When you're using your Dell laptop, it's easy to come across something interesting that you'd like to save or share. Screenshots are the perfect way to do this, but for many, figuring out how to screenshot on Dell can be a bit tricky. You might not always know the quickest way, and sometimes, you need something a bit more specific. In this guide, I’ll show you a few different ways to take a screenshot on your Dell laptop, making it easier to capture what you need.
How to Screenshot on Dell
How to Screenshot on Dell
Capturing a screenshot can be quick and simple, but with various methods at your disposal, it’s important to know the best options for different situations. Let me walk you through some of the most common ways on how to screenshot on Dell laptop or pc. We will discuss how to screenshot Dell examples.
Method 1. Built-in System Hotkeys/Tools
One of the quickest ways to take a screenshot on your Dell laptop is by using the built-in hotkeys. It’s simple and can be done without any extra software. Let's look at the first of the Methods to take screenshot on Dell examples.
Step 1: Press the "PrtScn" (Print Screen) key. This will capture your entire screen and copy it to the clipboard.
Press prt sc
Step 2: Afterward, just paste it (Ctrl + V) into any image editor, document, or email.
Step 3: If you want to capture only the active window, press "Alt + PrtScn." This will only screenshot the window you're working in, making it useful when you don’t need the whole screen.
Press prt sc and Alt keys
Step 4: For an automatic save of the entire screen, press "Windows + PrtScn."
Press prt sc and Windows key
Step 5: This will save the screenshot directly to your Pictures folder under "Screenshots" without needing to paste it anywhere.
Click screenshot folder
This method is the go-to for most quick screenshots. It’s straightforward, and once you get the hang of the hotkey combinations, it’s pretty seamless. That said, it can be easy to forget the right combination at first, but once you get it, it's second nature.
Method 2. Using the Snipping Tool
If you need a bit more control over your screenshots, the Snipping Tool is an excellent option. It’s especially useful when you only want to capture a specific part of the screen.
Step 1: Search for the Snipping Tool in the Start menu and click on it.
Note: Snipping tool might be called Snip & Sketch in Windows 10.
Open Snipping Tool
Step 2: Choose the type of snip you want to make. You can select a free-form snip, rectangular snip, window snip, or full-screen snip. Then Click "New”.
Click New
Step 3: Click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to capture. The screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool, where you can annotate, save, or copy it.
Drag the mouse
I love using the Snipping Tool when I want precision. It’s perfect for selecting just the area I need. It may take a bit more time compared to hotkeys, but the control it offers is worth it.
WPS Office: Your Go-To for Efficient Screenshot Editing & Annotation
Now that you know how to screenshot on Dell, the next thing is to look for tools to help you polish or edit that screenshot you just took. WPS Office is a fantastic free tool for anyone looking to streamline their workflow, whether for personal or professional tasks. It's not only a robust office suite but also an AI-powered tool with a strong compatibility for various document formats, making it an ideal solution for handling all sorts of tasks. Beyond creating documents and presentations, WPS Office also offers fantastic features for editing and annotating screenshots—something that I’ve personally found incredibly helpful when working with images and documents.
WPS Office
Why I Recommend WPS Office:
Free and Easy to Use: WPS Office is completely free, which makes it accessible to anyone looking for a reliable office tool.
Strong Compatibility: The tool supports multiple formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, so you can open and edit documents without any compatibility issues.
AI-Powered Features: With its AI-driven features, it’s a great tool for improving productivity, whether you’re drafting reports or creating presentations.
Screenshot Editing and Annotation: Once you’ve captured a screenshot, WPS Office makes it easy to enhance it. You can add text, arrows, shapes, and even blur or highlight parts of the image to make your point clearer.
How to Edit Screenshots in WPS Office:
Now let's look at a simple way to edit screenshots on WPS Office.
Step 1: Search for WPS Office and click on New document.
Open New Document
Step 2: Click the "Insert" tab, then select Picture, and then click on From File to drag a picture from your files to WPS Writer.
Insert picture
Step 3: Once the screenshot is inserted into your document, use the editing tools to annotate the image. For instance, you can highlight a section with the "Shapes" tool, or you can add text annotations directly on the image. The ability to add arrows and shapes has made my work more organized, especially when sharing documents with others.
WPS Office Picture tools
Personally, I love how smooth the whole process is in the WPS Office. I used to jump between several apps to edit and annotate screenshots, but now I can do everything in one place. It’s especially handy when I’m preparing presentations or tutorials, as I can capture images and immediately add any annotations or highlights I need.
FAQs
Q1: Can I take screenshots on WPS Office?
Yes, WPS Office has a built-in screenshot tool that allows you to capture your screen directly within the application. Once you’ve taken the screenshot, you can insert it into your document and make edits or annotations with the various tools available in the suite.
Q2: What if my screenshot hotkeys on my Dell computer aren’t working?
If your screenshot hotkeys aren’t working, there are a few things to try. First, check if the Fn Lock is enabled. Press "Fn + Esc" to toggle the function key mode on or off. If that doesn’t help, make sure there are no other screenshot apps running, as they might interfere with the hotkeys. You can also try updating your keyboard driver through Device Manager. If all else fails, it’s possible the key itself is faulty. In that case, I’d recommend using WPS Office’s built-in screenshot tool as a reliable alternative.
Q3: What if my screenshot images are blurry?
Blurry screenshots are often caused by a couple of things. First, check your screen resolution settings to make sure it's set to "Recommended." If you zoom in too much on your screenshot, it can also lead to pixelation. Make sure you're using the system’s screenshot tools or WPS Office’s screenshot function for the best quality. If the issue persists, adjusting contrast or sharpening the image in WPS can help improve its clarity.
Q4: How do I find the folder where my screenshots are saved on my Dell?
When you take a screenshot using the "Windows + Print Screen" hotkey, it will automatically save the file in the "Pictures > Screenshots" folder on your Dell laptop. If you use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, the program will typically prompt you to choose where to save the file. If you use WPS Office to capture and paste a screenshot, it’s part of your document. You can right-click the image and select "Save as Picture" if you need to store it separately.
Q5: How do I capture a screenshot of a specific part of the screen on my Dell?
If you want to capture only part of the screen, you can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch. Once opened, just click on "New," and choose the snip type that allows you to select a portion of the screen. You can go for a rectangular snip, free-form snip, or window snip, depending on your needs. This is really useful when you only need a section of the screen rather than the full display.
Simplifying Screenshot Capturing on Your Dell Laptop
Knowing how to screenshot on Dell doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you’re using system hotkeys, the Snipping Tool, or WPS Office, you’ve got plenty of options to suit your needs. I personally recommend WPS Office for its screenshot editing and annotation capabilities, making it a versatile tool for both work and personal use. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the perfect time!
