The fastest way: Print Screen and Paste

The simplest method on any Dell computer is to press the Print Screen key (labeled PrtScn or PrtSc on your keyboard), then open an image editor or document and paste. On most Dell laptops and desktops, Print Screen captures your entire screen and stores it in your clipboard — you do not see a confirmation, but the image is ready to paste.

Find the Print Screen key in the upper right area of your keyboard, usually above the number pad on a desktop or near the function keys on a laptop. Press it once, then open Paint, Word, an email, or any program that accepts images. Use Ctrl+V to paste the screenshot where you need it.

This method works on every Dell computer running Windows. The screenshot includes everything visible on your screen at that moment — your desktop, open windows, taskbar, and all.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Print Screen to capture your entire screen, then paste it into Paint, Word, or any image editor using Ctrl+V.
  • Use Alt+Print Screen to capture only the active window instead of your whole screen.
  • Windows 11 and Windows 10 include Snip & Sketch, which lets you capture a specific area, window, or full screen and edit before saving.
  • The Snipping Tool (older Windows versions) and Snip & Sketch both save screenshots as files automatically, unlike Print Screen which requires you to paste.
  • On Dell laptops with Fn key, you may need to hold Fn while pressing Print Screen if Print Screen alone does not work.

Capture only the active window with Alt+Print Screen

If you have multiple windows open and want to capture only one, hold Alt and press Print Screen at the same time. This captures just the window you are currently using, not the entire screen behind it.

This is useful when you want to screenshot a single email, document, or process without showing your desktop or other open programs. Like the full Print Screen method, the image goes into your clipboard and you paste it with Ctrl+V.

Use Snip & Sketch for more control (Windows 10 and 11)

Dell computers running Windows 10 or Windows 11 include Snip & Sketch, a built-in tool that lets you choose what to capture before you take the screenshot. Press Windows key + Shift + S to open it.

When you press this combination, your screen dims and a toolbar appears at the top. You can select rectangular capture (drag a box around what you want), freeform capture (draw any shape), window capture (click a specific window), or full-screen capture. After you capture, a small preview appears in the lower right corner — click it to edit, crop, or draw on the screenshot before saving.

Snip & Sketch saves your screenshot as a file on your computer automatically, so you do not have to paste it into another program. You can also copy it to your clipboard from the preview window if you prefer to paste it elsewhere.

The Snipping Tool for older Windows versions

If your Dell computer runs Windows 7 or an older version of Windows 10, you may have the Snipping Tool instead of Snip & Sketch. Open it by typing "Snipping Tool" into your Start menu search box.

The Snipping Tool works similarly to Snip & Sketch — you choose a capture mode (rectangular, freeform, window, or full screen), select what you want to capture, and the tool saves it as a file. The main difference is that Snipping Tool is a separate window rather than an overlay, and it does not include as many editing options.

On Dell laptops: using Fn with Print Screen

Some Dell laptop models require you to hold the Fn key while pressing Print Screen because Print Screen shares a key with another function. If pressing Print Screen alone does not work, try Fn+Print Screen instead.

You can also check your keyboard — if Print Screen is printed in a smaller font or a different color than the main key label, it is likely a secondary function that requires Fn. After you press Fn+Print Screen, paste the image the same way: Ctrl+V into your program of choice.

Save your screenshot as a file

If you use Print Screen or Alt+Print Screen, the image lives only in your clipboard until you paste it. To keep it permanently, paste it into an image editor like Paint (built into Windows), then save the file.

Open Paint by typing "Paint" into your Start menu. Paste your screenshot with Ctrl+V, then go to File and select Save As. Choose a location on your computer (your Documents folder or Desktop are common choices), give the file a name, and click Save. Paint saves it as a PNG or BMP file by default.

If you use Snip & Sketch or the Snipping Tool, screenshots are saved as files automatically — you do not need to paste and save separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does nothing happen when I press Print Screen?

Print Screen copies to your clipboard but does not show a visual confirmation. The image is there — you just need to paste it. Open Paint, Word, or another program and press Ctrl+V. If nothing appears, try Fn+Print Screen instead (common on Dell laptops), or use Snip & Sketch (Windows key + Shift + S) which shows when ready feedback.

Can I take a screenshot of just part of my screen?

Yes. Use Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11) or the Snipping Tool (older Windows) and select rectangular capture, then drag a box around the area you want. Print Screen captures your entire screen, so it is not the right tool for partial screenshots.

Where do my screenshots get saved?

Print Screen and Alt+Print Screen do not save files — they copy to your clipboard only. You must paste them into a program and save manually. Snip & Sketch and the Snipping Tool save automatically to your Pictures folder or a location you choose when you save.

Can I edit a screenshot after I take it?

Yes, if you use Snip & Sketch or the Snipping Tool — both show an editing window where you can crop, draw, or highlight before saving. If you use Print Screen, paste the image into Paint and edit there. Print Screen itself does not include editing options.

What is the difference between Print Screen and Snip & Sketch?

Print Screen is faster and requires fewer steps, but captures your entire screen and requires you to paste into another program. Snip & Sketch lets you choose what to capture, edit before saving, and saves as a file automatically. Use Print Screen for speed; use Snip & Sketch when you need control.