Ever found yourself needing to save something important on your screen — a receipt, an image, an error message, or even a funny meme — but didn’t know how? Don’t worry! In this step-by-step guide on how to take a screenshot on a Dell laptop Windows 10, we’ll walk you through every possible method — from quick keyboard shortcuts to advanced built-in tools.
Whether you’re using a Dell Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, or Alienware, the steps remain nearly the same. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to take screenshots quickly and efficiently, no matter what you’re doing on your laptop.
Why Screenshots Matter
Screenshots are like digital snapshots — they capture exactly what’s on your screen at any given moment. They come in handy when you want to:
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Share technical issues with support teams
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Save online receipts or booking confirmations
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Capture memorable social media posts
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Create tutorials or guides
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Keep visual records of your work
If you’re using Windows 10 on a Dell laptop, you have several built-in tools to take screenshots — no extra software required. Let’s explore each option step-by-step.
Different Ways to Take Screenshots on a Dell Laptop
There’s no one-size-fits-all method. You can:
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Use keyboard shortcuts (fastest)
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Use Windows tools like Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch
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Use external software for advanced needs
Below, we’ll break down each method so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Method 1: Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
The Print Screen (PrtScn) key is the classic way to take screenshots on any Windows PC, including Dell laptops.
Step-by-Step:
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Open the screen or window you want to capture.
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Press the PrtScn key on your keyboard.
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Open an image editing app like Paint.
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Press Ctrl + V to paste your screenshot.
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Save it by pressing Ctrl + S and choosing your file location.
Tip:
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The screenshot is copied to your clipboard, not saved automatically.
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The PrtScn key might also be labeled as PrtSc, PrntScrn, or Print Screen SysRq, depending on your Dell model.
Method 2: Using Windows + Print Screen (Auto-Save)
If you don’t want to paste manually, this shortcut automatically saves your screenshot.
Steps:
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Open the screen you want to capture.
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Press Windows + PrtScn simultaneously.
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The screen will dim for a second — that’s your confirmation.
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Find your screenshot under:
Bonus:
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This is perfect for taking multiple screenshots quickly without opening Paint or Snipping Tool.
Method 3: Using Alt + Print Screen (Active Window Only)
Need to capture just one window instead of the entire screen? This shortcut is your friend.
How to Do It:
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Click the window you want to capture.
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Press Alt + PrtScn.
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Open Paint or Word and press Ctrl + V to paste it.
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Save your image.
This method is great for capturing error messages or dialog boxes without including your desktop background.
Method 4: Using Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool has been a built-in Windows feature for years. It’s ideal for more precise screenshots.
Steps:
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Type Snipping Tool in the Windows search bar and open it.
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Click New to start a new capture.
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Drag the cursor to select the area you want to capture.
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Release the mouse — your screenshot appears in the tool.
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Click File → Save As to save your snip.
Snipping Modes:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Free-form Snip | Draw any shape to capture |
| Rectangular Snip | Drag to capture a rectangle |
| Window Snip | Capture a specific window |
| Full-screen Snip | Capture your entire screen |
Method 5: Using Snip & Sketch (Modern Tool)
Snip & Sketch replaced the Snipping Tool in newer versions of Windows 10.
Steps:
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Press Windows + Shift + S (shortcut for Snip & Sketch).
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Your screen dims slightly and shows four options at the top:
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Rectangular Snip
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Freeform Snip
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Window Snip
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Fullscreen Snip
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Select your preferred snip type.
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Once captured, it appears as a notification.
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Click the notification to open and edit it.
Pro Tip:
You can draw, highlight, crop, or annotate your screenshot directly in Snip & Sketch.
Method 6: Using Windows + Shift + S Shortcut
If you just want a quick partial screenshot, this shortcut is the fastest.
Steps:
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Press Windows + Shift + S.
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Select the area of the screen you want to capture.
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The image automatically copies to your clipboard.
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Paste it into Paint, Word, or an email.
It’s efficient for quick sharing or inserting screenshots into documents.
Method 7: Taking Screenshots with Windows Game Bar
Gamers, this one’s for you! The Xbox Game Bar lets you take screenshots during games or videos.
How to Use It:
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Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.
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Click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture.
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The screenshot automatically saves in:
You can even record your screen using this same tool.
Method 8: Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools
If you want more flexibility — like delayed captures, scrolling screenshots, or instant sharing — third-party apps are a great choice.
Popular Tools:
| Tool | Features | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Lightshot | Quick editing & upload | Free |
| Greenshot | Lightweight & customizable | Free |
| Snagit | Advanced editing, scrolling capture | Paid |
| ShareX | Powerful automation & workflows | Free |
Why Use Them?
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Ideal for professionals and content creators.
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Allow direct upload to cloud or social media.
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Offer annotation and watermark tools.
Where to Find Your Saved Screenshots
Depending on the method you use, screenshots can save in different locations.
| Method | Default Save Location |
|---|---|
| PrtScn + Paint | Manual (you choose) |
| Windows + PrtScn | Pictures → Screenshots |
| Game Bar | Videos → Captures |
| Snip & Sketch | Clipboard (unless saved manually) |
To avoid confusion, consider creating a dedicated “Screenshots” folder for all your captures.
How to Edit and Annotate Your Screenshot
Once you’ve taken a screenshot, you can edit it easily.
Using Built-in Tools:
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Paint: Crop, resize, or draw.
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Photos App: Add filters, rotate, or enhance.
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Snip & Sketch: Add highlights, arrows, or notes.
Steps:
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Right-click your screenshot → Open with → Paint.
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Use the toolbar to make adjustments.
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Save changes when done.
Troubleshooting: Screenshot Not Working on Dell Laptop?
Sometimes, the screenshot shortcuts don’t respond. Here’s what to check:
Possible Causes:
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The Fn (Function) key is required (try Fn + PrtScn).
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Your keyboard drivers need updating.
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The PrtScn key might be assigned to another function.
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Clipboard may not be working properly.
Quick Fixes:
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Try Fn + Windows + PrtScn.
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Restart your laptop.
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Update keyboard drivers via Device Manager.
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Test using the Snipping Tool — if it works, the keyboard shortcut is the issue.
Tips for Taking Better Screenshots
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Use Alt + PrtScn for cleaner captures.
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Label screenshots properly to stay organized.
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Crop out unnecessary parts before sharing.
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Use Snip & Sketch for annotations instead of third-party tools.
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Check brightness and contrast for clarity.
If you’re creating tutorials or presentations, consistency in screenshot size and quality makes a big difference.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Best For | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| PrtScn | Basic screenshots | PrtScn |
| Windows + PrtScn | Auto-save | Windows + PrtScn |
| Alt + PrtScn | Active window | Alt + PrtScn |
| Snip & Sketch | Custom areas | Windows + Shift + S |
| Game Bar | Games/videos | Windows + Alt + PrtScn |
Pro Tip: For most users, Windows + Shift + S is the most flexible shortcut — quick, simple, and versatile.
Conclusion
Taking a screenshot on your Dell laptop running Windows 10 is simple once you know the right shortcuts. From the traditional Print Screen method to advanced tools like Snip & Sketch or Game Bar, there’s a method for every situation.
Whether you’re saving a receipt, capturing a tutorial, or troubleshooting an issue, screenshots help you communicate and store information effortlessly.
Now that you know how to take a screenshot on a Dell laptop (Windows 10) — go ahead, try it out, and make capturing your screen part of your daily workflow!
FAQs
1. How do I take a screenshot on a Dell laptop without the Print Screen key?
You can press Windows + Shift + S to use Snip & Sketch, or use the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
2. Where do screenshots go on a Dell laptop?
They usually save to:
unless you paste and save them manually.
3. Can I capture a scrolling screenshot on Windows 10?
Yes, but you’ll need a third-party tool like Snagit or ShareX to do that.
4. How do I screenshot only one window on my Dell laptop?
Click the window you want, then press Alt + PrtScn.
5. What’s the easiest way to take and edit screenshots?
Use Windows + Shift + S to capture and then edit instantly in Snip & Sketch.
By following this guide, you now have complete control over taking screenshots on your Dell laptop running Windows 10 — quickly, clearly, and with confidence.