Xiaomi’s modern Windows laptops provide users with a variety of tools to work with visual content. The need to capture an image on the screen can arise at any time, from saving an important error message to creating instructions for a colleague. Fortunately, engineers have developed several methods that work consistently and do not require the installation of complex additional software.
In most cases, the process of creating a screenshot on devices of this brand is no different from the standard procedures in the environment of Windows 10 or Windows 11. However, given the features of the keyboard and preinstalled software, there are nuances that should be considered to improve efficiency. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from simple hotkeys to advanced tools.
Understanding how to take a screenshot on a Xiaomi laptop will save you time and allow you to quickly share information. We'll look at both the built-in features of the system and the specific keyboard shortcuts that are characteristic of compact ultrabook keyboards. Let's move on to practical steps.
Use of Print Screen keyboard combination
The fastest and most time-tested way to get an image of the current content of the display is to use the Print Screen key (often referred to as PrtSc or PrtScn). On Xiaomi laptops, the location of this button may vary, but the functionality remains the same. Pressing this key copies the image of the entire screen to the operating system clipboard.
Once you press the button, nothing visually happens, but the image is already stored in memory. To see the result, you need to open the graphics editor, word processor or messenger and use the insert command. This will work with the standard combination of Ctrl + V or the context menu of the right mouse button.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi laptops, the Print Screen key may be combined with another function (e.g., a key for the Print Screen, F10 or F12). In this case, the activation may require simultaneous pressing of the Fn key.
If standard pressing doesn’t work, try using a modified combination, which is especially true for users who are used to full-size keyboards where the functional rows are separated, and it’s also worth checking the BIOS/UEFI settings if you find the keys’ behavior illogical.
Automatically save with Win + Print Screen
For those who don't want to mess with the clipboard and then paste the image into the editor, there's a more convenient method: Windows + Print Screen keyboards allow you to instantly create a screenshot and automatically save it as a file, which greatly speeds up the process when you need to take a series of screenshots.
Using this method, the screen will go out for a split second or become darker, which serves as a visual confirmation of the successful execution of the command. The image file is saved in the standard user folder along the way This computer → Images → Screenshots (or Screenshots).
- 📸 Default file format — PNG, This ensures high quality without losing details.
- 📂 File names are automatically generated with the addition of a serial number (screenshot (1).png).
- ⌨️ The combination works even if the system temporarily does not respond to other actions, as it is processed at a low level.
Importantly, this method captures images from all connected monitors if the laptop is in extended desktop mode. If you only need one screen, you'd better use the Scissors tool, which is discussed below. Files take up space on the disk, so check the save folder periodically.
Scissors Tool and Screen Fragmentation
Windows 10 and 11 have a powerful tool called the Snipping Tool, which allows you to take screenshots of not only the entire screen, but also arbitrary areas, which is especially useful for highlighting specific information, which can be launched through a search system or using the Windows + Shift + S hotkeys.
Once activated, the screen will darken, and at the top of the mouse cursor, a toolbar will appear. Here you can choose the mode of operation: rectangular highlighting, arbitrary shape, highlighting a separate window or a full screen. The selected area is copied to the clipboard, and a notification appears, which the editor opens.
☑️ Algorithm of working with Scissors
The built-in editor allows you to do basic processing: make notes with a pen, highlight text with a marker or cut the extra edges. This eliminates the need to open heavy graphics editors like Photoshop for simple tasks, you can save the result in JPG, PNG or GIF formats.
Xbox Game Bar Game Panel
While the name implies use for gamers, the Xbox Game Bar is a great tool for any task related to image capture and video capture.It is built into Windows and activated by a combination of Windows + G. This method is especially handy if you take screenshots in apps that unfold to the full screen.
In the panel interface, find the Capture widget, and there's a camera button to create a screenshot, and the advantage of this is that it often works in applications where a standard Print Screen can give a black screen (for example, in some video players or games).
| Function | Hot keys | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Open the panel. | Win + G | Overlay interface |
| Take a screenshot. | Win + Alt + PrtSc | File in folder Video |
| Start recording | Win + Alt + R | Video in the folder Video |
Files created through the game bar are saved by default to the Video → Captures folder. This can confuse the user who expects to find them in Images. It is recommended that immediately after the first use, check the save path settings in the Xbox panel settings.
The Secret Game Bar Function
Third-party programs for advanced users
If standard Windows tools aren’t enough, the market offers a lot of specialized solutions, such as Lightshot, Snagit or FastStone Capture provide advanced functionality: downloading to the cloud one button, text recognition (OCR) and creating long screenshots (scrolling the page).
For Xiaomi laptops, which are often used for work and study, lightweight snails like Lightshot can be a great addition: they hang in tray, consume minimal resources and are called by the PrtSc key, replacing the standard behavior of the system.
⚠️ Note: When installing free versions of programs, carefully monitor the checkmarks in the installer. Often, along with useful software, they try to install additional advertising software or change the browser's start page.
Using third-party software is justified if you need to edit images often, add arrows, number or blur sensitive data before sending. Windows 11 built-in tools have learned to take screenshots with scrolling, but this functionality is not stable in all applications.
Problem Solving and Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where screenshots no longer save or keys do not respond. The first thing to do is check if the Screenshots folder is full, and clear the clipboard cache, and the problem can be in the drivers of the video chip or the conflict of programs.
If you have a Xiaomi laptop with a touch screen, you can use a stylus to create screenshots, usually by pressing the power button and the volume button at the same time as on a smartphone, or using a special touch input menu.
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To quickly clear the clipboard history, press Win + V and select "Clear All" which can solve problems with pasting old data instead of a new screenshot.
Understanding the nuances of graphics on your device makes you more productive. Don't be afraid to experiment with different methods to find one that fits your work style.
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The most versatile method for daily use is the Win + Shift + S combination, as it gives the flexibility to choose the area and is available at any time.