How to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi Mi laptop: all ways with explanations

Introduction: why you need screenshots on a Xiaomi laptop

Screenshots have become an integral part of computer work, and on Xiaomi Mi laptops — whether it’s the Mi Notebook Pro, RedmiBook or Mi Air — this feature is implemented with the keyboard and preinstalled software in mind. But not all users know that Xiaomi laptops have 5 different ways to create screenshots, including unique keyboard shortcuts and built-in tools. MIUI Windows.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from standard PrtSc to Xiaomi branded solutions that often go unnoticed. We will focus on the nuances for different models (for example, where the PrtSc button is hidden on RedmiBook 15) and the problems that users face after upgrading to Windows 11. If you ever received a black screen instead of a screenshot or could not find a saved file, here you will find solutions.

Method 1: Standard key combination PrtSc + Fn

The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi laptops running Windows. However, it has an important feature: on compact keyboards (for example, Mi Notebook Air 12.5), the Print Screen button is often combined with SysRq and requires pressing Fn.

Instructions:

• 🔹 Press Fn. + PrtSc (if PrtSc is highlighted in a different color, such as orange, Fn is required).
• 🖼️ The screenshot will be copied to the clipboard – paste it into Paint, Word or Photoshop via Ctrl. + V.
• 💾 To save the file, use Win. + PrtSc – the picture will appear in the folder This computer → Images → Screenshots.

PrtSc key is not locked (no indicator) NumLock/FnLock)

The keyboard is illuminated (if any) – a sign of Fn activity

Screenshots folder exists (Windows creates it automatically)

-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. RedmiBook 14) II) win + PrtSc may not work due to a conflict with Xiaomi drivers.In this case, update Xiaomi Quick Tools via Mi Service Center.

Method 2: Xiaomi Quick Tools

Xiaomi has pre-installed Quick Tools on its laptops, which extends screenshot capabilities.

• 📏 Select the screen area to capture (as in the Snipping Tool).
• 🎨 Add annotations (arrows, text, blur) immediately after creating the screen.
• 📤 Automatically upload photos to Xiaomi Cloud (if your account is tied).

How to use:

1. Open Quick Tools through the taskbar (scissors icon) or press Fn + S.
2. Select Full Screen, Active Window or Voluntary Area.
3. Edit the picture (if necessary) and save it via Ctrl + S.

🔍 Tip: Quick Tools allows you to configure hotkeys for quick call. → Keyboard shortcuts and assign a convenient combination (for example, Ctrl) + Alt + S).

Method 3: Snipping Tool and Scissors (built into Windows)

Windows 10 and 11 include two standard screenshot tools: the classic Scissors Tool and the updated Notch and Abstract app. On Xiaomi laptops, they work without restrictions, but there are nuances:

⚠️ Note: If you have pressed the Win + Shift + S screen darkens, but screenshot is not created, check:

• 🔄 Is the Tablet Mode Enabled (Push Win) + Tab and get back to normal mode).
• 🛠️ Is Windows Updated to the Latest Version (especially relevant for Mi Notebook Pro X 15 with Windows 11) 23H2).

Method 4: Hot keys for gaming laptops Redmi G

The Redmi G line of gaming laptops (such as the Redmi G 2021) has unique screenshot combinations optimized for gamers, and these keys work even in full-screen games:

Main combinations:

• 🎮 Win + Alt + PrtSc – saves a screenshot of the game in Video → Capture (format) PNG).
• 🖥️ Fn + F12 — Takes a full screenshot and copies it to a buffer (similar to PrtSc, but without Fn).
• 📹 Win + G – opens the Xbox Game Panel, where you can take a screenshot or record a video of the last 30 seconds.

Mi Notebook Pro|RedmiBook 14/15|Mi Notebook Air|Redmi G (game-playing)|Another Xiaomi|Not Xiaomi.-->

🔧 Technical nuance: On Redmi G with dual-mode graphics (Intel) + NVIDIA) Screenshots in games may not be saved if the game is running on a discrete graphics card:

1. Open the control panel. NVIDIA.
2. Go to Parameter Management 3D → Programmatic settings.
3. Add the game to the list and select Integrated Graphics for screenshots.

Method 5: Screenshots via Mi Share and the Cloud

If you need to quickly share a screenshot with another device (like a Xiaomi smartphone), use the branded ecosystem:

Algorithm of action:

1. Take a screenshot of any of the above methods.
2. Open Mi Share (Icon in tray or through Start) → Xiaomi → Mi Share).
3. Select the screenshot file (they are in Images by default). → Screenshots).
4. Send to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Note: When you first connect devices via Mi Share, you may need to:

• 📱 On a smartphone: enable Settings → Connection and sharing → Mi Share.
• 💻 On a laptop: update Xiaomi PC Suite Up to 3.2.1 or Later (via Mi Service Center).

1. Reboot both devices.

2. Enable Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.

3.Use QR-pairing code (available in Mi Share on a smartphone).

-->

Where are screenshots saved on Xiaomi laptops

One of the most common challenges is finding the saved images, and the location depends on how you create them.

🔍 If the folder is empty:

• 📂 Check the hidden files: in the Explorer, turn on the View → Hidden elements.
• 🔄 Restart your laptop – sometimes Windows doesn’t have time to update your folder.
• 🛠️ Run disk check: Open the command line on behalf of the administrator and enter:

chkdsk C: /f

(Replace C: with the disk where Windows is installed).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even on new Xiaomi laptops, users are faced with typical screenshot errors.

Problem 1: The PrtSc button is not working

• 🔌 Check if the Fn key is disabled (some models have an Fn Lock switch – press Fn). + Esc).
• 🖱️ Connect an external keyboard – if PrtSc works, the problem is in the drivers of the laptop keyboard.
• 🛠️ Update the keyboard driver through Device Manager:

Start → Device Manager → Keyboards → Update the driver

Problem 2: Black screen instead of screenshot

This is typical for laptops with hybrid graphics (Intel). + NVIDIA/AMD). Decision:

1. Open the Graphics Control Panel (for the NVIDIA: right-click on the desktop → Control panel NVIDIA).
2. In the section Management of parameters 3D Find the Multi-Display Compatibility option and install Included.
3. Reboot the laptop.

💡

If the black screen only appears in games, try taking a screenshot via Steam (F12) Origin (PrtSc) – these platforms bypass driver limitations.

Problem 3: Screenshots are kept in low resolution

It's about scaling up the screen in Windows to fix:

1. Right-click on the desktop → Screen parameters.
2. In the Size and Markup section, set 100% (recommended).
3. If the scale cannot be changed, update the display drivers via the Mi Service Center.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions