The Print Screen key (often labeled PrtSc , PrtScn , PrntScrn , or PrtSc on smaller keyboards) is a legacy key that originated from the early days of computing. Originally, it sent the screen's text content directly to a physical printer. Today, it serves a completely different but essential function: capturing screenshots to the clipboard or storage. Default Functions (No extra software) Pressing the Print Screen button alone does not save a file. Instead, it copies the image to your clipboard . You must then paste it (Ctrl+V) into an image editor (like Paint, Photoshop, or Word) to save it.