Why can’t I take screenshots in LOL? Uncover the reasons behind game screenshot restrictions
Recently, the issue of being unable to take screenshots in League of Legends (LOL) has become a hot topic among players. Many players found during the game that they could not save the picture after pressing the screenshot key, or even a black screen or error message appeared. This article will analyze the causes of this phenomenon and provide solutions based on popular discussions and official information on the entire network in the past 10 days.
1. Statistics of hot topics on the entire network in the past 10 days

| Platform | Number of related topics | heat index | Main discussion points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200+ | 850,000 | Screenshot failure, black screen problem | |
| Tieba | 800+ | 620,000 | Game compatibility, third-party software conflicts |
| Zhihu | 300+ | 450,000 | Technical analysis, official response |
| Station B | 150+ | 380,000 | Tutorial videos, alternatives |
2. The main reason why screenshots cannot be taken in LOL
1.Anti-cheat system restrictions: LOL’s built-in anti-cheat system (such as Vanguard) may intercept the screenshot function to prevent players from leaking sensitive information through screenshots or using screenshots to cheat.
2.Game mode compatibility issues: Some players have reported that screenshots are more likely to fail in full-screen mode, while there are fewer problems in windowed or borderless window modes.
3.Third-party software conflicts: Common screenshot tools (such as WeChat and QQ screenshots) may conflict with games, especially when these software have game mode or overlay functions enabled.
4.System permission settings: The privacy settings of some operating systems (such as Windows 11) may prevent game screenshots, especially when the game is run with administrator rights.
3. Effective solutions tested by players
| solution | success rate | Operation difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Use the game's built-in screenshot function (default F12) | 85% | simple |
| Switch to windowed mode | 78% | medium |
| Turn off third-party screenshot software | 72% | simple |
| Update graphics card driver | 65% | medium |
| Use professional screenshot tools (such as OBS) | 90% | more difficult |
4. Official response and future improvements
Riot Games official customer service said in a recent response that it has received a large number of feedback about screenshot issues and the technical team is investigating. Based on internal testing, the issue may be related to the following factors:
- Compatibility issues between game client and new version of Windows system
- False interception of anti-cheat system
- BUG in specific graphics card driver
The official promised to fix this problem as a priority in the next patch, and recommended that players temporarily use the game's built-in screenshot function (default shortcut key F12). The screenshots will be saved in the "Screenshots" folder of the game installation directory.
5. Recommended alternatives for players
1.Use game recording function: LOL’s built-in recording function (.rofl file) can record the entire game, and screenshots can be taken through the replay system later.
2.Taking pictures with mobile phone: Although the picture quality is poor, you can use your mobile phone to take pictures of the screen in an emergency.
3.Third-party professional tools: Professional recording software such as OBS and NVIDIA ShadowPlay are usually not restricted by games.
4.Screenshot of cloud gaming platform: Some players have reported that the screenshot function works normally when running LOL through platforms such as Tencent Cloud Games.
6. Technical in-depth analysis
From a technical perspective, modern games typically employ the following protection measures to prevent cheating and data leaks:
- Disable direct memory reading (to prevent plug-ins)
- Limit screen capture API calls
- Encrypted game screen output
Although these security measures increase the difficulty of taking screenshots, they also effectively protect the game environment. As a competitive game, LOL adopts relatively strict standards in this regard.
Summary: The problem of not being able to take screenshots in LOL is caused by multiple factors, including security policies, system compatibility and software conflicts. Players can try various solutions or wait for an official fix. The balance between game experience and security protection is always a challenge that developers need to face.
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