Xiaomi laptops are a combination of stylish design, powerful hardware and proprietary software that often raises questions from new owners. One of the most common queries is: how to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi laptop if the standard key combinations do not work or touch screens? In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from classic PrtSc to proprietary Mi Tools utilities, and also tell you how to edit and save screenshots without unnecessary programs.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi laptops (Mi Notebook, RedmiBook, Book S series) run on Windows 10/11 or Windows 10X (for Book S 12.4), so some of the methods will be universal for all devices on this OS. However, the brand has added its own chips - for example, integration with Mi Share for fast transfer of screenshots to a smartphone. We tested all methods on models Mi Notebook Pro X 15, RedmiBook 16 and Book S 12.4" to ensure the functionality of the instructions.
1. Standard Hot Keys for Screenshots
The fastest way to take a screenshot is to use keyboard combinations sewn into Windows. On Xiaomi laptops, they work the same way as on other devices, but there are nuances with the location of the buttons (for example, PrtSc can be combined with Fn).
Here are the main combinations:
- 🖥️ PrtSc (Print Screen) - copies the entire screen to the clipboard. To save the screenshot, paste it into Paint or Word (Ctrl). + V).
- 🖼️ Win + PrtSc – saves a full screenshot to a folder This computer → Images → Screenshots. The screen will darken for a moment, and that's a signal that the screenshot is taken.
- 🎯 Alt + PrtSc – only copies an active window (e.g., a browser or game) to the buffer).
- 🖱️ Win + Shift + S: S -- launches the Scissors tool, which is a clipping of the screen area, and then the screenshot is copied to the buffer.
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Book S 12.4" with Windows 10X), the PrtSc button may not be available, in which case use the virtual keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O) or the on-screen keyboard in the taskbar.
2. Xiaomi's branded tools for screenshots
Xiaomi has added a few screen-simplifying tools to its laptops, the most useful being Mi Tools (preinstalled on most models), which not only allows you to take screenshots, but also capture screenshots, draw over images, and share files quickly through Mi Share.
How to take a screenshot through Mi Tools:
- Open the Mi Tools program (a wrench icon in the Start menu or on the desktop).
- Go to the screenshot tab (camera icon).
- Select the screen area (the entire screen, active window, or arbitrary zone).
- Click Save – the screenshot will automatically be saved to the Xiaomi → Screenshots folder on the C: disk.
The advantage of this method is the ability to immediately edit the screenshot (add text, arrows, blur) and share it via Mi Share on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone.
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If Mi Tools is not installed, download it from the official Xiaomi website in the Support section for your laptop model.
3. Screenshots with the Scissors tool
Windows 10/11 has a built-in Scissors Tool that lets you take late screenshots, highlight arbitrary areas, and even record video (in Windows 11). It works without complaints on Xiaomi laptops, but you need to find it first.
How to open the Scissors:
- 🔍 Through Search: Press Win + S, enter "Scissors" and select the application.
- 📁 Through the Start menu → Standard. → Scissors.
- 🖱️ Hot keys: Win + Shift + S (quickly cutting of the area).
After launching, select the type of image:
| Regime. | Description | Hot keys |
|---|---|---|
| Arbitrary form | Select the screen area from your hand (for example, for a screenshot of a menu or icon). | No (only mouse) |
| rectangle | Standard screenshot of the rectangular area. | Win + Shift + S → select a zone |
| Window. | A snapshot of an active window (such as a browser or game). | No (mouse choice) |
| All screens. | Screenshot of the entire display (analogue PrtSc). | Ctrl + PrtSc (within the program) |
After creating a screenshot, it will open in the Scissors editor, where you can add notes (pen, marker, eraser) and save it in PNG, JPEG or GIF format.
4.Screenshots on Xiaomi laptop with touch screen
Xiaomi Book S 12.4 and some Mi Notebooks are equipped with touchscreen displays, which opens up additional possibilities for creating screenshots, for example, you can use gestures or a stylus (if supported).
Methods for touch screens:
- 👆 The swipe three fingers down gesture - on some models this activates the screenshot (analogue to PrtSc). → Devices → Touch panel.
- ✍️ Stylus: If you have a Xiaomi Smart Pen, press the button on it and tap the screen – a menu with the option Screenshot will appear.
- 📱 Mi Share + Smartphone: Turn on Mi Share on your laptop and smartphone, take a screenshot on your phone – it automatically syncs with your laptop.
On Book S 12.4" with Windows 10X, the three-finger swipe gesture is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → System → Multitasking and turn on the Touchbar Gestures option.
How to check if your Xiaomi laptop supports a stylus?
5. Saving and editing screenshots
A screenshot taken is useless if it is not saved or edited. Windows defaults to save the images to the Images → Screenshots folder, but the path can be changed. It is also useful to know how to quickly crop the screenshot or add notes to it.
How to change the folder to save screenshots:
- Open the Explorer (Win + E).
- Go to the Images folder → Screenshots.
- Right-click on the folder, select Properties → Location.
- Specify a new path (e.g., D:\Screenshots) and click Apply.
For editing screenshots suitable:
- 🎨 Paint 3D — built-in editor with layer support and 3D-effects.
- ✏️ Photos (the “Photo” app) – basic tools (slicing, filters, text).
- 🖌️ Mi Tools – a proprietary editor from Xiaomi with templates for arrows and blur.
Check the save folder (default: Images → Screenshots)|
Open the screenshot in the editor (Paint, Photos, Mi Tools)|
Cut off the extra elements (Tool "Pruning") |
Add notes (arrows, text, blur)|
Save in the right format (PNG for transparency, JPEG for weight)
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Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes screenshots on Xiaomi laptops fail because of software failures or incorrect settings, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: PrtSc or Win + PrtSc is not working
- 🔧 Check if the PrtSc button is disabled BIOS (rarely, but it happens on some models).
- 🔄 Restart your laptop – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.
- 🖥️ Use the on-screen keyboard (Win) + Ctrl + O) and press PrtSc virtually.
Problem 2: Screenshots are not saved to the folder
⚠️ Note: If the Screenshots folder is deleted or renamed, Windows will not save screenshots. Create the folder again along the way C:\Users\Your name\Pictures\Screenshots.
Problem 3: Book S 12.4 doesn’t have a PrtSc button
This model doesn't have a PrtSc button physically, but instead, it's:
- Install Mi Tools from the Microsoft Store.
Problem 4: Screenshots are made black
This happens if you're trying to capture a snapshot of protected content (like a Netflix video or a DRM game).
- 📹 Use an external camera (such as a smartphone).
- 🎮 For games: press Win + Alt + PrtSc (Snapshot saved in Video) → Capture).
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If screenshots are not taken in any way, check your laptop for viruses (for example, through Windows Defender) – some malware blocks Print Screen features.