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How to Take Screenshot on ThinkPad

Written by: Isaac
Published: August 8, 2025
Reading time: 4 min read
How to Take Screenshot on ThinkPad

How to Take Screenshot on ThinkPad

ThinkPad laptops are renowned business machines that run Windows and offer multiple screenshot methods. Whether you're using a modern ThinkPad with Windows 11 or an older model, capturing screenshots is essential for documentation, presentations, and troubleshooting. ThinkPads feature unique keyboard layouts and function keys that may affect screenshot methods. These techniques work similarly to other Windows laptops like Dell, Acer, and Surface Pro devices.

Method 1: Print Screen Key (PrtSc)

The traditional method using ThinkPad's Print Screen key.

Steps:

  1. Locate the Print Screen key on your ThinkPad keyboard (usually labeled 'PrtSc')
  2. On most ThinkPads, it's located in the top row, often combined with other functions
  3. Press the Print Screen key to capture the entire screen
  4. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard
  5. Open an image editor like Paint, Word, or any application
  6. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot
  7. Save the file in your preferred format and location
?? Pro Tip: On some ThinkPad models, you may need to press Fn + PrtSc if the Print Screen function is secondary on the key.

Method 2: Fn + Print Screen (ThinkPad Function Layer)

Use the function layer for Print Screen on newer ThinkPad models.

Steps:

  1. Look for the Print Screen symbol on your function keys (often F10, F11, or F12)
  2. Hold down the Fn (Function) key located in the bottom left
  3. While holding Fn, press the key with the Print Screen symbol
  4. The full screen screenshot is captured to clipboard
  5. Open any application that accepts images
  6. Press Ctrl + V to paste and save the screenshot
?? Pro Tip: Check your ThinkPad model's manual or look for 'PrtSc' symbols on the function keys to find the exact location.

Method 3: Alt + Print Screen (Active Window)

Capture only the currently active window on your ThinkPad.

Steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture to make it active
  2. Press Alt + Print Screen simultaneously (or Alt + Fn + PrtSc if needed)
  3. Only the active window is captured to clipboard
  4. Open an image application like Paint or Word
  5. Press Ctrl + V to paste the window screenshot
  6. Save the image as needed
?? Pro Tip: This method is perfect for capturing specific applications without including the desktop or other windows in your screenshot.

Method 4: Windows + Print Screen (Auto-Save)

Automatically save screenshots to Pictures folder on ThinkPad.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows key + Print Screen simultaneously
  2. On function-based models: Windows + Fn + PrtSc
  3. Your screen will briefly dim to indicate the screenshot was taken
  4. The screenshot automatically saves to Pictures > Screenshots folder
  5. Navigate to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots to find your image
  6. Files are named with date and time stamps
?? Pro Tip: This method saves time by automatically storing screenshots without needing to paste them manually.

Method 5: Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S)

Use Windows' modern screenshot tool with editing capabilities. 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 selection toolbar appears at the top
  3. Choose from: Rectangular snip, Freeform snip, Window snip, or Fullscreen snip
  4. Select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging
  5. The screenshot is copied to clipboard and a notification appears
  6. Click the notification to open in Snip & Sketch for editing
  7. Use editing tools like pen, highlighter, ruler, and text
  8. Save or share your edited screenshot
?? Pro Tip: This method provides the most comprehensive editing tools and works consistently across all ThinkPad models.

Method 6: ThinkPad Hotkeys and Lenovo Software

Use Lenovo's proprietary software and hotkeys for screenshots.

Steps:

  1. Install Lenovo Vantage or ThinkPad hotkeys software if not already installed
  2. Check for custom screenshot hotkeys in the Lenovo software settings
  3. Some ThinkPads have dedicated screenshot functions on Fn combinations
  4. Look for camera icons or screenshot symbols on function keys
  5. Use the configured hotkey to capture screenshots
  6. Access additional features through Lenovo's software interface
?? Pro Tip: Lenovo software may provide additional screenshot features like automatic cloud upload or enhanced editing tools.

Method 7: Third-Party Screenshot Tools

Install specialized screenshot software for advanced features on ThinkPad.

Steps:

  1. Download professional tools like Snagit, Greenshot, or ShareX
  2. Install your preferred screenshot application
  3. Configure hotkeys that work well with ThinkPad's keyboard layout
  4. Set up capture preferences, editing options, and save locations
  5. Use the tool's hotkeys or interface to capture screenshots
  6. Take advantage of advanced features like scrolling capture, OCR, or cloud integration
?? Pro Tip: Professional tools offer features like automatic text recognition, advanced editing, and integration with business workflows.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Print Screen key not working on ThinkPad

Solution: Try Fn + PrtSc combination as many ThinkPads require the Function key. Check BIOS settings for function key behavior (Fn Lock). Ensure Windows is updated and try restarting. Some models have Print Screen on F10, F11, or F12 keys.

Function keys not responding for screenshots

Solution: Check if Fn Lock is enabled - press Fn + Esc to toggle. Verify in BIOS whether function keys are set to multimedia or traditional mode. Update ThinkPad hotkey drivers through Lenovo Vantage or Device Manager.

Screenshots saving in wrong location or format

Solution: For Windows + PrtSc method, screenshots save to Pictures > Screenshots by default. Change location by right-clicking Screenshots folder > Properties > Location. Check Windows screenshot settings in Settings > System > Storage.

Lenovo software interfering with screenshots

Solution: Check Lenovo Vantage or ThinkPad software for conflicting hotkeys. Disable or reconfigure screenshot-related settings in Lenovo software. Try using Windows native methods if Lenovo software causes issues.

External monitor screenshots not working properly

Solution: Ensure display settings are configured correctly for multiple monitors. Screenshots may only capture primary display - use Snip & Sketch for multi-monitor selection. Check graphics driver updates for proper multi-display support.

ThinkPad docking station affecting screenshot hotkeys

Solution: External keyboards connected through docking stations may have different key mappings. Try using the laptop's built-in keyboard for screenshots. Update docking station drivers and check for hotkey conflicts.

Conclusion

ThinkPad laptops provide reliable screenshot capabilities through Windows' built-in tools and Lenovo's proprietary software. The unique keyboard layout and function key system may require some adjustment, but once mastered, offers efficient screenshot capture for business and personal use. For users with other laptop brands, check out our guides for Dell laptops, Acer laptops, Surface Pro, or standard 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.

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