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6 Quick Solutions When Screenshot On Mac Not Working
Posted by Ethan Brooke to Record Video May 27, 2025
A screenshot on a Mac is a helpful tool that enables users to capture precisely what is on the screen. However, sometimes, you may experience screenshot on Mac not working, which can be frustrating. Today, this guide will look at the possible causes of why screenshot is not working on Mac and give you the best solutions! A breakdown of troubleshooting ways with complete steps can be seen in the following parts, so without further ado, scroll down now!
Guide List
Why Is My Screenshot Not Working on Mac? 5 Easy Solutions If Screenshot on Mac Not Working Best Alternative Solution to Screenshot on MacWhy Is My Screenshot Not Working on Mac?
If your Mac’s screenshot feature is not working, there are several possible causes of this malfunction. Here are the most common causes explained in detail:
• Misconfigured Keyboard Shortcuts: When the default shortcuts for taking screen captures have been modified or turned off in the system preferences, it may result in your screenshot shortcut on Mac not working.
• Screen Capture Disabled: Occasionally, capturing displays can be turned off by parental control or screen sharing restrictions, whether the device belongs to work or school.
• Insufficient Storage Space: Screenshots may fail if you are using a Mac computer and it is full. Some disk space is not available to store the image created.
• Background App Interference: Some third-party applications affect macOS's default screenshot feature, especially those associated with screen recording or security.
• Outdated macOS Version: Forcing the Mac to run an older version can sometimes allow bugs or incompatibilities to turn off the screenshot tool.
• Corrupted System Preferences: If something has gone wrong with your settings and configurations on a Mac, then simple tasks such as taking screenshots may not work.
• Damaged Keyboard or Keys: Damage to your space bar or the keys used to create screenshot shortcuts can also be blamed.
These problems can be solved with specific measures described in the sections below.
5 Easy Solutions If Screenshot on Mac Not Working
You do not have to worry if your Mac’s screenshot feature is nonfunctional – there are several approaches to problem-solving. Below are five practical solutions with a detailed guide to help you recover your screenshot function `.
1. Check and Reset Screenshot Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are perhaps the most popular way of taking screenshots on Mac, but if you have modified or disabled yours, the key shortcuts will not work, giving you the issue of ‘screenshot on Mac not working’. Here’s how to ensure your shortcuts are correctly set up:
• Open “System Settings” (or System Preferences) and go to “Keyboard”. Click on “Keyboard Shortcuts or Shortcuts”.
• Select “Screenshots” from the sidebar and check that shortcuts like “Shift + Command + 4” and “Shift + Command + 3” are enabled. If necessary, reset the shortcuts to their defaults by clicking “Restore Defaults”.
2. Verify Screen Capture Permissions
Sometimes, your Mac’s screen capture function may be disabled due to permission settings, especially on managed devices. To fix this:
• Open “System Settings” (or System Preferences) and go to “Privacy & Security”. Click on “Screen Recording” under the “Privacy” section.
• Ensure that apps you use to take screenshots, like “Preview” or third-party tools, have permission to record the screen. If not, check the box next to the relevant app and try retaking a screenshot.
3. Free Up Storage Space
A whole hard drive can prevent screenshots from being saved. Follow these steps to clear some space:
• Open Finder and click “About This Mac” under the Apple menu. Select the “Storage” tab to check available space.
• If your storage is nearly full, delete unnecessary files like old downloads, large videos, or duplicate photos. Please empty the “Trash” to free up space entirely.
4. Restart Your Mac
Restarting your Mac can resolve minor software glitches that might be causing the screenshot tool to malfunction. Here’s how:
• Click the “Apple menu” in the top-left corner of your screen. Select “Restart” and confirm your choice.
• Once your Mac restarts, try using the screenshot shortcuts again. If the issue persists, move on to the next solution.
5. Update macOS to the Latest Version
Running an outdated macOS version can lead to compatibility issues with core functions like screenshot not working on Mac Catalina . Updating your system might resolve the problem:
• Open “System Settings” (or System Preferences) and go to “Software Update”. Check for available updates. If it is available, click “Update Now” or “Install Now”.
• Wait for the update to complete and restart your Mac. Test the screenshot function after updating to see if the issue is resolved.
These solutions should cover the most common causes of screenshot problems on Mac. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Apple Support or explore advanced troubleshooting options.
Best Alternative Solution to Screenshot on Mac
If the screenshot shortcut on Mac is not working or you want more options than basic settings, you can always use the 4Easysoft Screen Recorder program. This simply sided tool not only lets you take screenshots but also comes equipped with screen capture features, adding to the tool's flexibility for those requiring more features. It is simple to use, and the recording space can be adjusted to your specifications to get precisely what you want when taking screenshots or recording your screen. You can also customize the snapshot hotkeys without remembering the Mac screenshot shortcut.
Capture full-screen images, specific windows, or custom areas.
Take screenshots and record high-resolution video without any quality loss.
Use built-in annotation tools to add text, shapes, or arrows to screenshots.
Save screenshots in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, and more.
100% Secure
100% Secure
Step 1Once the Mac version is installed, open the 4Easysoft Screen Recorder app from your Applications folder or Launchpad. On the home page, select the “Screen capture” button to take a screenshot on your Mac screen.
Step 2After that, your mouse will automatically transform into a cursor move, left-click on it, and drag to select the capture area. You can still pull the borderlines to adjust the size after that.
Step 3Now, using the toolbox, you can edit your screenshot, such as adding shapes, texts, callouts, and more. If satisfied, click the “Save” button to export it on your Mac. That’s how easy it is to get away from your ‘screenshot on Mac not working’ problem.
Conclusion
Why is my screenshot not working on Mac? Although Mac’s screenshot tool saves time, it has certain disadvantages: a problem with shortcuts or storage space can interfere with the tool’s work. However, if you’re searching for more functional and trustworthy software, 4Easysoft Screen Recorder is one of the best. It allows for capturing powerful screenshots and recording screens, has easy editing tools, and has flexibility in customizing capture boxes. Due to both simplicity and versatility, it is the perfect app for anybody looking for an ultimate solution to screen capture on the Mac OS. And you don’t need to find where do Mac screenshots go after capture, you can easily choose the destination as you like.
100% Secure
100% Secure
