Short answer: To screenshot on a Dell laptop, press Windows + Shift + S and drag over the area. Windows + PrtScr saves a file instead. On many Dell keyboards we add Fn, because PrtScr shares a key with Insert. Fn + Esc toggles Fn Lock. We use Windows + Shift + S when the key is unclear.
To screenshot on a Dell laptop, look for PrtScr in the F-key row or on the Insert key, and hold Fn when it’s the second label. Windows + PrtScr saves the whole screen as a file in PicturesScreenshots. Fn + Esc toggles Fn Lock. No PrtScr anywhere? Dell’s own fallback is Fn + Insert, and Windows + Shift + S always works.
- PrtScr: the whole screen to the clipboard; add Fn if the key is shared.
- Windows + PrtScr: the whole screen saved as a PNG file at once.
- Alt + PrtScr: only the active window, to the clipboard.
- Fn + Insert: stands in for PrtScr on some Dell laptops and keyboards without the key.
- Fn + Windows + Space: a saved screenshot on keyboards without the key.
- Windows + Shift + S: part of the screen, a window or the full screen.
- Snipping Tool: delays, text actions and screen recording.
- Windows + Alt + PrtScr: the active app through Xbox Game Bar.
The shortcuts are Microsoft’s, from Keyboard shortcut for print screen and Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots.
Finding the key on a Dell keyboard
Dell prints the key as “PrtScr” and puts it in the top row on the right. On thin models such as XPS and Latitude we often find it on the Insert key, and the second label needs Fn.
| Where it is | What to press |
|---|---|
| Its own key, printed PrtScr | PrtScr alone, or with Windows or Alt |
| Shared with Insert or another label | Fn + PrtScr |
| No PrtScr on the keyboard | Fn + Windows + Space, or Windows + Shift + S |
Fn Lock with Fn + Esc
Dell laptops have a lock for the Fn layer. Fn + Esc switches it, and a small lock symbol on the Esc key marks the combination.
| Fn Lock state | Shared PrtScr key |
|---|---|
| Off | Needs Fn |
| On | Works without Fn; the F-keys need Fn instead |
If a shortcut worked yesterday and not today, this switch was pressed by accident. We find the same choice under Fn Lock Options in the BIOS setup.
What Dell’s support article says about PrtScr
Dell has its own knowledge base article on the Print Screen key, filed for Latitude, XPS and Inspiron. Most of it repeats the Windows shortcuts. The Dell parts are worth having in one place.
- Laptops. The key usually sits in the F-key row. Fn + F10 on some models, another F-key on others.
- Capacitive or lit function rows. The function layer may need switching on first, before PrtScr answers at all.
- No dedicated key. Fn + Insert on some laptops. Same on desktop keyboards such as the KM3322W.
- Windows tablets. Windows button + Volume Down, in Dell’s wording.
Desktop keyboards? Upper right corner, labelled PrintScreen, PrntScrn, PrtScn or close to it. The full article is How to Print Screen in Windows Using the Print Screen Key.
PrtScr shortcuts to screenshot on a Dell laptop
| Keys | Result | With a shared key |
|---|---|---|
| PrtScr | Whole screen to the clipboard | Fn + PrtScr |
| Windows + PrtScr | Whole screen saved as a PNG file | Fn + Windows + PrtScr |
| Alt + PrtScr | Active window to the clipboard | Fn + Alt + PrtScr |
A clipboard capture shows nothing on screen. Paste it with Ctrl + V into Paint or a chat to see it.
C:\Users\YourName\Pictures\ScreenshotsWith OneDrive’s folder backup on, Pictures sits inside OneDrive. Every folder by method is in where screenshots go on Windows 11.
Dell keys to try, in this order
Something didn’t capture? We’d walk down this list on a Dell before blaming the keyboard.
- PrtScr alone, then paste with Ctrl + V.
- Fn + PrtScr. The key is probably the second label.
- Fn + Esc once, then PrtScr again. Fn Lock may be set the other way.
- Fn + F10, or the F-key carrying the PrtScr print.
- Fn + Insert, the Dell fallback for keyboards without the key.
Five tries, a minute at most. Snipping Tool, Game Bar, the rest? Same as on any PC, all in how to screenshot on Windows.
Dell desktops and 2-in-1s
A full-size Dell keyboard has a plain Print Screen key, and no Fn to think about. On a 2-in-1 with the keyboard folded away, we open the Snipping Tool from Start and drag the selection with a finger.
When the screenshot key does nothing on a Dell laptop
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing happens | Shared key, or Fn Lock set the other way | Fn + PrtScr, or Fn + Esc |
| The snipping overlay opens | The Windows 11 Print Screen setting | Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard |
| Another program opens | That program took the key | Change its hotkey |
| Screen dims, no file | OneDrive moved Pictures | Look in OneDrive\Pictures\Screenshots |
| The key never registers | Keyboard | Test it on our online keyboard tester |
The full list of fixes, in order, is in Print Screen not working on Windows 11.
Related guides
- Every method for any PC: how to screenshot on Windows.
- Another make: screenshots on an HP laptop.
- Tablets without a keyboard: screenshots on a Surface.
- Keys in another language: changing the keyboard layout in Windows 11.
- Quick access to settings: Windows 11 Quick Settings.
- How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Windows
Dell ships laptops with Windows 11 Home or Pro; our overview of the Windows 11 editions shows the difference. For a laptop that should move up, we send the Windows 11 Pro key instant to email; every edition is under Windows 11 keys.
Common mistakes when you screenshot on a Dell laptop
- Pressing PrtScr on a shared key without Fn.
- Toggling Fn Lock by accident with Fn + Esc and blaming Windows.
- Expecting plain PrtScr to show something on screen.
- Looking in Pictures after a Game Bar capture.
Terms used on this page
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PrtScr | Dell’s label for the Print Screen key |
| Fn Lock | The switch, Fn + Esc on Dell, that fixes whether the top row needs Fn |
| Clipboard | Where copied content waits until you paste it |
| Overlay | The dimmed screen with the toolbar the Snipping Tool shows |
FAQ
How do I screenshot on a Dell laptop?
Press Windows + Shift + S and drag over the area. Or press Windows + PrtScr to save the whole screen as a file. We add Fn when the PrtScr key is shared with Insert.
Where is the Print Screen key on a Dell laptop?
In the top row on the right, printed PrtScr, often on the same key as Insert. The second label on a key is the one that needs Fn.
Why doesn't PrtScr work on my Dell laptop?
Usually the key is shared and needs Fn, or Fn Lock was toggled with Fn + Esc. We check the Windows 11 setting that opens the Snipping Tool next.
What does Fn + Esc do on a Dell?
It toggles Fn Lock. With the lock on, the shared keys work without Fn and the F-keys need it instead. A lock symbol on the Esc key marks the combination.
Where do screenshots go on a Dell laptop?
Windows + PrtScr and the Snipping Tool save to Pictures\Screenshots. Game Bar saves to Videos\Captures. With OneDrive backup on, Pictures is inside OneDrive.
How do I screenshot on a Dell without a Print Screen key?
Microsoft's shortcut page gives Fn + Windows + Space. Windows + Shift + S works on any keyboard, and we'd make that the habit.