Introduction
Screenshots are one of the most convenient ways of sharing information on a Dell laptop. It captures an image of everything that’s on your laptop’s screen, making it easier to share with other people. Taking a screenshot on a Dell laptop can be a common issue people come across. Therefore, in this article, we’ll explain different methods to take screenshots on a Dell laptop. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each method and include screenshots to illustrate each step, making it easier for you to capture whatever you need.
Method One: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
Using keyboard shortcuts to take screenshots is the most commonly used method as it’s simple, quick and it doesn’t require any additional software. Follow the steps below:
1. Press the “PrtScn” key on your keyboard.
2. Alternatively, you can press “Fn + PrtScn” to capture the entire screen.
3. To capture a particular section on your screen, press “Windows key+ Shift + S,” and you will see a menu bar at the top of the screen. Select the area you want to capture by dragging your cursor over it.
4. Your screenshot is saved to the clipboard, so you can paste it onto an image editing software like Paint.
Method Two: Using the Windows Snipping Tool
Windows Snipping Tool is an in-built utility in Windows that helps take screenshots and even freehand drawings. Follow these steps to use it:
1. Navigate to the “Start” button and type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar.
2. Select the “Snipping Tool” application from the search results.
3. Select the type of screenshot you want to capture using the drop-down menu, including free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen.
4. Once you’ve selected the type of screenshot, click “New” to start the capture.
5. Use your cursor to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
6. Finally, click “File” > “Save As” > “Select file format” and then save the screenshot in your preferred file format.
Method Three: Using the Dell Support Center
Dell laptops come with an in-built utility called “Dell Support Center” that helps you to maintain and optimize your laptop’s performance. You can use it to take a screenshot. Follow these steps to use it:
1. Open the Dell Support Center.
2. Click the “Run Diagnostic” button on the home screen.
3. Select the “Capture Screen” option under the “Diagnostic Utilities” menu.
4. Use your cursor to select the portion of the screen you want to capture and save it to your preferred location.
Method Four: Using the Grab Utility for MacBooks or Other Apple Devices
If you have a MacBook or other Apple device, you can use the Grab Utility tool to take screenshots, even on a Dell laptop. Follow these steps to use it:
1. Navigate to the “Finder” tool on your MacBook.
2. Click on “Applications > Utilities” and then select “Grab”.
3. Click “Capture” in the top menu bar.
4. Choose the type of screenshot you want to take.
5. Save the screenshot in your preferred location.
Method Five: Using a Third-Party Screenshot Tool
Sometimes, built-in utilities might not provide you with the necessary functionalities you need when taking a screenshot. In that case, you can use a third-party tool such as “Lightshot” or “Snagit,” both of which are compatible with Dell laptops. Follow these steps to use Lightshot:
1. Download and install Lightshot.
2. Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
3. Press the “PrtScr” key to activate Lightshot.
4. Use your cursor to select the portion of the screen you want to capture.
5. Click the “Save” button on the bottom right to save your screenshot.
Method Six: Using Cloud Storage Services and Screenshots
You can also store and share your screenshots using cloud storage services. Some popular services include Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Follow these steps to save your screenshot to Google Drive:
1. Take a screenshot using any of the above methods.
2. Navigate to Google Drive and sign in.
3. Click the “Upload files” button on the dashboard.
4. Select the file you want to upload, and it will be saved to your Google Drive.
Method Seven: Troubleshooting Common Screenshot Issues on Dell Laptops
Sometimes, you might encounter some issues while capturing a screenshot on your Dell laptop. Here are common issues and their solutions:
1. “PrtScn” button not working: Try pressing the “Fn” Key + “PrtScn” or “Windows” + “PrtScn” keys. If the issue persists, update your laptop’s drivers.
2. Unable to locate Snipping Tool: Search for it using the “Start” button, or you can install or re-install it from the “Windows Features” settings.
Conclusion
There you have it! With these seven methods, capturing a screenshot on your Dell laptop is now an easy task. Whether you prefer to use the keyboard shortcut or third-party tools, all methods have been covered. Additionally, cloud storage services are a great way of storing and sharing screenshots. If you encounter any issues, troubleshoot using our tips. Go ahead and give these methods a try.
