How to Take Screenshots on a Dell Laptop without the Print Screen Button

In today’s digital age, taking screenshots has become an essential skill for many computer users. Whether you want to capture an interesting article, save an important piece of information, or share something visually with others, knowing how to take screenshots is invaluable. However, if you’re using a Dell laptop without a dedicated Print Screen button, you might be wondering how to accomplish this task. Fear not, as we are here to guide you through the process of taking screenshots on a Dell laptop even without the Print Screen button.

Using the Windows Snipping Tool

The Windows Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot tool that comes pre-installed on most Windows operating systems. To take a screenshot on your Dell laptop without the Print Screen button using this tool, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Snipping Tool: Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar. Click on the Snipping Tool app to open it.
2. Choose the Snip Type: In the Snipping Tool window, click on the “New” button. This will allow you to select the type of snip you want to take, such as a rectangular snip, free-form snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
3. Capture the Screenshot: Once you’ve selected the snip type, use your mouse to draw a rectangle around the area of the screen you want to capture. Release the mouse button to capture the screenshot.
4. Save the Screenshot: After capturing the screenshot, the Snipping Tool window will open with your screenshot displayed. Click on the “File” menu and select “Save As” to save the screenshot to your desired location on your Dell laptop.

Utilizing Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to take screenshots, there are several options available on Dell laptops. These shortcuts are convenient and can help you capture your screen quickly. Here are two popular keyboard shortcuts you can use:

1. Alt + Print Screen: Pressing the “Alt” key together with the “Print Screen” key allows you to capture a screenshot of the currently active window. After pressing the keys simultaneously, the screenshot will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an image editing program or document.
2. Windows Key + Shift + S: This keyboard shortcut is specific to Windows 10 and provides a more versatile way to capture screenshots. Pressing the Windows key, Shift key, and the “S” key simultaneously will dim the screen and allow you to select a portion of the screen to capture. The screenshot will be saved to your clipboard, and you can paste it wherever you need it.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools

In addition to the built-in options, you can also explore third-party screenshot tools that offer more advanced features and customization options. These tools often provide additional functionalities, such as annotating screenshots, capturing scrolling web pages, and recording screen activity. Some popular third-party screenshot tools include:

1. Snagit: Snagit is a powerful screen capture and image editing software that enables you to capture screenshots with ease. It offers a range of capture options, including full-screen, region, and scrolling capture. Snagit also provides various editing tools to enhance your screenshots and add annotations.
2. Lightshot: Lightshot is a lightweight and user-friendly screenshot tool that allows you to capture and share screenshots effortlessly. With Lightshot, you can select a specific area, capture the entire screen, or even capture a specific window. It also offers basic editing features, such as adding text and highlighting areas.

Using third-party screenshot tools can provide you with more flexibility and options tailored to your specific needs.

Also read: How to Connect Two Monitors to a Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide

FAQ’s

How to take a screenshot on a Dell laptop with Windows 10?

To take a screenshot on a Dell laptop running Windows 10, you can use one of the following methods:

Method 1: 

1. Locate the “Print Screen” (PrtScn) key on your Dell laptop’s keyboard. It is usually located in the upper right corner, above the “Insert” and “Delete” keys.
2. Press the “Print Screen” key. This will capture the entire screen and save it to the clipboard.

Method 2: 

1. Open the window or application that you want to capture.
2. Press the “Alt” and “Print Screen” keys simultaneously. This will capture the active window and save it to the clipboard.

Method 3: 

1. Click on the “Start” button in the bottom left corner of your screen and type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar.
2. Open the “Snipping Tool” application from the search results.
3. Click on “New” in the Snipping Tool window.
4. Use your cursor to select the desired area of the screen to capture.
5. Once you’ve selected the area, the captured screenshot will appear in the Snipping Tool window.
6. Click on “File” and select “Save As” to save the screenshot to your preferred location on your Dell laptop.

Method 4: 

1. Press the “Windows” key and “Shift” key simultaneously.
2. Your screen will fade, and the cursor will change to a crosshair.
3. Use the crosshair to select the desired area of the screen to capture.
4. The captured screenshot will be saved to the clipboard.

After capturing the screenshot using any of the methods above, you can paste it into an image editing software, a document, or an email by pressing “Ctrl” + “V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste.”

Conclusion