How To Take A Screenshot On A Dell Laptop With Windows 11: The Complete Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 17, 2025

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Taking screenshots on your Dell laptop running Windows 11 is a fundamental skill for capturing important information, sharing content, or documenting processes. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers a variety of built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts that make taking screenshots quick and easy. This guide will walk you through the most common methods, ensuring you can capture your screen exactly as you need it.

Whether you need to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a custom selection, Windows 11 provides the flexibility to suit your needs. Learning these methods will empower you to effectively communicate visually and save important information for later use. Let’s explore the different ways to take screenshots on your Dell laptop.

What’s the Best Way to Screenshot on a Windows 11 Dell Laptop?

Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen key is the most basic and widely used method for capturing your entire screen.

Press the PrtScn key on your keyboard. It’s usually located in the upper-right area.
The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.
Open an image editing program like Paint, Photoshop, or even Microsoft Word.
Paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V) into the program.
Edit the screenshot as needed (crop, annotate, etc.).
Save the image in your desired format (JPEG, PNG, etc.).

Using Windows Key + Shift + S (Snipping Tool)

This shortcut activates the Snipping Tool, providing more control over the screenshot area.

Press Windows Key + Shift + S simultaneously. The screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
Choose the snipping mode:

Rectangular Snip: Drag a rectangle around the area you want to capture.
Window Snip: Click on the window you want to capture.
Full-screen Snip: Captures the entire screen.
Freeform Snip: Draw a custom shape around the area you want to capture.

The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.
Open an image editing program or paste directly into an application that supports image pasting.
Edit the screenshot as needed.
Save the image.

Using Alt + PrtScn (Active Window)

This method captures only the currently active window.

Make sure the window you want to capture is active (selected).
Press Alt + PrtScn simultaneously.
The screenshot of the active window is copied to your clipboard.
Open an image editing program.
Paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V) into the program.
Edit and save the image.

Using the Game Bar

The Game Bar is primarily designed for capturing gameplay, but it can also be used to take screenshots of any application.

Press Windows Key + G to open the Game Bar.
If it’s your first time using the Game Bar, you might need to enable it in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
Click the Screenshot icon (camera icon) on the Game Bar.
The screenshot is automatically saved to the “Captures” folder in your Videos library.

Tips for Better Screenshots

Use the right tool for the job: The Snipping Tool is great for capturing specific areas, while the Print Screen key is faster for capturing the entire screen.
Annotate your screenshots: Use image editing software to add arrows, text, or highlights to emphasize important information.
Choose the right file format: JPEG is suitable for photos and images with many colors, while PNG is better for screenshots with text and graphics.
Organize your screenshots: Create a dedicated folder for your screenshots to keep them organized.
Consider using cloud storage: Services like OneDrive or Google Drive can automatically back up your screenshots.

Comparing Screenshot Methods

Feature	Print Screen (PrtScn)	Windows Key + Shift + S (Snipping Tool)	Alt + PrtScn	Game Bar
Capture Area	Entire Screen	Selectable Area (Rectangular, Window, etc.)	Active Window	Entire Screen or Application
Clipboard Storage	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Automatic Save	No	No	No	Yes
Editing	Requires Separate Program	Requires Separate Program	Requires Separate Program	Requires Separate Program

Capturing Your Screen, Simplified

Taking screenshots on your Dell laptop running Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple keyboard shortcuts and the right tools, you can easily capture and share anything on your screen. Experiment with the different methods to find the one that works best for you.

FAQ

How do I find my screenshots if I use the Game Bar? Screenshots taken with the Game Bar are automatically saved to the “Captures” folder within your Videos library.

Can I change the default save location for screenshots? Yes, you can change the default save location for screenshots taken with the Game Bar in Settings > Gaming > Captures.

How do I take a scrolling screenshot in Windows 11? Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in scrolling screenshot feature. You’ll need to use a third-party tool or browser extension.

Why isn’t the Print Screen key working? Make sure the PrtScn key is not disabled in your BIOS or keyboard settings. Some keyboards may also require you to press the Fn key in combination with PrtScn.

Further Assistance

If you’re still having trouble taking screenshots, consult your Dell laptop’s user manual or search for specific troubleshooting steps online.