windows keeps taking unauthorised screenshots, how to fix that?

Thanks guys,

I went through all possible settings and anything really and I think I fixed it now. The screenshots were taken for months/years I was so frustrated with Windows. And I still think it is the worst practice by Microsoft with auto updates on the ops system where, Windows automatically activates settings in some random update, this is a privacy concern!! Big Mistake Microsoft!

In system settings > privacy & security > you scroll all the way down to App permissions > Screenshots and apps > Let apps take screenshots of various windows and displays. choose which apps can take screenshots.

And - Let desktop apps take screenshots.. Desktop apps have previously requested access to take screenshots are listed here

NOTHINNG LISTED, it is just windows taking screengrabs for their copilot and other nonsense testing, got to hate that company, utter abuse of privacy!!

Here is the thing none ever asked me, whether I am happy letting apps take screenshots! and No THERE IS NO CHOICE POSSIBILITY TO CHOOSE WHICH APPS CAN TAKE SCREENSHOTS to potentially remove those permissions, that were never given in a first place!

Thanks again for reaching out, I was so desperate at once, that something takes control of your device, screening whatever they please, with me having no idea where that info goes!!! Disgrace!

Automatic Screenshots can be caused for a factor of reasons. And here's how to fix:

Open Settings.

Click on Accessibility.

Click the Keyboard page.

Turn off the “Use the Print screen key to open screen capture” toggle switch.

Run a full malware scan, make sure Windows is always updated, and close any background apps.

Check for Hotkey Conflicts because some computers may have specific hotkeys assigned to take screenshots. Always be sure you are not triggering the screenshot shortcut by accident/mistake.

Check any 3rd party software that is related to Screen capturing. It might be causing automatic screenshots, disable or uninstall any suspicious apps.

Perform a Clean Boot

Here's how:

Press the Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type "msconfig" and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
In the System Configuration, go to the Services tab.
Check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services" at the bottom. This will ensure you don't accidentally disable essential services. Click Disable all to turn off all non-Microsoft services.
Next, switch to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
In the Task Manager's Startup tab, disable all startup items you see by right-clicking on each item and choosing Disable.
Close Task Manager.
Back in the System Configuration window, click OK, and then Restart your computer.

Give me a reply for any concerns or questions.

GREAT! I did that rebooot thing you mentioned earlier, just incase it would remove any rubbish..

Now the minimizing icon on my chrome is grayed out!

Also in file explorer the compact view is checked but it shows the items in wide spread view wheter i check or uncheck that, no change.

I had to fix all sorts of other issues, like defaulted resolution, changed taskdbar settings, changed whatever settings, they worked so far, I cannot fix what is grayed out or simply IRRESPONSIVE!

so thaks a lot for breaking pretty much the basics of my settings with your problem fix suggestion and if you dont mind pls tell me how to reverse that! thx :///

Hi, I’m Vinay. Thanks for reaching out.

I’m here to help you today.

Windows has built in screenshot shortcuts such as Win + Shift + S , PrtSc . You can disable them in Settings - Accessibility - Keyboard - look for Print screen option and turn off it ,

And look for scheduled tasks if any by clicking Win + R - type taskschd.msc - click Ok - look under Task scheduler Library if there is any tasks are scheduled related to screenshots or snipping tool .

I hope this resolves your issue! If you have any queries, please let me know.

Regards,

Vinay

windows keeps taking unauthorised screenshots,

How were you able to determine that?