Snagit is a powerful screen capture tool used at institutions like Illinois State University. This guide will show you how to configure Snagit to use the Print Screen key in Windows 11. These steps are verified with the latest Snagit version on Windows 11 Enterprise, but if you are using different versions, you might need to consult TechSmith support.
Windows 11, by default, does not allow Snagit to immediately take over the Print Screen function. You need to adjust settings in both Windows and Snagit to enable this. Here’s how to get Snagit working with your Print Screen key.
Adjust Windows Accessibility Settings
First, you need to disable the default Snipping Tool that Windows 11 assigns to the Print Screen key. This will allow Snagit to take control.
- Go to the search bar located in your taskbar.
- Type in Accessibility keyboard settings.
- Click Open to access the Accessibility keyboard settings panel.
- Locate the option Use the Print screen key to open Snipping Tool. Toggle the slider to Off. This disables the default Windows Snipping Tool from activating when you press Print Screen.
Configure Hotkey Override in Snagit
After disabling the default Windows setting, you need to configure Snagit to recognize the Print Screen key as its capture hotkey.
- Launch the Snagit Capture Window.
- Navigate to File > Capture Preferences > Hotkeys tab.
- Check the box next to Allow Snagit to override other hotkey assignments. This is crucial for Snagit to take control of the Print Screen key.
Snagit Capture Preferences window, Hotkeys tab is selected, and the "Allow Snagit to override other hotkey assignments" checkbox is highlighted.
- Click OK to save the changes.
- Below the red Capture button in the Snagit Capture Window, you will see the current hotkey assignment. Click on this text.
- Press the Print Screen key (or PRT SCR). If done successfully, “Print Screen” will now be displayed below the Capture button, indicating it’s set as the hotkey. Note: In some cases, if the Print Screen key still activates the Snipping Tool, try using Ctrl+PRT SCR.
Following these steps will ensure that pressing the Print Screen button in Windows 11 activates Snagit, displaying the Snagit crosshairs for screen capture. This effectively sets up Snagit as your general screen capture tool, overriding the default Windows behavior, much like a general tool can reset configurations, here you are resetting the Print Screen key’s function to work with Snagit.
Important Considerations
Remember that Snagit needs to be running in the background for the Print Screen key to activate it. You might need to restart Snagit after making these setting changes for them to take effect properly.
To ensure Snagit is always ready when you need it, you can configure it to launch automatically when Windows starts:
- Open Snagit and go to File > Capture Preferences…
- In the General tab, ensure Run Snagit when Windows starts is checked. This will automatically launch Snagit every time you start your computer.
By setting Snagit to run on startup and configuring the Print Screen key, you ensure you always have quick access to Snagit’s powerful capture capabilities, streamlining your workflow for creating screenshots and screen recordings.
Need Further Assistance?
If you encounter any difficulties with these instructions, please provide detailed feedback about your issue, including the steps you’ve taken and where you are facing problems. Providing your contact information will help us assist you more effectively and understand the nature of the problem.
Getting Help
For technical support, you can reach out to the Illinois State University Technology Support Center. They can provide additional assistance and troubleshooting.
