
Muninder Adavelli
Updated · May 31, 2023
Velina describes herself as passionate media savvy and a versatile individual with numerous differen... | See full bio
The screenshot is a convenient feature on both phones and computers. My friends and I use it all the time. I imagine you do too.
However, I’ve noticed that people take pictures of their screens mostly on their mobile devices, and some don’t even know how to do it on a PC.
Worry not if you are one of them, as I am here to explain just that.
I’ll specifically show you how to screenshot on a Dell laptop - however, the process is the same for any PC. So if you have a different computer, this article will still be helpful.
Shall we get started?
I’ll walk you through the different methods of screenshotting. The Print Screen button on your laptop is very significant, as it makes things quick and simple.
Let’s start with what you can do with it:
The Print Screen key sits on the top row of your keyboard. The key typically has Prt Sc as its label - however, you can also find it as PrintScreen, PrntScrn, PrntScr, PrtScn, PrtScr, PrtSc, or other similar abbreviations.
The button can be used by itself or in combination with other keys to produce similar but differing results, like:
To take a full screenshot on your Dell PC, press the PrtSc button. It only, though, saves to the clipboard. To save it as a file, you must first paste it into a photo editing or graphic design software.
Here’s the simplest way to do this by using MS Paint:
If you use this method to capture a screenshot on a Dell computer, your device will save it on the clipboard and in a Screenshots folder.
You can find this folder in the This PC section in the File Explorer.
Here are the steps:
This combination of keys will allow you to take a screenshot on a Dell desktop of an active window only. This means the image is only of the open window with no background showing.
Your screen capture will be saved on the clipboard when pressing this key combination.
The steps are similarly easy to follow as the preceding ones.
These are the ways you can utilize the Print Screen button.
Now, let me introduce another method.
This section highlights how to take a picture on a Dell laptop using the Windows Snipping Tool.
It’s a built-in tool that lets you customize the screenshot area. You can also edit it afterward.
Gamers probably already know this, but are you aware that the Game Bar is also used to take screenshots and screen recordings.
As such, you can also use this tool to take a screenshot on a Dell computer:
If you’ve been confusingly looking around your keyboard, wondering where the PrtScn key is, you might own a device that doesn’t have such. That’s perfectly fine - there’s still a way.
To take a screenshot, you first need to find the Function or Fn key.
After you’ve located it, press the following combination of buttons:
Fn key + Windows key + Space Bar
In most cases, this will take a screen capture, the same way the Print Screen key does.
If you’re trying to perform a screen capture on your Dell by pressing the aforementioned key combinations, and still nothing happens.
Now what?
The most common reason this happens is that the PrtScn key has another function assigned to it. Usually, the End and Print Screen functions are accessible through the same key on Dell laptops that have an Fn button.
In this case, you need to use the following combination:
Fn key + Prt Sc key
The process remains the same, no matter which functions the Prt Sc key pairs with.
If you’re trying to take a screenshot on a Dell desktop, but the above methods still don’t work, there’s one more thing you can try.
Simply install a screenshot program.
They usually come with many editing tools and can also have a screen recording option.
So, there it is, folks.
Now you know how to screenshot on a Dell laptop or desktop. These methods apply to all types of computers, so don’t be shy to try them out!
Lastly, it's best not to hoard screenshots since they can reduce your disk space and slow down your machine.
I mean, I know I tend to keep many unnecessary ones.
Velina Nenova
Velina describes herself as passionate media savvy and a versatile individual with numerous different interests, most a result of her Media & Communications BA. She has also developed a keen interest in Digital Marketing and Advertising. Her never-ending desire to constantly learn new things and enrich herself and her ultimate dream to go around the globe before 45 are her driving forces.
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Muninder Adavelli
Updated · May 31, 2023
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