How to Take a Screenshot on a Dell PC

Recently, I purchased a new Dell PC, and one of the first things I wanted to learn was how to take screenshots. Screenshots are incredibly useful for capturing exactly what’s on your screen, whether for work, personal records, or troubleshooting issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on my experience, detailing various methods to capture screenshots on a Dell PC.

Using the Print Screen Key

1. Full-Screen Screenshot

The simplest way to take a screenshot on a Dell PC is using the Print Screen (PrtScn) key:

1. Locate the Print Screen Key: It’s usually labeled as PrtScn, PrtSc, or similar, located in the top row of your keyboard.
2. Take the Screenshot: Press the PrtScn key. This captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard.
3. Save the Screenshot:
   • Open an image editor like Paint.
   • Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
   • Save the image by selecting File > Save As.

2. Active Window Screenshot

To capture only the active window:

1. Select the Active Window: Click on the window you want to capture to make sure it’s active.
2. Take the Screenshot: Press Alt + PrtScn.
3. Save the Screenshot:
   • Open an image editor.
   • Paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V).
   • Save the file.

Using Windows Snipping Tool

The Windows Snipping Tool provides more flexibility for taking screenshots:

1. Open Snipping Tool: Type “Snipping Tool” in the Windows search bar and select it from the results.
2. Choose the Snip Type:
   • Free-form Snip: Draw a free-form shape around the area you want to capture.
   • Rectangular Snip: Drag the cursor to form a rectangle.
   • Window Snip: Capture a specific window.
   • Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
3. Capture the Screenshot:
   • Select the type of snip you want.
   • The screen will fade, and you can select the area you want to capture.
4. Save the Screenshot:
   • The snip is automatically opened in the Snipping Tool.
   • Click File > Save As to save the screenshot.

Using Snip & Sketch

Windows 10 introduces Snip & Sketch, which provides even more functionality:

1. Open Snip & Sketch: Press Windows + Shift + S or search for “Snip & Sketch” in the Windows search bar.
2. Choose the Snip Type:
   • The screen will dim, and a small menu will appear at the top.
   • Choose between Rectangular Snip, Freeform Snip, Window Snip, or Fullscreen Snip.
3. Capture the Screenshot:
   • Select the desired snip type.
   • Use the cursor to select the area or window you want to capture.
4. Edit and Save:
   • The snip is copied to the clipboard and a notification appears.
   • Click on the notification to open the screenshot in Snip & Sketch.
   • Edit as needed and save the screenshot by clicking the save icon or pressing Ctrl + S.

Using Windows Game Bar

For gamers or anyone wanting to capture screenshots while using apps:

1. Open Game Bar: Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Take the Screenshot: Click on the camera icon in the Game Bar or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn.
3. Find Your Screenshot:
   • Screenshots taken with Game Bar are saved in Videos > Captures by default.

Using Third-Party Applications

Several third-party applications can enhance your screenshot capabilities, offering features like annotations, cloud storage, and advanced editing tools:

Lightshot

1. Install Lightshot: Download and install Lightshot from its official website.
2. Take a Screenshot: Press the PrtScn key.
3. Edit and Save:

• Drag to select the area you want to capture.
• Use Lightshot’s tools to edit the screenshot.
• Save the image or upload it to the cloud.

Greenshot

1. Install Greenshot: Download and install Greenshot from its official website.
2. Configure Settings: Open Greenshot and configure the settings to suit your needs.
3. Take a Screenshot:
   • Press the designated keyboard shortcut (default is PrtScn for full screen).
   • Select the area or window to capture.
4. Save and Edit: Greenshot offers various options to save, upload, or open the screenshot in its editor.

Conclusion

Taking screenshots on a Dell PC is straightforward once you know the various methods available. From the basic Print Screen key to advanced tools like Snip & Sketch and third-party applications, you have numerous options to capture, edit, and save screenshots according to your needs. As I navigated through my new Dell PC, mastering these techniques greatly enhanced my productivity and ability to share information visually.