To take a screenshot on an HP laptop, press PrtSc (Print Screen) to copy the entire screen. Use Alt + PrtSc for the active window. Open Paint or any image editor, press Ctrl + V, and save the screenshot to your desired location.
I do this all the time—on my HP, I just press Windows + PrtScn and it saves the screenshot in Pictures → Screenshots. Or Alt + PrtScn for just the active window. Super quick and works every time.