How to Take Screenshot in Laptop Windows 11 Dell: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 12, 2025

Taking a screenshot on your Dell laptop running Windows 11 might sound simple — but did you know there are more than 10 different ways to capture your screen? Whether you want to grab the entire display, a specific window, or just a selected portion, Windows 11 offers multiple tools and shortcuts for every need.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly how to take a screenshot in your Dell laptop on Windows 11, step by step. You’ll learn keyboard shortcuts, built-in tools, and advanced tips — plus how to find, edit, and share your screenshots instantly.

What Is a Screenshot and Why You Might Need It?

A screenshot (also known as a screen capture) is simply a picture of what’s displayed on your computer screen.

You might take a screenshot to:

  • Capture an error message for troubleshooting

  • Save online receipts or confirmations

  • Create tutorials or presentations

  • Share funny conversations or social media moments

Think of it as your digital camera for your screen — quick, convenient, and essential.

2. Understanding Dell Keyboard Layout in Windows 11

Dell laptops come with slightly different keyboard layouts depending on the model (Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, etc.). The Print Screen (PrtSc) key might appear as:

  • PrtSc

  • Print Scr

  • PrtScn

  • Sometimes combined with Fn (Function) key

👉 On compact Dell keyboards, you may need to press Fn + PrtSc to activate screenshot shortcuts.

3. Where Are Screenshots Saved on Windows 11?

When you take a screenshot using different methods, Windows stores them in specific folders:

Method Default Save Location
Windows + PrtSc Pictures → Screenshots
Snipping Tool Pictures → Screenshots (or custom folder)
Xbox Game Bar Videos → Captures
Third-party apps Custom folders (user-defined)

If your screenshots aren’t showing up, try searching *.png in File Explorer — it’ll list all screenshots on your system.

4. Method 1: Take a Screenshot Using Print Screen (PrtSc) Key

This is the quickest and most classic way to take a screenshot on any Dell laptop.

Steps:

  1. Press PrtSc (or Fn + PrtSc) on your keyboard.

  2. This copies the entire screen to your clipboard.

  3. Open Paint or Word, then press Ctrl + V to paste.

  4. Save the image manually as a .PNG or .JPG.

💡 Tip: This method doesn’t automatically save the file — you must paste and save it yourself.

5. Method 2: Use Windows + Print Screen to Auto-Save

Want your screenshots saved automatically? Use this shortcut.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + PrtSc together.

  2. The screen will dim for a moment — this means the screenshot is taken.

  3. Find it here:

    C:\Users\<YourName>\Pictures\Screenshots

✅ The file will be automatically saved with a timestamped name.

6. Method 3: Capture Active Window Only (Alt + PrtSc)

If you want to capture just the active app window, not your entire desktop:

Steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture.

  2. Press Alt + PrtSc (or Fn + Alt + PrtSc).

  3. Open Paint → Ctrl + V to paste → Save manually.

🎯 Perfect for grabbing just your browser or Word document, without extra background clutter.

7. Method 4: Use Snipping Tool (Windows 11’s Built-In App)

The classic Snipping Tool has been upgraded in Windows 11 — and it’s your best friend for flexible screenshots.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S → Type Snipping Tool → Open it.

  2. Click New.

  3. Select the area you want to capture.

  4. The screenshot appears in a small window where you can annotate, crop, or save it.

Capture Modes:

Mode Description
Rectangular Snip Draw a rectangle for custom selection
Free-form Snip Draw a free shape
Window Snip Capture only the active window
Full-screen Snip Capture entire display

✏️ Bonus: You can delay a snip by 3, 5, or 10 seconds — great for capturing menus or tooltips.

8. Method 5: Take Partial Screenshots with Windows + Shift + S

This is the most efficient and modern shortcut for screenshots in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S.

  2. Your screen dims and a small toolbar appears.

  3. Choose your snip mode (Rectangular, Freeform, Window, Fullscreen).

  4. Select the area — it’s automatically copied to your clipboard.

  5. Paste it into any app with Ctrl + V.

✅ The image also appears in the bottom-right corner — click it to edit or save using Snipping Tool.

9. Method 6: Use Snip & Sketch for Annotations

If you want to draw, highlight, or crop screenshots:

Steps:

  1. Open Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S shortcut opens it automatically).

  2. After taking the screenshot, click the preview in the bottom corner.

  3. Use tools like:

    • ✏️ Pen

    • 🖍️ Highlighter

    • 📏 Ruler

  4. Save or share directly from there.

10. Method 7: Take a Screenshot on Dell Laptop Without Print Screen Key

If your PrtSc key is broken or missing, don’t worry — there are alternatives.

Option 1: Use On-Screen Keyboard

  1. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open On-Screen Keyboard.

  2. Click PrtScn on it to capture.

  3. Paste and save the image.

Option 2: Use Snipping Tool or Xbox Game Bar (below).

11. Method 8: Use Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G)

The Xbox Game Bar isn’t just for gamers — it’s great for taking screenshots of any app or window.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.

  2. Click the Camera icon in the “Capture” section.

  3. Or press Windows + Alt + PrtSc to capture instantly.

  4. Find screenshots here:

    C:\Users\<YourName>\Videos\Captures

🎮 Great for taking screenshots during games, videos, or full-screen apps.

12. Method 9: Take Screenshots with Dell SupportAssist

Some Dell laptops come pre-installed with Dell SupportAssist or Dell Capture utilities.

Steps:

  1. Search for SupportAssist in the Start menu.

  2. Launch it → Go to Tools → Screen Capture.

  3. Select the area or window to capture.

  4. Save or share the screenshot easily.

🧠 Note: Not all Dell models include this — it’s optional software.

13. Method 10: Use Third-Party Tools (Lightshot, Greenshot, ShareX)

If you take screenshots frequently, third-party apps can make the process faster and more customizable.

Tool Best Feature Use Case
Lightshot Quick capture + instant editing For students, quick notes
Greenshot Lightweight + customizable hotkeys For productivity users
ShareX Advanced automation + video capture For professionals and streamers

Each of these tools offers hotkeys, annotations, and cloud upload support.

14. How to Edit and Annotate Screenshots in Windows 11

Once you’ve taken your screenshot, editing it makes it more useful.

Built-in Options:

  • Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch: Crop, draw, highlight.

  • Paint: Add text or shapes.

  • Photos app: Adjust brightness, contrast, and rotate.

Or, if you want more control, use apps like:

  • Canva

  • Adobe Photoshop Express

  • Pixlr

💡 Pro Tip: You can even paste screenshots directly into Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or email without saving them first.

15. How to Change Default Screenshot Save Location

By default, screenshots go to Pictures → Screenshots, but you can move this folder anywhere.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer → Pictures → Screenshots.

  2. Right-click Screenshots folder → Properties.

  3. Click the Location tab.

  4. Click Move → Select your preferred folder (e.g., Desktop).

  5. Click Apply → OK.

Now all screenshots will save to your chosen folder automatically.

16. Tips for Taking Better Screenshots

📸 Pro Screenshot Tips:

  • Use Alt + PrtSc to remove unnecessary backgrounds.

  • Capture clean visuals — close unwanted apps or notifications first.

  • Rename your screenshots for easy searching (e.g., “invoice-2025.png”).

  • Use Snipping Tool delay for capturing drop-down menus.

  • Store important screenshots in OneDrive or Google Drive for backup.

17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I take a screenshot on my Dell laptop if PrtSc doesn’t work?
Try pressing Fn + PrtSc or use Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool shortcut.

Q2: Where are my screenshots saved automatically?
By default, in Pictures → Screenshots, unless you changed the save location.

Q3: Can I take scrolling screenshots in Windows 11?
Not natively — use tools like ShareX or PicPick for scrolling web pages.

Q4: Does Dell have a built-in screenshot app?
Some models include Dell SupportAssist with a capture option.

Q5: How do I take a screenshot on a Dell laptop tablet mode?
Press Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously.

18. Summary & Key Takeaways

Shortcut / Tool Type of Screenshot Save Method
PrtSc Full screen Clipboard (paste manually)
Windows + PrtSc Full screen Auto-saved in Pictures
Alt + PrtSc Active window Clipboard
Windows + Shift + S Custom area Clipboard + Snipping Tool
Windows + G Game/app screen Saved in Videos → Captures

✅ Key Takeaways:

  • Dell laptops with Windows 11 offer multiple ways to take screenshots — from classic keys to advanced tools.

  • Windows + Shift + S is the fastest and most flexible shortcut.

  • You can edit, annotate, and save screenshots using the built-in Snipping Tool.

  • To simplify workflow, set a custom save location or use third-party tools like Lightshot.

  • Whether you’re a student, professional, or gamer — mastering screenshots boosts your productivity instantly.

Now that you know exactly how to take a screenshot in laptop Windows 11 Dell, try out each method and pick your favorite one.

Screenshots are more than images — they’re your proof, your notes, and your creativity captured in pixels. 📷✨

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top