[Solved] Quick Screenshots Not Saving on Mac Automatically

Lynn Hu Lynn Hu
Dec 03, 2021 (Updated: Dec 12, 2022)Filed to: Solution

Get 6 solutions to fix your Mac screenshots not saving:

  • 1. Use professional AnyRec Screen Recorder as the alternative.
  • 2. Ensure the shortcuts to take screenshots is workable.
  • 3. Chekc the screenshot saving path is what you need.
  • 4. Update your Mac to the latest Sonoma system version.
  • 5. Perform a NVRAM reset to avoid misconfiguration.
  • 6. Unlock the screenshot folder to easily open the screenshots.
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Find you Mac screenshots not saving automatically after the update of Mac Catalina? It may be caused by many reasons like wrong shortcut settings, changed saving path, and more. Although the built-in shortcuts on Mac is an easy and quick way to take screenshots, to avoid saving problems, you can also have a try on other professional tools. Read more to solve Mac screenshots not saving issue with 6 efficient ways.

Best Mac Alternative Screenshot App 5 Ways to Fix Mac Screenshots Not Saving Issues FAQ about Mac Screenshots

Best Mac Alternative Screenshot App

No matter what causes your Mac screenshots not saving, you can directly go for the professional AnyRec Screen Recorder for Mac/Windows. It is not only a powerful screenshot toolkit but has powerful editing features as well. It also provides customizable shortcuts to capture screenshots and record videos on Mac. Without finding no screenshots saving on Mac, you can change the destination path every time according to your need.

Screen Recorder
AnyRec Screen Recorder

Capture full-screen, windowed and customized region screenshots easily.

Powerful screenshots editing tools to add annotations and make adjustments.

Export to all popular image formats such as PNG, JPG/JPEG, BMP and GIF.

Set customized hotkeys and destination path to save screenshots easily.

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

Step 1.Download and install the best Mac alternative screenshot app from the website. Click the "Snapshot" button on the upper right side of the window.

Select Screen Capture

Step 2.Drag your mouse cursor to select a screen region, release the mouse button, a screenshot would be automatically taken for you.

Mac Take Screenshots

Step 3.A toolbar would appear below the screenshot giving you advanced editing features. Once the editing is finished, click the "Save" button once the editing is completed.

Mac Edit Screenshots

Note: If you are having trouble with screen utilities on Windows PC, or trying to take iPhone screenshots for Facetime, we also have complete guides to help you out.

5 Ways to Fix Mac Screenshots Not Saving Issues

2.1 Check Mac Screenshot Shortcut Settings

It's possible that your Mac screenshot utility was running, but you just pressed an unrelated key combination and of course found that no screenshot was saved. Follow the steps down below to reset your screenshot keyboard shortcuts.

Step 1.Open the "Settings" app and find "System Preferences". Then, navigate to the "Keyboard" option and click the "Shortcuts" button.

Step 2.Click the "Screenshots" button on the left panel. On the right side of the panel, make sure the screenshot functionalities are enabled.

Step 3.Click the "Restore Defaults" button to reset all the keyboard shortcuts to default. Then, check if your Mac screenshot can be saved with shortcuts.

Check Shortcut Settings Mac

2.2 Check the Default Screenshot Saving Path

You might change the default screenshot folder to another one besides the Desktop folder, resulting in the screenshots not appearing on the Desktop. Thus, you may think that mac screenshots are not saved at all. Follow the steps to change the destination path of taken screenshots.

Step 1.On any screen, press the "Shift + Cmd + 5" key combinations.

Mac Capture One Monitor Screen

Step 2.Click the "Options" button on the toolbar. In the "Save to" selections, click the "Desktop" button.

2.3 Update Your Mac to the Latest System Version

Another possible reason is that your Mac OSX system is updated or needs to be repaired. It would be ideal if you already had a backup copy of your system. If not, see the detailed steps below:

Step 1.Open the "System Preferences" app. Click the "Software Update" button.

Step 2.You might encounter a notification telling you an update is available for your Mac. Click the "Update Now" button and follow the instructions.

Update Software to the Latest Version

2.4 Perform a NVRAM Reset

Another common issue that your Mac might be facing is NVRAM misconfiguration. Sometimes issues with your Mac OSX system couldn't be fixed until you perform a NVRAM reset.

Step 1.Restart your Mac. Once you hear the startup sound, press the "Cmd + Option + P + R" key combination immediately.

Step 2.Keep holding the buttons for around 20 seconds, your Mac might appear to be restarting multiple times.

Step 3.Release the buttons afterward and boot into your system normally.

Reset NVram Mac

2.5 Unlock the Screenshot Folder

Another possible reason causing your Mac screenshots not saving on Mac is locked folder. Although you had changed the saving folder to the default desktop, it may be locked by system and prevent you opening it. Get the detailed steps to solve it:

Step 1.Go to the set saving folder. The default setting is desktop.

Step 2.Right-click on the folder and click the "Get Info" button from the drop-down list.

Step 3.Under the "General" section, you should make sure the "Locked" checkbox is not ticked.

Unlock Folder Mac

FAQ about Mac Screenshots

Conclusion

As we have discussed in the article, these are the 6 best possible solutions when your Mac screenshots aren't saving to your desktop. Even though the reasons vary, we strongly suggest you use the best screen capture - AnyRec Screen Recorder as an all-in-one solution for your Mac screen recording tasks.

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