I. Introduction

Screenshots are handy tools to capture images from your computer or mobile device, whether it’s a webpage, a software error message, a game achievement, or an image you can’t download. Instead of downloading, taking a screenshot is faster, easier, and more flexible to share, edit, or save. If you’re an HP user, you don’t need to worry about installing additional software to take a screenshot. HP has built-in screenshot tools and keyboard shortcuts that you can use for free. Moreover, you can explore third-party screenshot software if you require advanced features. This article will discuss how to take a screenshot on HP from all angles, including built-in tools, keyboard shortcuts, third-party tools, mobile devices, troubleshooting, creative uses, and a comparison with other brands’ screenshot tools.

II. How to Take a Screenshot on HP Using Built-in Tools

If you’re using an HP laptop or desktop computer, you should have access to the inbuilt screenshot tools. HP provides two options to capture your screen: the Windows Snipping Tool and the HP Print and Scan Doctor. Here’s how to use them one by one:

Windows Snipping Tool

The Windows Snipping Tool is available on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the app or webpage you want to screenshot.
2. Click on the Windows logo on your keyboard and the letter S simultaneously. This will open the Snipping Tool app.
3. Click on “New” in the Snipping Tool’s toolbar.
4. Select the type of snip you want, such as a rectangular, free-form, or full-screen snip. These options are available on the “Mode” menu.
5. Drag the cursor over the area you want to capture. The snipping tool will automatically save the snip to your clipboard and open it in a new window.
6. You can edit, save, or share the snip as needed.

Figure 1: Windows Snipping Tool interface

HP Print and Scan Doctor

The HP Print and Scan Doctor is a free diagnostic tool that can help you solve printing, scanning, or networking issues. However, it also includes a screenshot feature that allows you to capture your screen instantly without launching additional apps. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install the HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s official website if you haven’t yet. It’s available for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
2. Open the app or webpage you want to screenshot.
3. Open the HP Print and Scan Doctor app.
4. Click on the “Screen Capture” option on the app’s main screen.
5. Select the type of capture you want, such as a full-screen or rectangular capture.
6. Click on “Capture” and wait for the capture to finish. The captured image will open in the app’s interface.
7. You can edit, save, or share the image as needed.

Figure 2: HP Print and Scan Doctor interface with a captured image

III. Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Take Screenshots on HP

If you’re using an HP computer, you can use keyboard shortcuts to take screenshots quickly. Here are three main keyboard shortcuts available on HP devices:

Print Screen (PrtScn)

The Print Screen keyboard shortcut captures the whole screen and saves it to the clipboard. Here’s how to use it:

1. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) button on your keyboard.
2. Open Microsoft Paint or any other photo editing tool.
3. Press CTRL + V to paste the screenshot on the blank canvas.
4. Save the screenshot to your computer or share it as needed.

Alt + Print Screen (Alt + PrtScn)

The Alt + Print Screen keyboard shortcut captures only the active window and saves it to the clipboard. Here’s how to use it:

1. Click on the window you want to capture to make it active.
2. Press the Alt + Print Screen (Alt + PrtScn) button on your keyboard.
3. Open Microsoft Paint or any other photo editing tool.
4. Press CTRL + V to paste the screenshot on the blank canvas.
5. Save the screenshot to your computer or share it as needed.

Windows Key + Print Screen (Windows Key + PrtScn)

The Windows Key + Print Screen keyboard shortcut captures the whole screen and saves it to the Screenshots folder under “This PC\Pictures”. Here’s how to use it:

1. Press the Windows Key + Print Screen (Windows Key + PrtScn) button on your keyboard.
2. Open the File Explorer app.
3. Navigate to “This PC\Pictures\Screenshots”.
4. You should see the captured screenshot there.
5. You can edit, save, or share the screenshot as needed.

IV. Exploring Third-Party Screenshot Tools for HP Users

If you require advanced screenshot features, you can explore third-party software. Here are two popular third-party screenshot software for HP devices:

Snagit

Snagit is a premium screenshot tool made by TechSmith that offers various features, including scrolling capture, panoramic capture, GIF creation, video recording, and more. Here’s how to use Snagit:

1. Download and install Snagit from the official website.
2. Open the app or webpage you want to screenshot.
3. Open Snagit and select the capture mode you want, such as full screen, region, or scrolling capture.
4. Click on the “Capture” button and wait for the capture to finish.
5. The captured image will appear in Snagit’s interface.
6. You can edit, save, or share the image as needed.

Figure 3: Snagit interface with a captured image

Greenshot

Greenshot is a free and open-source screenshot software that allows you to capture screenshots, annotate, and share them effortlessly. Here’s how to use Greenshot:

1. Download and install Greenshot from the official website.
2. Open the app or webpage you want to screenshot.
3. Click the “Print Screen” button on your keyboard, or click the Greenshot icon in the Notification area.
4. Select the capture mode you want.
5. Click and drag the cursor over the screen area you want to capture.
6. The captured image will appear in Greenshot’s editor.
7. You can annotate or edit the image, and then save or share it as needed.

Figure 4: Greenshot editor with a captured image

V. Taking Screenshots on HP Mobile Devices

If you’re using an HP smartphone or tablet, you can take screenshots with the built-in tools. Here are two methods to do it:

Button Combination

The button combination method allows you to take screenshots on any HP mobile devices. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the app or screen you want to capture.
2. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds.
3. You should hear a shutter sound, and the screen should flash briefly.
4. The captured screenshot will appear in your device’s gallery under the Screenshots folder.
5. You can edit, save, or share the screenshot as needed.

Palm Swipe Gesture

The Palm Swipe Gesture method is available on some HP smartphones and tablets, such as HP Elite x3, HP Elite x2, HP Pro x2, and HP Pro Tablet 10 EE G1. Here’s how to enable and use it:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures > Palm swipe to capture.
2. Toggle the switch to turn on the feature.
3. Open the app or screen you want to capture.
4. Place the edge of your hand on the screen and swipe it to the other side.
5. The captured screenshot will appear in your device’s gallery under the Screenshots folder.
6. You can edit, save, or share the screenshot as needed.

VI. Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues on HP

Sometimes, you may encounter screenshot issues or error messages when using HP’s built-in or third-party tools. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Screenshot Not Saving to the Clipboard

If you’re using the Windows Snipping Tool or the Print Screen button, and the screenshot is not saving to the clipboard, try this:

1. Open the Control Panel app.
2. Go to Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center.
3. Click on “Make the keyboard easier to use”.
4. Uncheck the “Turn on Sticky Keys” option.

Screenshot Not Saving to the Screenshots Folder

If you’re using the Windows Key + Print Screen button, and the screenshot is not saving to the Screenshots folder, try this:

1. Open the Registry Editor app.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders.
3. Find the “My Pictures” value and check its data.
4. Edit the “My Pictures” data and set it to %USERPROFILE%\Pictures.
5. Restart Windows Explorer and try to take a screenshot again.

Third-Party Screenshot Tool Not Launching

If you’re having issues launching third-party screenshot tools, try this:

1. Make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system.
2. Disable your antivirus software temporarily and try to launch the software again.
3. Check the app’s settings and see if there are any conflicting options.
4. Contact the software developer or seek help on support forums for further assistance.

VII. Creative Ways to Use Screenshots on HP

Apart from capturing images, you can use screenshots in many creative ways on your HP devices, such as creating memes, collages, or desktop backgrounds.