Print Screen on a MacBook Keyboard in Windows; Want to take a screenshot while running Windows on a MacBook? If you are used to a traditional Windows keyboard, you may be confused when you realize there is no physical PrintScreen (PrtScn) key on a Mac keyboard.
When Windows is installed on a MacBook using Boot Camp or a similar setup, Apple maps the Print Screen function to a different key combination. Once you know the shortcut, taking screenshots works just like it does on a regular Windows PC.
Take Screenshots on a MacBook Keyboard from Windows
How to Print Screen on a MacBook Keyboard in Windows
While running Windows on a MacBook, the Print Screen function is mapped to the F11 key instead of a dedicated PrtScn button.
Use the following shortcuts:
- Shift + F11 to take a screenshot of the entire screen
- Alt + Shift + F11 to take a screenshot of the active window only
These shortcuts behave the same way as the Print Screen key on a standard Windows keyboard.
If Your Function Keys Control Hardware
On many MacBooks, the function keys control hardware features like brightness and volume by default. If pressing F11 adjusts volume instead of taking a screenshot, you will need to hold the Fn key as well.
Use these combinations instead:
- Shift + Fn + F11 to capture the entire screen
- Alt + Shift + Fn + F11 to capture the active window
Where Windows Screenshots Are Saved
By default, Windows copies Print Screen screenshots to the clipboard. From there, you can:
- Paste into Paint, Photoshop, or another image editor using Ctrl + V
- Paste directly into documents or emails
If you want screenshots to save automatically as image files, use this shortcut instead:
- Windows Key + Shift + F11
When supported, Windows will save screenshots to:
C:\Users\YourUsername\Pictures\ScreenshotsUsing the Snipping Tool or Snip and Sketch
Modern versions of Windows include built in Printscreen screenshot tools that work perfectly on a MacBook keyboard.
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S to open Snip and Sketch
- Select rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen capture
This method is often easier if you need precise control over what you capture.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Nothing happens when pressing F11: Try adding the Fn key
- Screenshot not saving: Check the clipboard or use an image editor to paste
- External keyboard: Some Apple external keyboards still require the same shortcuts
- Boot Camp drivers: Make sure Boot Camp support software is installed and up to date
Final Notes
Even though MacBooks do not include a physical PrintScreen PrtSc key, Windows fully supports screenshots through Apple keyboard mappings. Once you learn the correct shortcut, capturing screenshots on a MacBook running Windows is fast and reliable.
This setup works on modern MacBooks running Windows through Boot Camp and similar environments, making it easy to switch between macOS and Windows workflows without losing essential functionality.