Taking a screenshot on a Dell laptop or desktop works the same way as on any Windows PC. The tricky part is finding the Print Screen key, because Dell labels and places it differently across Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, Vostro, and G-series keyboards. This guide covers every screenshot shortcut for Windows 10 and Windows 11, where to find Print Screen on Dell keyboards, where screenshots are saved, and how to take screenshots on Dell 2-in-1s in tablet mode.
Quick Answer
Press Windows key + Shift + S to select an area with Snipping Tool, or Windows key + PrtScn to save the whole screen to Pictures > Screenshots. On many Dell laptops, Print Screen shares a key with another function (such as F10, Insert, or End), so you may need to press Fn with it: Windows + Fn + PrtScn.
Screenshot Shortcuts on Dell PCs
| Shortcut | What it captures | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Rectangle, window, free-form, or full screen | Clipboard, plus a notification to edit and save. Windows 11 also auto-saves to Pictures > Screenshots by default. |
| Windows + PrtScn | Entire screen (all monitors) | Saved as a PNG in Pictures > Screenshots |
| PrtScn | Entire screen, or opens Snipping Tool (Windows 11 default) | Clipboard |
| Alt + PrtScn | The active window only | Clipboard |
| Windows + Alt + PrtScn | The active app or game window | Videos > Captures (Xbox Game Bar) |
Add Fn to any of these if your PrtScn key needs it.
Where Is the Print Screen Key on a Dell?
- Top-right corner: labeled PrtScr, PrtSc, or Prt Scr, often next to F12, Insert, or Delete.
- Shared with a function key: on some Inspiron and XPS models, it’s printed on F10 or another F-key. Use Fn + F10, or use it without Fn if Fn Lock is on.
- Shared with Insert or End: the PrtScr label appears in a second color, which means you press Fn with it.
- No key at all: some compact models have no dedicated key. Use Windows + Shift + S.
If the top row does media functions by default, press Fn + Esc to toggle Fn Lock on many Dell laptops. You can also change the Function Key Behavior setting in the BIOS (press F2 at startup).
Method 1: Snipping Tool (Windows + Shift + S)
- Press Windows + Shift + S. The screen dims, and a toolbar appears at the top.
- Choose Rectangle, Window, Full screen, or Free-form.
- Drag to select the area, or click the window.
- Click the notification to open the snip in Snipping Tool, where you can annotate, crop, and save it. Or paste it directly with Ctrl + V.
Method 2: Save the Full Screen Instantly (Windows + PrtScn)
Press Windows + PrtScn (or Windows + Fn + PrtScn). The screen dims briefly, and a PNG file is saved to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots, numbered in order.
Method 3: Copy the Active Window (Alt + PrtScn)
Click the window you want, press Alt + PrtScn, then paste it into an email, Word, Paint, or a chat with Ctrl + V.
Make PrtScn Open Snipping Tool (or Stop It)
In Windows 11 (and recent Windows 10 builds), go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard. Turn Use the Print screen key to open screen capture on or off. When it’s off, PrtScn copies the full screen to the clipboard instead.
Screenshots on Dell 2-in-1s and Tablets
- Press Power + Volume Down together on many Windows tablets and 2-in-1s in tablet mode. Some models use Windows button + Volume Down.
- With an active pen, press the pen’s top button (if configured) to open Snipping Tool.
- Or tap the Snipping Tool button in Quick Settings, if you’ve added it.
Screenshot Troubleshooting
Nothing happens when I press PrtScn
Try adding Fn. Check whether the PrtScn setting opens Snipping Tool. Also check whether cloud apps like OneDrive or Dropbox have taken over the key. OneDrive, for example, can save screenshots automatically in its settings.
Where are my screenshots?
Windows + PrtScn saves to Pictures > Screenshots. PrtScn and Alt + PrtScn copy to the clipboard only. Paste them somewhere to keep them. Turn on clipboard history (Windows + V) to see recent copies.
The screenshot is black
Protected video content and some games block screenshots. For games, use Xbox Game Bar (Windows + Alt + PrtScn).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Dell screenshot app?
No separate app is needed. Windows’ built-in Snipping Tool and shortcuts work on all Dell PCs.
How do I take a scrolling screenshot on a Dell?
Windows doesn’t have built-in scrolling capture for all apps. In Microsoft Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + S and choose Capture full page. For other apps, use a third-party tool.
How do I record the screen instead?
Open Snipping Tool and switch to Record, or press Windows + Alt + R in Xbox Game Bar.
Summary
- Windows + Shift + S to snip any area.
- Windows + PrtScn to save the full screen to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Alt + PrtScn for the active window.
- Add Fn if Dell’s PrtScr shares a key with another function.
- Use Power + Volume Down on 2-in-1s in tablet mode.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.