Taking a screenshot on a new laptop is one of those "simple" tasks that can feel surprisingly frustrating because every manufacturer and operating system update seems to change the rules. Whether you’re running the latest Windows 11 update or a brand-new MacBook, the old "Print Screen" button doesn't always behave the way it used to.
If your new (or newer used) MacBook has a Touch Bar, look for the – tap it to take a screenshot. You can customize Control Strip to include it. how to print screen on laptop new
This is the fastest way to take a customized screenshot on a new Windows laptop. Press . Your screen will dim, and a menu will appear at the top. Taking a screenshot on a new laptop is
| Action | Windows 10/11 | Mac | Chromebook | |--------|---------------|-----|-------------| | Full screen to clipboard | PrtScn | Control+Shift+Command+3 | (not native) | | Full screen to file | Win+PrtScn | Shift+Command+3 | Ctrl+Show Windows | | Active window to clipboard | Alt+PrtScn | (use selection) | — | | Selection to clipboard | Win+Shift+S | Control+Shift+Command+4 | — | | Selection to file | Win+Shift+S (then save) | Shift+Command+4 | Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows | | Screenshot toolbar | Win+Shift+S | Shift+Command+5 | Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows | You can customize Control Strip to include it
. This is the most efficient way to capture exactly what you need. Your screen will dim, and a menu will appear at the top with four options: Rectangular Snip: Drag a box around a specific area. Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around an object. Window Snip: