Here is a complete guide on how to take a screenshot on your Lenovo Yoga laptop.
Your Lenovo Yoga laptop runs Windows. This means you can use standard Windows tools to capture what’s on your screen. You can take a screenshot of your whole screen, just one window, or a specific area you pick. When you use certain shortcuts, your screenshots often save automatically to a Pictures folder on your computer. We will show you the easy ways to do this.
Taking pictures of your screen is super helpful. You can share what you see with others. You can save important info or error messages. Your Lenovo Yoga has several ways to do this. Let’s look at the most common and easy methods.

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Exploring Keyboard Shortcuts for Screen Capture
Keyboard shortcuts are quick ways to take a picture of your screen. They use keys on your Lenovo Yoga keyboard. These methods are fast and simple once you know which keys to press.
Capturing the Full Screen with PrtScn
This is a very common way to grab everything you see.
- What it does: Takes a picture of your entire screen exactly as it looks right now.
- Where it goes: The picture does not save as a file automatically. It goes to a special temporary place called the clipboard. Think of the clipboard like a short-term memory spot for your computer.
- Keyword Check: This method involves the
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Finding the Print Screen Key Lenovo Yoga
The Print Screen key is usually labeled PrtScn, PrntScrn, Print Scrn, or similar. On many Lenovo Yoga models, especially the smaller ones, this key might be combined with another key. You might find it near the top right of your keyboard.
- Look for a key labeled
PrtScn. - Sometimes, it’s on the same key as another function (like
Insert). If it is, you might need to press theFnkey at the same time. This depends on your Yoga model and its settings.
How to Use Just the PrtScn Key
- Press the
PrtScnkey: Just press the key once. If it’s a shared key, you might need to pressFn + PrtScn. Your screen won’t flash or do anything obvious. - Open a program to paste into: Go to a program where you can put pictures. Good choices are:
- Paint (simple image editor)
- Word (document program)
- Paint 3D (another image editor)
- Any other program that lets you insert pictures.
- Paste the screenshot: In the program you opened, click where you want the picture to go. Then, paste it. You can usually do this by:
- Pressing
Ctrl + V. - Right-clicking and choosing “Paste”.
- Looking for a “Paste” button in the program’s menu.
- Pressing
The full screen picture will appear. From here, you can edit it, save it as a file, or share it.
Mastering the Auto-Save Full Screen Capture
This method is similar to the first one, but it automatically saves the picture as a file for you. This saves you the step of pasting it into another program first.
- What it does: Takes a picture of your entire screen and saves it as a file.
- Where it goes: The picture saves automatically as a PNG file in a specific folder on your computer. We’ll show you exactly where later.
- Keyword Check: This uses the
Windows key PrtScncombination, is aLenovo Yoga keyboard shortcut screenshot, does aFull screen capture Lenovo, and addressesWhere screenshots saved Lenovo. It’s also a type ofScreen capture Lenovo Yoga.
How to Use Windows Key + PrtScn
- Press
Windows key + PrtScn: Find theWindows key(it has the Windows logo) and thePrtScnkey. Press and hold theWindows key, then press thePrtScnkey.- Note: If your
PrtScnkey needs theFnkey, you might need to pressWindows key + Fn + PrtScn. TryWindows key + PrtScnfirst. If that doesn’t work, try addingFn.
- Note: If your
- Observe the screen: Your screen should dim slightly for a moment. This tells you the screenshot was taken and saved.
- Find the saved file: Go to your “Pictures” folder. Inside “Pictures,” you will find a folder named “Screenshots.” Your new screenshot will be there with a name like
Screenshot (1).png,Screenshot (2).png, and so on.
This is a very convenient way to quickly grab full-screen shots without needing to open another program right away.
Grabbing a Specific Window with Alt + PrtScn
What if you only want a picture of the program window you are currently using? The Alt + PrtScn shortcut is perfect for this.
- What it does: Takes a picture of only the active window (the one you are currently working in) or dialog box.
- Where it goes: Like the simple
PrtScnmethod, this picture goes to the clipboard. You need to paste it into another program to view or save it. - Keyword Check: This uses
Alt Print Screen Lenovo, is for aSpecific window screenshot Lenovo Yoga, is aLenovo Yoga keyboard shortcut screenshot, and is a type ofScreen capture Lenovo Yoga.
How to Use Alt + PrtScn
- Make the window you want active: Click on the window you want to capture. Make sure it is the one on top and that you can see its title bar clearly.
- Press
Alt + PrtScn: Find theAltkey (usually near the spacebar) and thePrtScnkey. Press and hold theAltkey, then press thePrtScnkey.- Note: If your
PrtScnkey needs theFnkey, you might need to pressAlt + Fn + PrtScn.
- Note: If your
- Paste the screenshot: Open a program like Paint, Word, or your email. Paste the picture using
Ctrl + V, right-click paste, or the program’s paste option.
Only the selected window will appear, not the taskbar, desktop icons, or other parts of the screen. This is great when you only need info from one program.
Learning About Built-in Windows Tools
Windows comes with handy programs specifically for taking screenshots. These tools offer more options than the keyboard shortcuts. You can choose different shapes for your capture. You can also edit the picture a little right after taking it.
The two main tools are Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch. Snip & Sketch is newer and is the tool Microsoft wants people to use now, but Snipping Tool is still available on many systems.
Using Snipping Tool Lenovo
Snipping Tool is an older tool, but it’s simple and effective.
- What it does: Lets you draw a box around the area you want to capture. You can also choose other shapes like free-form, window, or full-screen snips.
- Where it goes: The snip opens in the Snipping Tool window. From there, you can save it, copy it, or mark on it.
- Keyword Check: This directly relates to
Snipping Tool Lenovo, is a way to get aSpecific window screenshot Lenovo YogaorFull screen capture Lenovo, and is a method forScreen capture Lenovo Yoga.
Finding and Using Snipping Tool
- Open Snipping Tool: Click the Start button (the Windows logo). Type “Snipping Tool” and click on the app when it appears in the search results.
- Choose the ‘Mode’: Once Snipping Tool opens, you’ll see a small window. Click the “Mode” button. You have options:
- Free-form Snip: Draw any shape you like around the area you want.
- Rectangular Snip: Draw a box (rectangle) around the area you want. This is the most common mode.
- Window Snip: Click on a window to capture just that window.
- Full-screen Snip: Captures your entire screen (like
PrtScn).
- Start the capture: Click the “New” button. Your screen will turn slightly gray.
- Take the snip:
- If you chose Rectangular or Free-form, click and drag your mouse to draw around the area you want. Let go of the mouse button when done.
- If you chose Window, click on the window you want to capture.
- If you chose Full-screen, it takes the picture right away.
- Edit or Save: The snip opens in a new window. Here you can:
- Use a pen or highlighter to draw on the picture.
- Click the floppy disk icon to save the snip as a file (PNG, JPG, GIF). Choose where you want to save it and give it a name.
- Click the copy button (two pages) to copy the snip to the clipboard (like using
PrtScn). Then you can paste it into another program.
Snipping Tool gives you more control over what you capture.
Achieving Captures with Snip & Sketch Lenovo
Snip & Sketch is the newer tool. It replaces Snipping Tool and adds more features, like delaying a snip. It’s often faster to access than Snipping Tool.
- What it does: Similar to Snipping Tool, it lets you capture rectangles, free-form areas, windows, or the full screen. It has better editing tools built-in.
- Where it goes: The snip opens in the Snip & Sketch window for editing, saving, or sharing.
- Keyword Check: This tool is explicitly
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Finding and Using Snip & Sketch
There are a few ways to open Snip & Sketch quickly:
- Using the Keyboard Shortcut: Press
Windows key + Shift + S. This is the fastest way. The screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. - Using the Start Menu: Click the Start button. Type “Snip & Sketch” and click the app. This opens the main window, where you can click “+ New” to start a snip.
- Using the Action Center: Click the Action Center icon (it looks like a speech bubble) in the bottom right corner of your screen. Click “Expand” if needed. You should see a “Screen snip” button. Clicking this starts a rectangular snip immediately.
Taking a Snip with the Shortcut (Windows key + Shift + S)
- Press
Windows key + Shift + S: The screen dims. A small bar appears at the top. - Choose your snip type: The icons on the bar let you choose:
- Rectangle (draw a box)
- Free-form (draw any shape)
- Window (click a window)
- Full screen (capture everything)
- Click the icon for the type you want.
- Take the snip:
- For Rectangle or Free-form, click and drag to select the area.
- For Window, click the window you want.
- For Full screen, it captures automatically.
- The snip goes to the clipboard and a notification appears: The picture is now copied to your clipboard. Also, a small notification pops up in the bottom right corner.
- Click the notification to edit (Optional): Click the notification thumbnail. This opens the picture in the Snip & Sketch editing window. Here you can:
- Crop the image.
- Use pens, pencils, or a highlighter to mark on it.
- Use a ruler or protractor.
- Save the image as a file (PNG, JPG, GIF).
- Copy the image again.
- Share the image directly.
Snip & Sketch is often the preferred tool because it’s quick to access and has useful editing features right away.
Exploring Where Screenshots Saved Lenovo
When you use certain methods to take a screenshot on your Lenovo Yoga, the image is saved automatically as a file. This is very convenient.
- Keyword Check: This section directly answers
Where screenshots saved Lenovo.
The Default Screenshot Folder
When you use the Windows key + PrtScn shortcut, your screenshots are saved as picture files.
- Location: They go into the “Screenshots” folder. This folder is inside your main “Pictures” folder.
- Typical Path: The full path is usually
This PC > Pictures > Screenshots.- To find this: Open File Explorer (the folder icon on your taskbar). Click “Pictures” on the left side. Double-click the “Screenshots” folder.
- File Format: The files are saved in the PNG format (
.png). This format is good because it keeps the image quality high. - File Names: Windows names the files automatically. They will be called
Screenshot (1).png,Screenshot (2).png,Screenshot (3).png, and so on. The number just goes up with each new screenshot you take using this method.
Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch Saving
When you use Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch and choose to “Save” the snip, you get to pick where the file goes.
- By default, these tools might suggest saving in your “Pictures” folder or the “Screenshots” folder.
- You can navigate to any folder on your computer to save the file.
- You can also choose the file type (PNG, JPG, GIF) when saving with these tools.
Clipboard-Based Screenshots
Remember, methods like just pressing PrtScn or Alt + PrtScn send the screenshot to the clipboard. They do not save a file automatically.
- To save these, you must paste the image into a program (like Paint, Word, or an email draft) and then save it as a file from that program.
- The location and file name are up to you when you save from the program you pasted into.
In summary, for automatic saves, check the “Screenshots” folder inside “Pictures”. For manual saves using Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, you decide the location. For clipboard methods, you paste and then save from another program.
Mastering Specific Window Screenshot Lenovo Yoga
We touched on this with Alt + PrtScn and the ‘Window Snip’ mode in the tools. Let’s make sure this is clear. Taking a picture of only one window is useful when you don’t want people to see everything else on your screen.
- Keyword Check: This section focuses on
Specific window screenshot Lenovo Yoga.
Method 1: Alt + PrtScn
- Pros: Very fast keyboard shortcut.
- Cons: Saves to clipboard only. You need to paste it elsewhere.
Steps:
- Click on the window you want to capture. Make sure it’s the active window.
- Press
Alt + PrtScn(orAlt + Fn + PrtScnif needed). - Open Paint, Word, or another program.
- Paste (
Ctrl + V). - Save the picture from that program if you want a file.
Method 2: Snipping Tool (Window Snip)
- Pros: Easy to use interface. Can save or copy from the tool itself.
- Cons: Takes a few clicks to open the tool and select the mode.
Steps:
- Open Snipping Tool (Search for it in Start).
- Click “Mode”.
- Select “Window Snip”.
- Click on the window you want to capture.
- The snip appears in the Snipping Tool window. Save or copy it.
Method 3: Snip & Sketch (Window Snip)
- Pros: Fast access with
Windows key + Shift + S. Opens directly in editor if you click the notification. - Cons: Need to remember the shortcut or open the tool manually.
Steps:
- Press
Windows key + Shift + S. - Click the “Window Snip” icon on the small toolbar at the top.
- Click on the window you want to capture.
- The snip is copied to the clipboard. A notification appears.
- Click the notification to open in Snip & Sketch editor (optional). Save or copy from the editor.
All three methods let you isolate a single window for your screenshot. Choose the one that feels fastest and easiest for you!
Other Ways to Take Screen Captures on Lenovo Yoga
Besides the most common methods, Windows offers a few other tools that can take screen pictures.
The Xbox Game Bar
The Game Bar is designed for gaming, but it has a simple screen capture function.
- How to open: Press
Windows key + G. - Taking a screenshot: In the Game Bar overlay that appears, look for the capture widgets. There’s a camera icon. Click it to take a screenshot.
- Where it saves: Game Bar screenshots save automatically. They go into your “Videos” folder, specifically in
Captures(e.g.,This PC > Videos > Captures). They are saved as PNG files.
This is an easy method if you already use the Game Bar or find it simple to open.
Using Third-Party Apps
Many programs you can install offer screenshot features. Some are free, some cost money. They often have more advanced options like:
- Capturing scrolling windows (like a whole long webpage).
- Adding simple edits, arrows, or text right away.
- Automatic uploading to cloud storage.
- Taking timed screenshots.
Examples of popular third-party screenshot tools include ShareX, LightShot, and PicPick. If you need more features than the built-in Windows tools, search online for “free screenshot software” and try one out. Be sure to download from trusted sources.
Comparing the Methods: A Quick Look
Let’s put the main methods side-by-side to see their differences.
| Method | What it Captures | Where it Goes Automatically? | Needs Pasting? | How to Access | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PrtScn / Fn + PrtScn |
Full Screen | No (Clipboard only) | Yes | Press the key(s) | Quick grab, paste anywhere. |
Windows key + PrtScn |
Full Screen | Yes (Pictures\Screenshots) |
No | Press the key(s) | Quick auto-save of full screen. |
Alt + PrtScn / Alt+Fn+PrtScn |
Active Window | No (Clipboard only) | Yes | Press the key(s) | Quick grab of just one window, paste anywhere. |
| Snipping Tool | Area (Rect., Free), Window, Full | Opens in tool; manual save | Only if you copy | Search Start Menu | Custom shapes, basic editing before saving. |
Snip & Sketch (Win+Shift+S) |
Area (Rect., Free), Window, Full | No (Clipboard & Notification) | Only if you don’t click notification | Win + Shift + S, Search Start, Action Center |
Fast snips, easy editing, newer features. |
| Xbox Game Bar | Full Screen | Yes (Videos\Captures) |
No | Windows key + G |
Gamers, alternative auto-save spot. |
This table helps you quickly see which method might be best for what you need to do right now.
Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues
Sometimes, taking a screenshot might not work as expected on your Lenovo Yoga. Here are a few common problems and what to try.
The PrtScn Key Doesn’t Seem to Work
- Check the
Fnkey: On many thin laptops like Yoga models, thePrtScnkey might share a function with another key. You likely need to hold down theFnkey while pressingPrtScn. TryFn + PrtScn. - Check Function Lock (F-Lock): Some keyboards have an F-Lock key or a setting in the BIOS that changes how the F1-F12 keys (which sometimes include PrtScn function) work. Look for an
Fn Lockkey (oftenFn + Esc). Pressing this might change whether you need theFnkey or not for the top row keys. - Is it going to the clipboard? If you just press
PrtScn, nothing obvious happens on screen. You must paste it into another program (Ctrl + V) to see if it worked. It didn’t save a file. - Restart your laptop: Sometimes a simple restart fixes temporary glitches.
Windows Key + PrtScn Doesn’t Save the File
- Check the save location: Are you looking in the correct place? The folder is
This PC > Pictures > Screenshots. Make sure you navigate there exactly. - Is the folder missing or renamed? If the “Screenshots” folder inside “Pictures” is missing or has a different name, Windows might not be able to save there. Try creating a new folder named “Screenshots” inside your “Pictures” folder.
- Check disk space: Is your laptop’s hard drive full? If there’s no space left, Windows cannot save new files. Delete some unneeded files.
- Check OneDrive settings: If you use Microsoft OneDrive to back up your Pictures folder, sometimes OneDrive settings can affect local saving. Check your OneDrive settings related to backing up the Pictures folder.
- Restart your laptop: Again, a restart can clear up strange issues.
Snip & Sketch / Snipping Tool Won’t Open
- Search for it correctly: Make sure you are typing the name correctly in the Start menu search.
- Use the shortcut: Try the
Windows key + Shift + Sshortcut for Snip & Sketch. - Run Windows updates: Make sure your Windows 10 or Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes app issues are fixed in updates.
- Reset the app: You can reset apps in Windows settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find “Snip & Sketch” or “Snipping Tool” in the list, click on it, click “Advanced options,” and then click “Reset.” Note that this might clear the app’s settings.
- Run System File Checker: This tool checks for and fixes damaged Windows system files. Search for
cmdin the Start menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.” Typesfc /scannowand press Enter. Let it finish. Then restart your laptop.
Screenshots Are Too Dark or Look Wrong
- This can sometimes happen if you have certain display settings or apps running that affect the screen’s colors or brightness dynamically. It’s not very common, but try disabling any third-party display tools or accessibility features that alter screen appearance and try taking the screenshot again.
If you still have trouble, searching online specifically for your “Lenovo Yoga [your model number] screenshot not working” might help find solutions specific to your exact laptop model.
Tips for Using Screenshots Effectively
Now that you know how to take screen captures, here are some tips to make them more useful.
- Edit them: Use Paint, Paint 3D, or the Snip & Sketch editor to crop out extra parts. Add arrows or text to point things out.
- Save in the right format: PNG is usually best for sharp images with text. JPG is good for photos if you need a smaller file size (but can lose quality). GIF is useful for simple graphics or images with limited colors.
- Organize your saved shots: If you take many screenshots (especially with
Win + PrtScn), the Screenshots folder can get full. Move important ones to other folders or rename them so you know what they are. - Use cloud storage: Save your important screenshots to services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. This backs them up and makes them easy to share across devices.
- Paste directly: If you are sending a quick image in an email or chat, and you used a clipboard method (
PrtScnorAlt + PrtScn), you can often paste it directly into the email body or chat window without saving a file first.
Taking screenshots is a basic but powerful skill for using any computer, including your Lenovo Yoga. With multiple methods available, you can choose the quickest or most flexible way depending on what you need to capture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to questions people often ask about taking screenshots on a Lenovo Yoga.
Q1: Do all Lenovo Yoga models have a Print Screen key?
Yes, generally all modern laptops designed to run Windows will have a key that performs the “Print Screen” function. Its labeling might vary (PrtScn, PrntScrn), and you might need to use the Fn key with it, especially on thinner Yoga models.
Q2: Can I change where Windows key + PrtScn saves screenshots?
By default, Windows saves these screenshots to the “Screenshots” folder inside your “Pictures” folder. Changing this default location is not straightforward without editing system settings, which is not recommended for most users. The easiest way to save them elsewhere is to move the files after they are created or use a different capture method like Snip & Sketch, which lets you choose the save location each time.
Q3: How do I take a screenshot on my Lenovo Yoga tablet if I don’t have the keyboard attached?
If your Yoga is in tablet mode without the keyboard, you can usually take a screenshot using hardware buttons, similar to many tablets and phones. Try holding down the Windows button (often on the bezel of the screen) and pressing the Volume Down button at the same time. The screen should dim briefly, and the screenshot will save to your “Pictures\Screenshots” folder. If there’s no physical Windows button, this method might not apply. In that case, you’d need to use the on-screen keyboard to use the keyboard shortcuts or use the Action Center’s “Screen snip” button if available.
Q4: Can I take a screenshot of a pop-up menu or a right-click menu?
Yes, but it can be tricky with standard PrtScn or Alt + PrtScn because the menu might disappear when you press the keys. Using Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch with the “Delay” option (in older Snipping Tool versions) or by setting a timer before a snip (in Snip & Sketch) can help. You set the delay, open the menu, and then the tool takes the snip after the delay, capturing the menu. Alternatively, the Alt + PrtScn method should capture an active context menu if it’s treated as the “active window.”
Q5: What file type should I use to save my screenshots?
- PNG (.png): Best for most screenshots, especially those with text, lines, or solid colors. It keeps the image sharp without losing quality. File sizes are usually moderate.
- JPG (.jpg or .jpeg): Better for photographs or images with lots of color gradients. It uses compression, which can make the file size smaller but might blur text or cause artifacts around sharp lines.
- GIF (.gif): Suitable for simple graphics or animations (though Windows screenshot tools don’t capture animation). It uses fewer colors than PNG or JPG and is less common for general screenshots.
For most needs on a Lenovo Yoga, PNG is the recommended format for clarity.
Q6: Can I capture just a part of the screen?
Yes! That’s exactly what Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch are great for. Use their “Rectangular Snip” or “Free-form Snip” modes to draw around the specific area you want. The Windows key + Shift + S shortcut for Snip & Sketch is the fastest way to do a rectangular snip of a custom area.
Knowing how to capture your screen is a fundamental skill for using your Lenovo Yoga effectively. Whether you prefer quick keyboard shortcuts or the flexibility of the built-in tools, you have several easy options at your fingertips.