The fastest way: Windows key + Print Screen

On an Asus laptop running Windows, press Windows key + Print Screen together. Windows saves the screenshot automatically to your Pictures folder in a subfolder called Screenshots. The file appears as a PNG with a timestamp in the name, like "Screenshot (1).png".

This method captures your entire screen. If you're using an external monitor connected to your Asus laptop, it captures all displays at once. The screenshot happens silently — no confirmation dialog or sound — so you know it worked only by checking your Screenshots folder a few seconds later.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows key + Print Screen is the built-in method on Asus laptops and saves directly to your Pictures/Screenshots folder.
  • The Snipping Tool lets you select just part of your screen before capturing, and you can edit the image before saving.
  • Print Screen alone copies the image to your clipboard, so you can paste it into an email or document without saving a file first.
  • Asus laptops sometimes include a dedicated screenshot button or hotkey in the function row — check your keyboard for a camera or screen icon.
  • Windows 11 users can open the Snip & Sketch tool with Windows key + Shift + S to capture and annotate in one step.

Capturing only part of your screen with Snipping Tool

If you need to capture just a portion of your screen, use the Snipping Tool. Press Windows key + Shift + S on your Asus laptop. Your screen dims slightly and a toolbar appears at the top with four capture options: rectangular, freeform, window, and fullscreen.

Click the rectangular option (the default) and drag to select the area you want. When you release the mouse, the Snipping Tool opens automatically with your capture. From there you can draw on the image, erase parts, or crop it further before saving. The tool saves to your clipboard first, so you can paste it directly into an email, document, or messaging app without opening a file.

Using Print Screen to copy instead of save

The Print Screen key alone (without Windows key) copies your entire screen to the clipboard. This is useful when you want to paste the screenshot directly into a document, email, or chat without creating a separate file first.

After pressing Print Screen, open the program where you want the image — Microsoft Word, Gmail, Slack, or any other app — and press Ctrl + V to paste. The screenshot appears instantly. This method leaves no file on your hard drive unless you save the document containing the pasted image.

Checking for Asus-specific screenshot buttons

Some Asus laptop models include a dedicated screenshot key or function. Look at your keyboard's function row (the keys across the top with F1, F2, and so on). If you see a key with a camera icon, screen icon, or similar symbol, that may trigger a screenshot when pressed alone or with the Fn key.

Check your Asus laptop's manual or support page for your specific model to learn whether a dedicated key exists. The Asus support website lets you search by model number — you'll find it on a sticker on the bottom of your laptop. If a dedicated key exists, it usually opens the Snipping Tool or saves a fullscreen capture directly.

Finding your saved screenshots

Screenshots taken with Windows key + Print Screen go to C:\Users\[Your Username]\Pictures\Screenshots on your Asus laptop. The easiest way to find them is to open File Explorer, click Pictures in the left sidebar, then double-click the Screenshots folder.

If you use the Snipping Tool and save from there, you choose the location yourself — the tool asks where to save before closing. Screenshots pasted into documents or emails exist only within those files unless you export them separately.

Capturing a single window or menu

When you open Snipping Tool with Windows key + Shift + S, one of the four options is "Window" (it looks like a small rectangle). Click it, then click the window or menu you want to capture. The tool automatically selects just that window's boundaries, which is helpful when you want to screenshot a single program without the rest of your desktop.

This works well for capturing dialog boxes, error messages, or a single browser window when multiple programs are open. The window option is more precise than trying to manually select a rectangular area.

Recording video instead of taking a still screenshot

If you need to record what's happening on your screen rather than capture a single moment, Windows includes the Xbox Game Bar. Press Windows key + G on your Asus laptop to open it. Click the record button (a circle icon) or press Windows key + Alt + R to start recording.

The recording captures your screen, audio from your microphone, and system sounds. A small timer appears in the corner showing how long you've been recording. Press the same hotkey again or click the stop button to end the recording. Video files save to your Videos folder by default. This tool works for any program, not just games, despite its name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do screenshots go when I press Windows key + Print Screen?

They save automatically to your Pictures folder in a subfolder called Screenshots. You can find them by opening File Explorer, clicking Pictures, then double-clicking Screenshots. Each file has a timestamp in its name so you can tell them apart.

Can I take a screenshot of just my second monitor on an Asus laptop?

Windows key + Print Screen captures all connected displays at once. To capture only one monitor, use Snipping Tool (Windows key + Shift + S) and manually select the area on that monitor, or use a third-party tool like ShareX that offers per-monitor options.

What's the difference between Print Screen and Windows key + Print Screen?

Print Screen alone copies the image to your clipboard so you can paste it into a document or email. Windows key + Print Screen saves it as a file to your Screenshots folder. Use Print Screen for quick pasting, and Windows key + Print Screen when you want to keep the image as a separate file.

Can I edit a screenshot right after taking it?

Yes, if you use Snipping Tool (Windows key + Shift + S). The tool opens automatically after you capture and lets you draw, erase, or crop before saving. If you use Windows key + Print Screen, the file saves directly without an editing step, but you can open it in any image editor afterward.

Does my Asus laptop have a dedicated screenshot key?

Some models do, but not all. Look for a key with a camera or screen icon in your function row. Check your Asus support page for your specific model number to confirm. If one exists, it's usually in the top row of keys and may require the Fn key to activate.