prt scn randomly stops working

Hi oscarcleemann,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with the Print Screen function on your Windows 10 computer. Based on the information you've provided, it seems that the issue is not related to your keyboard or any other software running in the background.

Here are some suggestions for troubleshooting and fixing the print screen key randomly stopping to work on your computer:

1. Clear Windows’ clipboard. Press Windows + V and select Clear all to delete all of the current saved clipboard data.

2. Turn off Sticky Keys. This accessibility setting can shift the function of certain Windows keyboard shortcuts. In Windows 10: Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. Scroll to Sticky Keys, and toggle it off.

3. System File Checker: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted or missing system files. Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support

4. Create a New User Profile: Create a new user profile and see if the Print Screen key works as expected in the new profile. This can help determine if the issue is specific to your user profile. Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support 

5. Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot of your Windows system to start with a minimal set of startup programs and services. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the issue. How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

Hopefully these results will help you resolve your print screen issue. If none of these methods work, then the Print Screen key randomly stopping working on your computer may be a long-standing Windows bug.

Microsoft attaches great importance to user experience, you can submit your ideas and suggestions through the Feedback Hub, and the development team will regularly review submissions for ideas or fixes.

Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

Please share the feedback link here after submitting as it will allow others on the forum to vote for your submission, including me. More votes will lead to more visibility and higher priority to the development team.

I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

1. Clear Windows’ clipboard. - didn't work. And it works when its not cleared.

2. Turn off Sticky Keys. -Already off.

3. System File Checker: still not.

4. Create a New User Profile: - no? It works as expected until it randomly does not.

5. Clean Boot: - it works just fine on a normal boot. Its just that it stops working sometimes (even on a clean boot)

Hi oscarcleemann,

Thank you for providing additional information and trying those steps. If the issue persists despite the troubleshooting you've done, it can be a bit challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. However, here are a few more advanced troubleshooting steps you can attempt:

1. Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn't happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue. Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support

2. You can also use the Windows Event Viewer to check for any error messages or events that might be related to the PrtScn key issue. Look under "Windows Logs" > "System" and "Windows Logs" > "Application" for any relevant error messages or warnings.

3. Windows Repair/Reinstall: If all else fails, you may need to consider repairing or reinstalling Windows. This should be a last resort and should only be done after backing up your data. How to perform an In-place Upgrade with Windows 10 Step-by-Step Guide - Microsoft Community 

I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi oscarcleemann,

If it works normally at first in clean boot or safe mode, it may be caused by an action you performed subsequently, you can think back to what program you opened or what action you performed after that caused the problem.

Also, you can check to see if your Fn key is locked, rendering the key combination useless.

I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist