---
title: "How to screenshot on an Acer laptop"
url: "https://screenshot-laptop.com/acer/"
platform: "Windows"
section: "By laptop brand"
updated: "2026-09-14"
license: "CC-BY-4.0"
attribution: "screenshot-laptop.com"
shortcuts:
  - "Win + Shift + S"
  - "Fn + PrtSc"
  - "Win + PrtSc"
---

# How to screenshot on an Acer laptop

*Acer's function-row setting is called Function Key Behavior and sits on the very first BIOS screen — easier to reach than most brands.*

URL: https://screenshot-laptop.com/acer/

## The short answer

- `Win` + `Shift` + `S` — Works on every Acer
- `Fn` + `PrtSc` — If a single press does nothing
- `Win` + `PrtSc` — Saves to Pictures › Screenshots

Acer laptops run Windows, so the [standard Windows methods](https://screenshot-laptop.com/windows/) all apply. Acer's quirks are minor but worth knowing.

## Function Key Behavior

Acer's BIOS setting is named **Function Key Behavior** and has two values: *Function Key* (traditional labels primary) and *Media Key* (icons primary).

1. Restart and tap `F2` repeatedly during the Acer logo.
2. On the **Main** tab, find **Function Key Behavior**.
3. Set it to **Function Key**.
4. `F10` to save and exit.

Acer puts this on the first screen rather than burying it under Advanced, so it's a two-minute job.

Most Acer models don't offer an `Fn`+`Esc` lock. If there's no padlock printed on `Esc`, the BIOS route is your only permanent option — otherwise hold `Fn` each time.

## Where the key sits

**Aspire.** In the function row, printed **PrtSc**. Watch out on the 15-inch and 17-inch models: a numeric keypad shifts the whole row leftward, so the key is not at the physical edge of the keyboard.

**Swift.** Same position, shallower row, smaller printing. A few Swift models fold it onto the Insert cap.

**Nitro and Predator.** Present in the top row, but these gaming models ship with NitroSense or PredatorSense plus, usually, GeForce Experience. Any of those may claim the key for its own capture.

**Chromebook models.** Acer makes a lot of Chromebooks, and they work completely differently — no Print Screen key exists. [Chromebook methods](https://screenshot-laptop.com/chromebook/)

## The numeric keypad shift

Worth a note because it genuinely causes wrong presses. On keypad-equipped Aspire models, muscle memory from a smaller laptop puts your finger on the wrong key — Print Screen is no longer at the far right of the top row, since the keypad's own top row occupies that space. Look for the label rather than the position.

## NitroSense, PredatorSense and GPU overlays

On Acer's gaming lines, the usual interception pattern applies: the key fires, something flashes, and Pictures › Screenshots stays empty because the image went into the overlay's own gallery. Check the overlay's hotkeys, and check Videos › Captures. [Diagnostic steps](https://screenshot-laptop.com/fix/print-screen-not-working/)

## Acer Care Center

Handles updates, diagnostics and backups. No screenshot feature. Windows' own tools are all you need.

## Universal fallback

`Win`+`Shift`+`S` on any Acer, in any function-row mode, with any overlay installed. [Full guide](https://screenshot-laptop.com/windows/windows-shift-s/)

## Questions

**Where is Print Screen on an Acer Aspire with a number pad?**

Still in the top row, but not at the far right edge — the keypad pushes the layout across. Follow the row left from the keypad and look for the PrtSc label.

**Does my Acer Chromebook take screenshots the same way?**

No, completely differently. Chromebooks have no Print Screen key; use `Ctrl` plus the Show windows key. [Chromebook guide](https://screenshot-laptop.com/chromebook/).

**Acer Care Center has no screenshot button. Is that right?**

Yes. It's a maintenance app — drivers, diagnostics, recovery. Screenshots are handled by Windows on every Acer model.