How to Screenshot on a Dell Laptop

How to Screenshot on a Dell Laptop

Taking screenshots on a Dell laptop is straightforward with multiple built-in Windows methods and Dell-specific features. Whether you're using a Dell Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, or Alienware laptop, these methods will help you capture your screen efficiently. These techniques work similarly to other Windows laptops like Acer, ThinkPad, and Surface Pro devices.

Method 1: Print Screen Key (PrtScn)

The most common method using the dedicated Print Screen key found on all Dell laptops.

Steps:

1. Locate the Print Screen key (usually labeled 'PrtScn' or 'PrtSc') on your Dell keyboard
2. Press the Print Screen key to capture the entire screen
3. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard
4. Open Paint, Word, or any image editor and press Ctrl + V to paste
5. Save the file in your desired location and format

?? Pro Tip: On some Dell laptops, you may need to press Fn + PrtScn if the Print Screen key has dual functions.

Method 2: Alt + Print Screen

Capture only the active window instead of the entire screen.

Steps:

1. Click on the window you want to capture to make it active
2. Press Alt + Print Screen simultaneously
3. The active window screenshot is copied to clipboard
4. Paste it into any application with Ctrl + V
5. Save the screenshot as needed

?? Pro Tip: This method is perfect for capturing specific applications without including the desktop background or other windows.

Method 3: Windows + Print Screen

Automatically save a full screenshot to your Pictures folder.

Steps:

1. Press Windows key + Print Screen simultaneously
2. Your screen will briefly dim to indicate the screenshot was taken
3. The screenshot is automatically saved to Pictures > Screenshots folder
4. Navigate to the folder to find your screenshot file
5. The file will be named 'Screenshot (date and time).png'

?? Pro Tip: This is the fastest method if you want to take multiple screenshots without manually saving each one.

Method 4: Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch)

Use Windows 10/11's built-in snipping tool for custom area selection. This method works identically across all Windows devices, including standard Windows desktops.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S to activate Snip & Sketch
2. Your screen will dim and a toolbar will appear at the top
3. Choose from: Rectangular snip, Freeform snip, Window snip, or Fullscreen snip
4. Select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging
5. The screenshot is copied to clipboard and a notification appears
6. Click the notification to open in Snip & Sketch for editing and saving

?? Pro Tip: This method offers the most flexibility with built-in editing tools like highlighting, drawing, and cropping.

Method 5: Dell Function Keys

Some Dell laptops have dedicated screenshot function keys.

Steps:

1. Look for a camera icon or screenshot symbol on your F-keys (F1-F12)
2. Press Fn + the function key with the camera/screenshot icon
3. The screenshot will be taken and may automatically open in an editor
4. Save the screenshot to your desired location

?? Pro Tip: This feature varies by Dell model. Check your specific laptop's function key layout for screenshot shortcuts.

Method 6: Dell Mobile Connect (Select Models)

For Dell laptops with Dell Mobile Connect, you can screenshot your phone screen.

Steps:

1. Open Dell Mobile Connect application
2. Connect your smartphone to the laptop
3. Use the screenshot feature within Dell Mobile Connect
4. The screenshot will be saved to your laptop's Pictures folder

?? Pro Tip: This feature is available on select Dell models and requires Dell Mobile Connect software installation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Print Screen key not working on Dell laptop

Solution: Try Fn + PrtScn instead. Check if the function lock is enabled (Fn + Esc on most Dell laptops). Update your keyboard drivers through Device Manager. Some Dell laptops require pressing Fn + Insert if PrtScn is a secondary function.

Screenshots are saving in wrong location

Solution: For Windows + PrtScn method, screenshots save to Pictures > Screenshots by default. You can change this location by going to Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved.

Screen dims but no screenshot is taken

Solution: Check if your Dell laptop has sufficient storage space. Restart your laptop and try again. Ensure Windows is up to date. Try using alternative methods like Snip & Sketch.

Dell function key screenshot not working

Solution: Install or update Dell Command | Update software. Check Dell SupportAssist for driver updates. The screenshot function key may require Dell-specific software to be installed.

Conclusion

Dell laptops provide excellent screenshot capabilities through Windows' built-in tools and Dell-specific features. Whether you need quick captures or detailed editing, these methods cover all your screenshot needs on any Dell laptop model. For users with other laptop brands, check out our guides for Acer laptops, ThinkPad, Surface Pro, or general Windows desktops. After capturing screenshots, explore our tools for editing, converting to different formats, or learn about organizing screenshots automatically and changing screenshot save locations.