Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

To screen shot on a Dell laptop, press the PrtScn key to copy the full screen, or press Windows key + Shift + S to select only part of it. Most Dell models running Windows 10 or Windows 11 support both shortcuts without installing anything. This guide shows you each method, where the image ends up, and what to do when a key doesn’t behave as expected.

Capture the Full Screen With Print Screen

The Print Screen key, usually labeled PrtScn or Prt Sc, copies an image of everything on your display to the clipboard. Nothing visible happens when you press it, so you’ll need to paste the image somewhere to see it. Open Paint, Word or an email draft and press Ctrl + V.

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On many Dell laptops, the key shares space with another function. If pressing PrtScn changes the brightness or volume instead, hold the Fn key while pressing it.

Capture Part of the Screen With Windows Shortcuts

For a selected area, press Windows key + Shift + S. The screen dims slightly and a small menu appears at the top with rectangular, freeform, window and fullscreen options. Drag across the area you want, and the capture is copied to the clipboard. A notification appears in the corner; click it to open the image in the snipping editor and annotate or save it.

To save a full-screen image straight to a file, press Windows key + PrtScn. The screen flickers briefly, which signals that the file was saved.

Use the Snipping Tool for Timed or Edited Captures

If you need a delay or want to mark up the image before saving, open the Snipping Tool by typing its name into the Windows search bar. Choose New, set a delay of up to five seconds if a menu needs to stay open, and select your capture mode. Use the save icon to store the file as a PNG or JPG.

Quick Steps Checklist

  1. Press PrtScn for a full-screen copy, or Windows key + Shift + S for a selection.
  2. Open Paint, Word or a chat window and press Ctrl + V to paste.
  3. Save the file with Ctrl + S or File > Save As.
  4. Check Pictures > Screenshots if you used Windows key + PrtScn.

Where Dell Screenshots Are Saved

Shortcut What it captures Where it goes
PrtScn Full screen Clipboard only
Windows key + Shift + S Selected area Clipboard, with a notification to edit
Windows key + PrtScn Full screen Pictures > Screenshots folder

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to paste. Print Screen only copies the image, so nothing appears until you paste it.
  • Pressing PrtScn when the brightness changes instead. Add the Fn key.
  • Looking in the wrong folder. Only Windows key + PrtScn saves an automatic file.
  • Taking a capture of a protected video or app window that shows a black box. Some streaming services block capture by design.
  • Overwriting an earlier clipboard image. Each new copy replaces the last one.

A basic stylus helps if you annotate captures on a 2-in-1 Dell model, since it makes arrows and highlights easier to draw. View on Amazon

A cloud storage app keeps screenshots accessible across devices and frees local space. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does a Dell laptop have a dedicated screenshot key?

Most Dell laptops use the PrtScn key rather than a separate screenshot button. Some newer models place it on a function row, so check the label on your keyboard.

Where do screenshots go after I press Windows key + PrtScn?

They save automatically to Pictures > Screenshots. The screen flickers briefly to confirm the save.

Can I screen shot only one window?

Yes. Open the Snipping Tool, choose Window mode, and click the window you want. You can also use the window option in the Windows key + Shift + S menu.

Conclusion

Most Dell users can screen shot with PrtScn for full-screen copies or Windows key + Shift + S for selections. Use Windows key + PrtScn when you want an automatic file in your Pictures folder. If a key does nothing, check the Fn key first, then the keyboard settings in Windows.

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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.