How to Fix and Find the Snipping Tool in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

The Snipping Tool is a handy feature in Windows 10 that allows you to capture screenshots easily. Sometimes, you might find it missing or not working properly. This guide will help you find and fix the Snipping Tool step-by-step.

Whether you need to capture a part of your screen or troubleshoot why the tool is not opening, these instructions cover everything. No technical knowledge is needed, and each step is explained clearly.

Follow along carefully to restore or locate the Snipping Tool on your Windows 10 PC. By the end of this guide, you should be able to use this feature without any issues.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into fixes.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date. Updates can fix bugs affecting system tools like the Snipping Tool.
Check if you are logged in as an administrator or have sufficient permissions, as limited user accounts may restrict access to some apps.
Remember, Windows 10 also includes a newer app called Snip & Sketch, which might replace the Snipping Tool in some updates.
Try restarting your computer before following the troubleshooting steps; a simple reboot often resolves minor issues.

How to Find the Snipping Tool in Windows 10

Step 1: Use the Start Menu Search

Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type Snipping Tool into the search bar. The tool should appear in the search results.

Why this matters: Using search is the quickest way to locate the app if it is installed on your system.

Step 2: Look in the Windows Accessories Folder

If the search does not show the Snipping Tool, click the Start button, then scroll down to Windows Accessories. The Snipping Tool should be listed there.

This is where many built-in Windows apps are grouped, so it’s worth checking manually.

Step 3: Use the Run Command

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type snippingtool and hit Enter.

If the Snipping Tool opens, it means the app is available but may be hidden from the Start menu or search.

How to Fix the Snipping Tool if It’s Not Opening or Missing

Step 1: Check for Windows Updates

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to Update & Security, then click Check for updates. If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Sometimes, missing or malfunctioning apps are fixed with system updates.

Step 2: Use the Windows Store Troubleshooter

Some versions of the Snipping Tool are linked to Windows Store apps. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run the troubleshooter.

This tool can detect and fix problems with apps from the Microsoft Store.

Step 3: Repair or Reset the Snip & Sketch App

Since Windows 10 is transitioning to Snip & Sketch, repairing or resetting this app can help if Snipping Tool is not working.

Open Settings and go to Apps & Features.
Find Snip & Sketch in the list.
Click it and select Advanced options.
Click Repair. If that doesn’t help, try Reset.

This process can fix corrupted app files that stop the tool from launching.

Step 4: Reinstall Snip & Sketch App

If repair and reset don’t work, you can uninstall and reinstall the app.

In Apps & Features, select Snip & Sketch and click Uninstall.
Open the Microsoft Store app.
Search for Snip & Sketch and click Get to reinstall.

This ensures you have the latest version installed and can solve persistent issues.

Step 5: Use System File Checker (SFC) to Fix Corrupted Files

Sometimes, system files related to the Snipping Tool may be corrupted. Running the System File Checker can repair these.

Type cmd in the Start menu search.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the command window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions given.

This tool scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted ones.

Alternative Methods to Capture Screenshots

If you cannot fix the Snipping Tool immediately, here are other ways to capture your screen:

Snip & Sketch Shortcut: Press Windows key + Shift + S to open a snip toolbar that lets you capture part of your screen.
Print Screen (PrtScn) Key: Pressing this key copies the entire screen to the clipboard, which you can paste into Paint or another image editor.
Windows + Print Screen: This saves a screenshot directly to your Pictures > Screenshots folder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why can’t I find the Snipping Tool in Windows 10?

A: It may be hidden, removed during updates, or replaced by Snip & Sketch. Try searching, checking Windows Accessories, or using the Run command.

Q: What is the difference between Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch?

A: Snip & Sketch is a newer app with additional features and is gradually replacing the Snipping Tool in Windows 10.

Q: How can I open the Snipping Tool quickly?

A: Use the search box, the Run command (snippingtool), or pin the app to your taskbar for faster access.

Q: The Snipping Tool opens but crashes immediately. What should I do?

A: Try repairing or resetting Snip & Sketch, running System File Checker, or updating Windows to fix the issue.

Q: Can I create a shortcut to Snipping Tool on my desktop?

A: Yes. Right-click the Snipping Tool in the Start menu, choose More, then Open file location. From there, right-click the Snipping Tool shortcut and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the Snipping Tool still does not work or cannot be found, consider the following:

Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Creating a new account can restore default app access.
Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run relevant troubleshooters.
Use Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for detailed help.
Consider system restore: If the tool stopped working recently, restoring your system to an earlier point might fix the issue.

Conclusion

The Snipping Tool is a useful feature for capturing screenshots in Windows 10. If it’s missing or not working, simple steps like searching for it, checking updates, repairing apps, or running system scans can often fix the problem. Alternative screenshot methods are also available if you need to capture your screen immediately.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to find, fix, or replace the Snipping Tool on your computer. Remember to keep your system updated and use the troubleshooting tools Windows provides for the best experience.