If you are a Dell laptop user who works with Windows 8, taking a screenshot may seem difficult if you are not familiar with the operating system. Perhaps you need to take a screenshot to show someone an error message you have received, or to take a snapshot of a particular something on your screen. In this blog post, we walk you through a few methods you can use to take a screenshot in your Dell laptop with Windows 8.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Taking Screenshot in Windows 8:
Taking a screenshot in other Windows versions is relatively easy. Sometimes it’s as simple as hitting the “Print Screen” button. However, with Windows 8, things are a bit more complicated. Screenshotting tools are not clearly marked, and the Windows 8 interface is drastically different from previous versions of operating systems. The task of taking a screenshot is ultimately the same, but the method has changed.
Things You Should Prepare for:
In order to take a screenshot in Windows 8 on your Dell laptop, you need to know that you will have to do three things. First, you will have to find the PrtScn button on your keyboard. Second, you will have to open an image-editing program like Paint or Photoshop. And third, you will need to know how to paste the image from your clipboard to the editing program.
Method 1: Using the Windows 8 Snipping Tool
Before starting, let’s outline some of the pros and cons of this method:
Pros:
- You can take a screenshot of specific areas on your screen
- You can set a time delay of up to 5 seconds after clicking “New” to open the snipping software
Cons:
- You have to open the Snipping Tool first, which can take a few clicks to get there
- You cannot edit the screenshot with the Snipping Tool
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and type “Snipping Tool” in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on the Snipping Tool icon that appears.
Step 3: Click on the “New” button in the upper left-hand corner.
Step 4: Use your cursor to drag a rectangular shape around the area you want to capture.
Step 5: You’ll see the captured screen inside the Snipping Tool interface.
Step 6: Save the screenshot to a location of your choice.
Method 2: Using Windows + Print Screen Button
Before starting, let’s outline some of the pros and cons of this method:
Pros:
- You can take a screenshot of the entire screen area
- The screenshot is automatically saved to your computer’s hard drive
Cons:
- You cannot edit the screenshot before it is saved to your hard drive
- You may have to sift through several files to locate your saved screenshot
Step 1: On your keyboard, locate the “Windows” button (usually between “Ctrl” and “Alt”) as well as the “Print Screen” button.
Step 2: Hold down the “Windows” button and hit the “Print Screen” button.
Step 3: The screen will blink to indicate your screenshot was taken.
Step 4: Open an image editing program like Paint or Photoshop.
Step 5: Paste the copied image into the program.
Step 6: Edit or crop your screenshot as needed and save to your computer.
Method 3: Using the Windows Snipping Shortcut (Windows + Shift + S)
Before starting, let’s outline some of the pros and cons of this method:
Pros:
- Similar to Method 1, you can highlight specific areas on your screen
- You do not have to leave whatever window you’re currently working in to take the screenshot
Cons:
- You have to remember a keyboard shortcut to launch the snipping tool, which can be difficult to remember
- Not as versatile as method 1, for example, you cannot set a time delay before the screenshot is taken
Step 1: Make sure the window or area of your screen you want to capture is open and in view.
Step 2: Hold down the “Windows” + “Shift” + “S” keys at the same time.
Step 3:Your screen will go dim and a small bar will appear at the top of your screen.
Step 4: Use your cursor to click and drag out the area you want to capture.
Step 5: Your screenshot will be copied to your clipboard.
Step 6: Open an image editing program like Paint or Photoshop.
Step 7: Paste the copied image into the program.
Step 8: Edit or crop your screenshot as needed and save to your computer.
Why Can’t I Take a Screenshot on My Dell Laptop – Solutions?
1. Check if you’ve pressed the right key combination or used the right method
2. Check if the PrtScn button on your keyboard is broken or not working
3. Check if your computer is running low on memory or hard disk space
4. Check if there is any anti-virus software that is automatically disabling the Snipping Tool or other operating system components
5. Check if the Snipping Tool is disabled from the Registry Editor
Additional Tips
In order to avoid confusion and difficulty in locating your saved screenshots, it is good practice to put them in a separate folder named “Screenshots.” When cropping and editing your images, it may be helpful to zoom in on the image if you need to make precise edits.
5 FAQs About Taking Screenshot in Windows 8 on Dell Laptop
Q1. What do I do if I can’t save the screenshot using the snipping tool?
A1. Make sure that you’re not trying to save the file in a location that requires administrator permissions. You can save the file anywhere else, such as the desktop or your downloads folder.
Q2. Can I use the snipping tool to screenshot on a webpage?
A2. Yes, you can use the snipping tool to take a screenshot on a webpage. We recommend taking a screenshot of the entire webpage rather than a particular section.
Q3. Is it possible to customize the file quality of the screenshot?
A3. No, you cannot customize the file quality of your screenshot when using the snipping tool. The image will be saved at its original quality to the designated folder
Q4. Can I take screenshots of videos that are playing on my computer?
A4. Yes, you can take screenshots of videos that are playing on your computer. However, since screenshots capture still images, the screenshot may not accurately capture the video itself.
Q5. Does Windows come with any keyboard shortcuts for taking screenshots?
A5. Yes, Windows comes with several keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys that allow you to capture different areas of the screen.
In Conclusion:
Taking a screenshot in Microsoft Windows 8 on a Dell laptop can seem tricky at first. But with these methods, you’ll be able to take screenshots with ease and have them saved in your desired location. Whether you want to capture an error message, a specific visual, or just keep a record of something, these methods will do the job. With a little practice, you will be able to take a screenshot quickly and efficiently for whatever purpose you may need it.
