Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

If you’re wondering how do you screenshot on a Dell laptop, the short answer is that you can press Windows key + Print Screen to save a full-screen capture automatically. For more control, the Snipping Tool and the Windows + Shift + S shortcut let you capture just part of the screen. This guide walks through each method so you can pick the one that fits your task.

Take a Full-Screen Screenshot with Print Screen

Most Dell laptops have a dedicated PrtScn key, usually in the top row or near the right side of the keyboard. Press Windows + PrtScn and the screen will dim briefly, which tells you the capture worked. The image is saved to the Screenshots folder inside Pictures.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Dell Portable Laptop Monitor Picks for Travel and Desk Use (2026).

On some Dell models the key is labeled PrtScr or shares a key with another function. If pressing it alone does nothing, hold the Fn key while pressing it.

Capture Part of the Screen with Windows + Shift + S

When you only need one window or a section of a page, press Windows + Shift + S. The screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top with rectangle, freeform, window and full-screen options. Drag to select the area, and the capture is copied to your clipboard. A notification appears; click it to open the image and annotate or save it.

Use the Snipping Tool for Timed or Edited Captures

The Snipping Tool is built into Windows 10 and 11. Search for “Snipping Tool” from the Start menu and open it. Use the Delay option when you need to capture a menu that closes when you click elsewhere. Save from the File menu, or press Ctrl + S.

Screenshot Checklist

  1. Decide whether you need the full screen or a selected area.
  2. Press Windows + PrtScn for a full-screen save to Pictures.
  3. Press Windows + Shift + S for a selected area copied to the clipboard.
  4. Open Snipping Tool if you need a delay or built-in editing.
  5. Paste with Ctrl + V into an email, document or chat to confirm the capture.

Common Mistakes

  • Looking in the wrong folder. Full-screen captures go to Pictures > Screenshots, while area captures stay on the clipboard until you paste them.
  • Forgetting the Fn key on Dell keyboards where PrtScn shares a key with other functions.
  • Pasting an old clipboard image by mistake. Take a new capture before pasting.
  • Expecting a capture of a fullscreen video or protected content to appear. Some streaming apps block screenshots.

A small stylus can make it easier to mark up captures on a Dell 2-in-1 with a touchscreen. Search for View on Amazon to find pens designed for compatible models.

If your laptop lacks a Print Screen key, an external compact keyboard with a full row of function keys can fill the gap. Try View on Amazon, which many users pair with laptops.

FAQ

Where do Dell laptop screenshots get saved?

Full-screen captures taken with Windows + PrtScn are saved to Pictures > Screenshots. Area captures from Windows + Shift + S go to the clipboard unless you save them from the notification.

Why does my Print Screen key not work?

Try holding the Fn key while pressing PrtScn, since some Dell keyboards assign it to a secondary function. You can also use Windows + Shift + S instead.

Can I screenshot a scrolling webpage?

Standard Windows tools capture only the visible area. For longer pages, take several captures or use the scroll and capture option available in some browsers.

Conclusion

For most tasks, Windows + PrtScn and Windows + Shift + S cover everything you need. The Snipping Tool adds delay and editing options when those matter. If a capture still fails, check your keyboard layout and the Fn key first.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our consumer tech how-to & troubleshooting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.