How to Screenshot on Dell XPS (6 Easy Methods)

Updated October 2026 · Steps checked on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Quick answer: Press Windows + PrtScn to take a full screenshot on a Dell XPS. It saves automatically to Pictures → Screenshots. To capture just part of the screen, press Windows + Shift + S. If nothing happens, try Fn + Windows + PrtScn.

Whether you use a Dell XPS 13, XPS 13 Plus, XPS 14, XPS 15, XPS 16, or XPS 17, there are 6 built-in ways to capture your screen on Windows 10 and Windows 11, with no extra software needed.

In this guide you’ll find every method, where your screenshots are saved, what to do if screenshots aren’t working, and answers to the most common questions.

Where Is the PrtScn Key on a Dell XPS?

On most XPS models, PrtScn is in the top row of keys, often sharing a key with another function, so you may need to hold Fn.

On the XPS 13 Plus and the newer XPS 14 and XPS 16, the top row is a touch strip instead of physical keys. If you don’t see PrtScn there, press Fn to switch what the strip shows, or skip it and use Windows + Shift + S, which works without it.

Method 1: Windows Key + PrtScn (Full Screen, Saves Automatically)

This is the fastest method, and it saves your screenshot automatically.

Steps:

  1. Open the screen you want to capture
  2. Press Windows key + PrtScn at the same time
  3. Your screen dims briefly. That confirms the screenshot was taken.
  4. Open File Explorer → This PC → Pictures → Screenshots
  5. Your screenshot is saved there as a PNG file

Tip: If your screen doesn’t dim, try Fn + Windows key + PrtScn. On many XPS models, PrtScn shares a key with another function.

Also read: How to Screenshot on Dell Laptop

Method 2: Windows + Shift + S (Select Any Part of the Screen)

This is the most flexible method. It lets you capture exactly the area you want, and it works on every XPS, including models with a touch strip.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S at the same time
  2. Your screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top
  3. Choose your capture type:
    • Rectangle: drag to select any area
    • Freeform: draw any shape you want
    • Window: click to capture one open window
    • Full screen: captures everything instantly
  4. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard automatically
  5. A notification appears in the bottom-right corner. Click it to save or edit.

Best for: Capturing part of the screen or sharing quickly without saving a full file.

Method 3: PrtScn Key (Opens Snip Tool on Windows 11)

What the PrtScn key does depends on your Windows version.

On Windows 11 (all recent XPS models), pressing PrtScn opens the snip toolbar at the top of the screen:

  1. Press the PrtScn key (or Fn + PrtScn if it shares a key)
  2. The screen dims and a small toolbar appears
  3. Choose Rectangle, Window, Full screen, or Freeform
  4. Your screenshot is copied to the clipboard, and a preview pops up in the corner. Click it to edit or save.

On Windows 10, pressing PrtScn copies the full screen to your clipboard with no visible sign:

  1. Press PrtScn
  2. Open Paint, Word, or Gmail
  3. Press Ctrl + V to paste, then save with Ctrl + S

Want PrtScn to copy instantly instead (Windows 11)? Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard and turn off “Use the Print screen key to open screen capture.”

Also read: How to Screenshot on HP Laptop

Method 4: Alt + PrtScn (Active Window Only)

This captures only the window you’re working in, so your screenshot stays clean without background clutter.

Steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture
  2. Press Alt + PrtScn at the same time
  3. Open Paint or any image editor
  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste
  5. Save the file with Ctrl + S

Best for: Capturing one window without the taskbar or desktop in the background.

Method 5: Snipping Tool (Built-in Windows App)

The Snipping Tool gives you more control over your screenshots, including a timer delay that’s perfect for menus and tooltips.

Steps:

  1. Press the Start button and type Snipping Tool
  2. Open the app and click New (on Windows 11 it’s + New)
  3. Select the area you want to capture
  4. The screenshot opens in the editor
  5. Crop or annotate if needed, then press Ctrl + S (or click the save icon) to save it

Tip: Use the Delay option to capture a dropdown menu. Set a 3 or 5 second delay, click New, then open the menu before the timer runs out.

Method 6: Game Bar (Windows + G)

The Xbox Game Bar works on every Dell XPS, not just for gaming. It saves screenshots automatically.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar
  2. Click the camera icon in the Capture widget, or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn directly
  3. Your screenshot is saved automatically in This PC → Videos → Captures

Best for: Full-screen apps and games without interrupting what you’re doing.

Dell XPS Screenshot Shortcuts: Quick Reference

MethodShortcutSaves Automatically?Best For
Full screen + auto saveWindows + PrtScn✅ YesQuickest full screenshot
Select any areaWindows + Shift + S❌ Save from notificationPartial capture, touch-strip models
PrtScn keyPrtScn❌ Win 11: snip toolbar, Win 10: clipboardQuick captures
Active window onlyAlt + PrtScn❌ Paste manuallyOne clean window
Snipping ToolStart → Snipping Tool❌ Save manuallyEditing and delayed snips
Game BarWindows + G✅ YesGames and full-screen apps

Where Are Screenshots Saved on Dell XPS?

The save location depends on which method you used:

  • Windows + PrtScn → saved automatically to This PC → Pictures → Screenshots
  • Game Bar → saved automatically to This PC → Videos → Captures
  • PrtScn alone → Windows 11: opens the snip toolbar, then copies to clipboard. Windows 10: copies to clipboard. Paste and save.
  • Alt + PrtScn → copied to clipboard only. Paste and save.
  • Windows + Shift + S → copied to clipboard. Click the notification to save.
  • Snipping Tool → you choose the save location when you save

Screenshot Not Working on Dell XPS? Try These Fixes

Fix 1: Use Fn + PrtScn

On many XPS models, PrtScn shares a key with another function. Press Fn + PrtScn and try again.

Fix 2: Check If Fn Lock Is On

Dell XPS laptops have an Fn Lock feature. Press Fn + Esc to toggle it, then try your screenshot shortcut again.

Fix 3: Can’t Find PrtScn on the Touch Strip?

On the XPS 13 Plus, XPS 14, and XPS 16, the top row is a touch strip. Press Fn to switch what it shows, or use Windows + Shift + S, which doesn’t need the PrtScn key at all.

Fix 4: Use Windows + Shift + S as a Backup

If PrtScn doesn’t respond at all, press Windows + Shift + S. It works on every Dell XPS regardless of keyboard layout.

Fix 5: Check If OneDrive Is Saving Your Screenshots

On some XPS laptops, OneDrive saves screenshots to the cloud instead of your Pictures folder. If your screenshots seem to disappear, open OneDrive Settings → Backup and check where screenshots are being saved.

Fix 6: Run Dell SupportAssist

Most XPS laptops come with Dell SupportAssist. Open it from the Start menu and run a hardware check to see if the keyboard is working properly.

Fix 7: Update Your Drivers

An outdated driver can stop keyboard shortcuts from working. Go to Device Manager → Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and choose Update driver. You can also enter your XPS model or service tag on Dell Support to download the latest drivers.

Fix 8: Restart Your Dell XPS

A simple restart fixes most temporary problems. Save your work, restart, and try again.

Screenshot Guides for Other Laptops

Using a different laptop too? These guides cover each brand’s keyboard layout and shortcuts:

For drivers and manuals, visit Dell XPS Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I screenshot on Dell XPS?

Press Windows + PrtScn to take a full screenshot that saves automatically to Pictures → Screenshots. To capture part of the screen, press Windows + Shift + S.

How do I screenshot on Dell XPS 13?

Press Windows + PrtScn for a full auto-saved screenshot. If that doesn’t work, try Fn + Windows + PrtScn, since the compact XPS 13 keyboard often shares PrtScn with another key. On the XPS 13 Plus, use Windows + Shift + S if you can’t find PrtScn on the touch strip.

How do I screenshot on Dell XPS 15?

Press Windows + PrtScn to capture and save the full screen, or Windows + Shift + S to select an area. The Game Bar (Windows + G) also works well for full-screen apps and games.

How do I screenshot on Dell XPS 17?

All standard Windows shortcuts work. Press Windows + PrtScn for a full screenshot or Windows + Shift + S to select a specific area of the large display.

Where do screenshots go on Dell XPS?

Screenshots taken with Windows + PrtScn save to This PC → Pictures → Screenshots. Screenshots taken with PrtScn alone or Windows + Shift + S are copied to the clipboard, so paste and save them yourself.

Why is my Dell XPS screenshot not working?

The most common causes are the Fn key and Fn Lock. Try Fn + PrtScn, or press Fn + Esc to toggle Fn Lock. If neither works, Windows + Shift + S works on every Dell XPS.

How do I take a scrolling screenshot on Dell XPS?

Windows doesn’t have a built-in scrolling screenshot. The easiest option is Microsoft Edge: open the page, press Ctrl + Shift + S, and choose Capture full page. For apps other than the browser, the free tool ShareX has a scrolling capture mode.

More options: How to Take a Scrolling Screenshot on Windows

How do I screenshot on Dell XPS without a Print Screen key?

Press Windows + Shift + S to capture any part of the screen, or Fn + Windows + Space, which Microsoft lists as the shortcut for keyboards without a PrtScn key. You can also open the On-Screen Keyboard (search “osk” in the Start menu) and click its PrtScn button.

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