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In today’s world, screenshotting has become an essential aspect of our lives. Not only does it help in saving memories with friends, family, and coworkers, but it also helps in sharing important details with others. Although taking a screenshot may seem like an easy task, many still find it challenging to do so.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the various methods available for taking screenshots on a Dell laptop running Windows 7. We will also cover some common reasons why taking a screenshot may fail and suggest solutions to fix them. By the end of this post, you will be able to screenshot on your Dell laptop with ease.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Screenshot on Dell Laptop Windows 7
Windows 7 is one of the most used operating systems on Dell laptops due to its simplicity and user-friendliness. However, many users still struggle with taking screenshots on their laptops. This challenge could be as a result of not knowing the correct keyboard shortcuts or the wrong process.
Capturing screenshots on a Dell laptop running Windows 7 can be difficult if you don’t know how to go about it. But worry not, as we have put together several methods that you can use to take screenshots. Let’s dive in!
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we discuss the different methods of taking a screenshot on a Dell laptop running Windows 7, there are a few things that you need to prepare for. These things include:
- A fully charged Dell laptop running Windows 7
- An active program or window that you want to capture in the screenshot
- Enough storage space on your hard drive to save the screenshots
Method 1: Using the Print Screen Button
The first method of taking a screenshot on a Dell laptop running Windows 7 involves using the print screen button. Follow the steps below:
1. Locate the "PrtScn" key on your keyboard. It is usually found on the top right corner of the keyboard.
2. Press the "PrtScn" key to capture a screenshot of the full screen.
3. To capture only a specific window, click on the window to make it active and then press "Alt + PrtScn".
4. Open the program where you want to paste the screenshot, such as Microsoft Paint or Word.
5. Press "Ctrl + V" to paste the screenshot.
6. Save the screenshot by clicking "File" > "Save As" and then giving it a name.
Pros:
- Easy and quick to use
- Can capture entire screen or a specific window
Cons:
- The screenshot may need to be edited to crop or highlight specific areas
- The function keys vary across different Dell laptop models
Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in program in Windows 7 that allows you to capture screenshots with ease. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Start menu and search for "Snipping Tool" and then open it from the search results.
2. Click "New" in the Snipping Tool window.
3. Click on the area of the screen that you want to capture.
4. Click "File" > "Save As" and give the captured screenshot a name.
Pros:
- Can capture a specific region of the screen, not just the full screen or one window
- Has basic editing tools like a pen and eraser to annotate the screenshot
- Can save the screenshot in various formats like PNG, JPEG, or GIF
Cons:
- The Snipping Tool might not be available on some Dell laptop models
- Multiple clicks may be required to capture the screenshot
Method 3: Using Windows + Print Screen
This method involves using the Windows + Print Screen keyboard shortcut. Here’s how it works:
1. Press the Windows key + Print Screen. The screen will dim briefly to indicate that the screenshot has been captured.
2. Open the Pictures folder on your hard drive, and then go to "Screenshots".
3. Select the screenshot you just took and paste it into a program to view it.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to capture a full-screen screenshot
- The screenshot is automatically saved to the Pictures\Screenshots folder
Cons:
- Cannot capture only a specific window or select a region of the screen
- The screenshot may need to be edited to crop or highlight specific areas
Method 4: Using the Game Bar
Windows 10 comes with a built-in gaming feature called the Game Bar that can also be used to capture screenshots on Windows 7. Here is how to use it:
1. Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Click the "Screenshot" button on the Game Bar to capture the current screen.
3. Save the screenshot by clicking "File" > "Save As" and then giving it a name.
Pros:
- Can capture a specific game or application window without using a third-party app
- Has additional features like recording gameplay and audio
Cons:
- The Game Bar may not work for applications that are not recognized as games, which could limit its functionality
- The screenshot may need to be edited to crop or highlight specific areas
Why Can’t I Screenshot on My Dell Laptop Running Windows 7?
There are various reasons why taking a screenshot may fail on a Dell laptop running Windows 7. Here are some common reasons why you might be experiencing issues and their possible fixes.
Q1: Why is my PrtScn button not working on my Dell laptop running Windows 7?
A: The PrtScn button might not be working due to a hardware or driver issue. Try pressing the Fn key simultaneously with the PrtScn button. If this doesn’t work, update your Dell laptop’s keyboard drivers.
Q2: Why is my Snipping Tool not working on my Dell laptop running Windows 7?
A: The Snipping Tool might not be working due to a system error or corrupt files. Restart the laptop and try again. If it persists, run the System File Checker Tool and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool.
Q3: Why is my Game Bar not capturing screenshots on my Dell laptop running Windows 7?
A: The Game Bar might not be working because it was disabled or is incompatible with the application you are trying to capture. Update your Windows 7 or Dell laptop to the latest version.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to enhance your screenshotting experience on your Dell laptop running Windows 7:
1. Use keyboard shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts are handy and save time, especially when you need to take several screenshots in quick succession.
2. Use third-party software: Consider using third-party apps like Greenshot, Lightshot, or Snagit. They offer more advanced editing tools and allow for easy sharing.
3. Enable the Print Screen key: If the Print Screen key seems not to be working, try enabling it in the BIOS settings.
5 FAQs about How to Screenshot on Dell Laptop Windows 7
Q1: Where are the screenshots saved on my Dell laptop running Windows 7?
A: Screenshots taken with the PrtScn and Windows + PrtScn shortcuts are saved to the clipboard. Screenshots taken with the Snipping Tool and Game Bar are saved in the Pictures folder.
Q2: Can I edit the screenshots I take on a Dell laptop running Windows 7?
A: Yes, you can edit the screenshots using apps like Microsoft Paint or third-party software.
Q3: Do I need to use the Fn key with the PrtScn button?
A: Some Dell laptop models require the Fn key to be pressed simultaneously with the PrtScn button.
Q4: Can I take a partial screenshot on my Dell laptop running Windows 7?
A: Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or third-party software to capture a specific region of the screen.
Q5: Can I capture screenshots in Windows 7 without using the PrtScn key?
A: Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or Game Bar to capture screenshots without using the PrtScn key.
In Conclusion
Taking screenshots on a Dell laptop running Windows 7 can be challenging, especially if you don’t know the correct keyboard shortcuts or tools to use. In this post, we have discussed the various methods available for capturing screenshots on your Dell laptop running Windows 7 and highlighted common issues you may face and their solutions. With these methods and tips, taking screenshots on your Dell laptop running Windows 7 should be a breeze.