Screen blacks itself out when I attempt to take a screenshot

Troubleshooting Screen Blackouts When Taking Screenshots on Windows 10

Introduction

Many Windows 10 users rely on the built-in Snipping Tool or keyboard shortcuts like Print Screen to capture their screens efficiently. However, encountering a black or gray screen during screenshot attempts can be frustrating and disruptive. This article addresses a common issue where the entire display appears dark or seemingly “blacked out” when trying to take screenshots and offers troubleshooting insights to resolve it.

Understanding the Issue

Some users report that despite pressing the Print Screen key, using various snipping tools, or third-party screenshot applications, the captured image is just a blacked-out or gray screen. This behavior is similar to when attempting to screenshot protected content—such as streaming services like Netflix—where DRM prevents screenshots. However, in these cases, the problem affects all screen captures, not just specific applications.

Potential Causes

While the exact cause may vary, a common scenario involves interference from screen recording or streaming programs, particularly those that use hardware acceleration or overlay features. Notably, users have observed this issue emerging after installing software like OBS Studio for livestreaming, even if the program is not actively running at the time of screenshot attempts.

Other contributing factors can include:

• Recent Windows updates or missing updates
• Graphic driver conflicts or outdated drivers
• Certain security or anti-virus software interfering with screen capture functions
• Compatibility issues with third-party screenshot tools

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Windows Updates
   Ensure your Windows 10 system is fully up-to-date. While missing the latest update may not directly cause this problem, keeping your system current helps maintain compatibility and stability.
   Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

2. Check for Background Applications
   Applications like OBS, screen recorders, or VPNs may overlay during screen capture attempts, causing blackouts.

3. Close OBS and any other screen recording tools fully before capturing screenshots.

4. Temporarily disable overlay features or hardware acceleration within these applications.

5. Update Graphics Drivers
   Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can interfere with screen capturing.

6. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest drivers.

7. Disable Hardware Acceleration
   Some applications enable hardware acceleration, which can conflict with screenshot functions.

8. Disable hardware acceleration in affected applications and see if this resolves the