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Windows 11 introduced many changes, including moving some familiar tools like the Snipping Tool. If you’re used to the old location or method, it might feel confusing at first. But don’t worry — using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is still simple once you know where to find it and how to use it.

This guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step. You’ll learn how to open the Snipping Tool, capture screenshots, and save or share them easily.

Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, these instructions are clear and easy to follow. Let’s get started!

By the end, you’ll be comfortable using the Snipping Tool in its new Windows 11 home.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Updates sometimes fix issues with built-in apps like the Snipping Tool.
• Know that the Snipping Tool replaced the older Snip & Sketch app but combines features from both.
• Have your keyboard handy — some shortcuts make using the tool faster.
• The Snipping Tool works best for capturing small parts of your screen or the entire screen quickly.

How to Open the Snipping Tool in Windows 11

First, you need to find and open the Snipping Tool. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start button (the Windows icon) on your taskbar, usually at the bottom center of your screen.
2. Type “Snipping Tool” in the search box that appears. As you type, Windows will show matching results.
3. Click on the Snipping Tool app from the list to open it.

Why this matters: Finding the app through search is the fastest way since the Snipping Tool is no longer pinned by default. You can also pin it yourself for easier access later.

Alternative Method: Using Keyboard Shortcut

You can quickly open the Snipping Tool using a keyboard shortcut:

Windows key + Shift + S

This shortcut immediately opens the snipping toolbar, allowing you to select the part of the screen you want to capture.

How to Take a Screenshot with the Snipping Tool

Once the Snipping Tool or snipping toolbar is open, follow these simple steps to capture your screen:

1. Choose your snip shape: You will see options like Rectangular Snip, Freeform Snip, Window Snip, and Fullscreen Snip on the toolbar.
2. Select the type of snip you want by clicking on the corresponding icon.
3. Capture your screen:
   • For Rectangular or Freeform Snip, click and drag your mouse over the area you want to capture.
   • For Window Snip, click the window you want to capture.
   • For Fullscreen Snip, it captures the entire screen automatically.
4. After capturing, the screenshot will open in the Snipping Tool window where you can edit, save, or share it.

Why choosing the right snip type is helpful: Different situations require different capture styles. For example, use Freeform Snip when you want an irregular shape or Window Snip for capturing a single app window without extra background.

How to Save and Share Your Screenshot

After taking your screenshot, you can easily save or share it:

1. Save the screenshot: Click the “Save” icon (looks like a floppy disk) or press Ctrl + S on your keyboard.
2. Choose a location: In the dialog box, select a folder on your computer where you want to save the image.
3. Name your file: Give your screenshot a meaningful name so you can find it later.
4. Select the file format: PNG is the default and best for quality, but you can also choose JPEG or GIF.
5. Click “Save” to store the screenshot on your computer.
6. Share your screenshot: Use the “Copy” button to copy the image to your clipboard, then paste it in emails or chat apps with Ctrl + V.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The Snipping Tool Doesn’t Open

If clicking or searching for the Snipping Tool doesn’t open it, try these steps in order:

1. Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot fixes app issues.
2. Check for Windows updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find “Windows Store Apps” and click “Run.”
4. Reset the Snipping Tool app:
   • Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find Snipping Tool, click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
   • Click “Reset.” This clears the app’s data and settings.

The Snipping Tool Shortcut Doesn’t Work

If Windows + Shift + S doesn’t open the snipping toolbar, check:

• Keyboard functionality: Test if your Windows key works by pressing it alone to open Start.
• Shortcut conflicts: Some third-party software may block this shortcut. Try closing such apps.
• Clipboard permissions: Ensure clipboard access is enabled in Windows settings.

Advanced Options and Tips

Use the Snipping Tool Editor

After capturing a snip, you can edit it directly in the Snipping Tool. You can:

• Draw or highlight parts of the screenshot using the built-in pen and highlighter tools.
• Crop the image to remove unwanted areas.
• Copy the edited image and paste it into documents or emails.

Pin the Snipping Tool for Quick Access

If you use the Snipping Tool often, you can pin it to your taskbar or Start menu:

1. Search for the Snipping Tool as described earlier.
2. Right-click the app icon.
3. Select “Pin to taskbar” or “Pin to Start.”

This saves time instead of searching every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Snipping Tool free to use?

Yes, the Snipping Tool is a free built-in app included with Windows 11.

Can I change the default save location?

The Snipping Tool prompts you to choose a save location each time. It does not have a fixed default folder.

What file formats can I save screenshots as?

You can save screenshots as PNG, JPEG, or GIF files.

Can I capture scrolling windows with the Snipping Tool?

No, the Snipping Tool does not support scrolling screenshots. For that, you may need third-party apps.

Is there a way to delay a screenshot?

Yes, the Snipping Tool includes a delay option (3 or 10 seconds) that lets you prepare the screen before capture.

How do I annotate screenshots?

After taking a snip, use the pen, pencil, or highlighter tools in the Snipping Tool to draw or write on your screenshot.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above and the Snipping Tool still doesn’t work, consider these final steps:

• Use the Snip & Sketch app: It is still available and works similarly. Search for “Snip & Sketch” in the Start menu.
• Create a new user account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes app issues.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support site for help.
• Use third-party screenshot tools: Tools like Greenshot or Lightshot offer advanced screenshot features if needed.

Conclusion

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 remains an easy and powerful way to capture screenshots once you know where it moved and how to use it. Opening the app via search or shortcut, choosing the right snip type, and saving or sharing your capture are simple steps that anyone can master.

If you run into trouble, follow the troubleshooting tips and remember that alternatives like Snip & Sketch or third-party tools exist. With these basics, you’ll be able to capture, edit, and share screenshots smoothly on Windows 11.