party tools often provide features like automatic cloud upload, advanced editing, and batch processing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Print Screen key not working on Acer laptop

Solution: Try pressing Fn + PrtScn instead, as some Acer models require the Function key. Check if the key is mapped to other functions in BIOS settings. Ensure Windows is updated and try restarting your laptop.

Screenshots are saving in wrong location

Solution: For Windows + PrtScn method, screenshots save to Pictures > Screenshots by default. You can change this location by right-clicking the Screenshots folder, selecting Properties > Location, and choosing a new folder.

Screen appears black in screenshots

Solution: This often happens with video players or games using hardware acceleration. Try disabling hardware acceleration in the problematic application, or use windowed mode instead of fullscreen.

Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch not working

Solution: Restart the application or your computer. Check Windows Updates to ensure you have the latest version. You can also reset the app through Settings > Apps > Snip & Sketch > Advanced Options > Reset.

Conclusion

Acer laptops provide excellent screenshot capabilities through Windows' built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts. Whether you need quick captures or detailed editing, these methods cover all your screenshot needs. For users with other laptop brands, check out our guides for Dell laptops, ThinkPad, Surface Pro, or general Windows desktops. After capturing screenshots, explore our tools for editing, converting to different formats, or learn about organizing screenshots automatically and changing screenshot save locations.

📚Related Guides