Whether you’re troubleshooting, recording a how-to guide, or showcasing an engaging piece of content on your monitor, screenshots have become an indispensable tool in our digital world.
For users with dual monitor setups on Windows 10 or Windows 11, specifically on Dell computers, the process of taking a screenshot of only one monitor may not be straightforward.
Luckily, this comprehensive guide will break down eight different methods, providing detailed steps to help you master this task in no time.
Use the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key:
One of the easiest ways to take a screenshot in Windows is to use the Print Screen key. However, this method captures the entire screen across all monitors. To screenshot only one monitor:
- Click on the specific window you want to screenshot to make it active.
- Press Alt + PrtScn. This will capture only the active window, even if you have a dual monitor setup.
The Snipping Tool:
The Snipping Tool is a utility available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, allowing users to capture specific parts of their screen.
- Open the Snipping Tool from the Start Menu or by searching it in the Search Box.
- Click on ‘New’ and select the type of snip you want to use: free-form, rectangular, window, or full-screen.
- Drag the cursor around the area (or window) you want to capture on the monitor of your choice.
Snip & Sketch:
Snip & Sketch, the successor to the Snipping Tool, comes preinstalled in Windows 10 and Windows 11 and has more features.
- Open Snip & Sketch from the Start Menu or by pressing Win + Shift + S.
- Select the type of snip you want, then use your mouse to capture the desired area on the screen.
Windows Game Bar:
Primarily designed for gamers, the Windows Game Bar offers powerful screenshot tools.
- Press Win + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click on the ‘Capture’ button and then ‘Capture screenshot.’
- This will screenshot your entire screen across all monitors, so you’ll need to crop the image using an image editor to isolate the monitor you wish to capture.
Third-Party Software:
Several third-party programs offer powerful screen capture tools, such as Lightshot, Snagit, and Greenshot. These tools offer various screenshot modes, including capturing a specific monitor in a dual-monitor setup.
Windows 11 Direct Screenshot:
Windows 11 introduces a direct method for capturing screenshots.
- Press Win + Shift + S to bring up the screenshot toolbar.
- Select the desired capture method and select the screen you want to capture.
Using Dell’s Built-in Features:
Dell computers often come with Dell’s own screenshot tool, ‘Dell ScreenDr.’ Open the program and select the area you want to capture.
Advanced Tip – PowerShell Script:
For users comfortable with coding, a PowerShell script can be written to capture a screenshot of a specific monitor. This method provides the most control but requires advanced knowledge.
Conclusion:
While Windows doesn’t offer a built-in tool specifically designed for capturing screenshots from one monitor in a dual setup, there are plenty of methods and tools to accomplish this task.
From basic keyboard shortcuts and built-in utilities to third-party software, the best method depends on your specific needs and technical comfort level.
Whether you’re a Windows 10 or Windows 11 user, this guide has you covered for the perfect screenshot on your Dell dual-screen setup.
