You cannot normally replace the built-in Windows + Shift + S Snipping Tool shortcut with any key combination you want from Windows 11 Settings. What Windows does provide is an option to make the Print Screen key open screen snipping. If you need a completely custom shortcut, you have to use another remapping method or compatible keyboard/mouse software.
How to Change the Snipping Tool Shortcut in Windows 11
For most people, the safest built-in change is to use the Print Screen key as an alternate Snipping Tool shortcut. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open the Windows 11 Settings app.
Step 2: Select Accessibility
Select Accessibility in the left column.
Step 3: Open Keyboard Settings
Scroll to the Interaction section and select Keyboard.
Step 4: Find the Print Screen Option
Find the setting that controls whether the Print Screen key opens screen snipping. The wording can vary slightly by Windows build.
Step 5: Turn the Setting On
Turn the option on if you want Print Screen to open the Snipping Tool capture interface.
Afterward, press Print Screen to test it. You can still use Windows + Shift + S; enabling Print Screen gives you another built-in way to start a screenshot rather than replacing the Windows + Shift + S shortcut.
The Default Snipping Tool Shortcuts in Windows 11
- Windows + Shift + S: open the image screenshot overlay.
- Windows + Shift + R: open the video capture overlay on supported Windows 11 versions.
- Print Screen: normally captures the screen to the clipboard, but Windows can be configured so the key opens screen snipping instead.
These are Windows-level shortcuts. Windows Settings does not provide a box where you can type a new replacement combination for Windows + Shift + S.
Can You Change Windows + Shift + S to Another Shortcut?
Not directly through the normal Windows 11 Snipping Tool or Keyboard settings. If your goal is simply to avoid pressing three keys, using Print Screen for screen snipping is the easiest built-in alternative.
If you require a completely different combination, you need a remapping solution. That can include keyboard or mouse software supplied by the hardware manufacturer, a supported automation/remapping utility, or another screenshot program with configurable hotkeys.
Be careful when remapping Windows shortcuts. A new key combination can conflict with another program or system command, and third-party remapping behavior can change when that software is updated.
How to Stop Print Screen from Opening Snipping Tool
If you want the opposite behavior, return to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off the setting that uses the Print Screen key to open screen snipping.
This is useful if you want Print Screen to behave like a traditional full-screen clipboard capture or if another screenshot program needs to use the key.
What If Print Screen Still Opens Another Screenshot Program?
Screenshot utilities such as screen-capture programs, keyboard utilities, gaming overlays, and manufacturer hotkey software can intercept Print Screen. If changing the Windows setting does not produce the result you expect, check the shortcut or hotkey settings inside the other screenshot software installed on the PC.
What If Windows + Shift + S Does Not Work?
Open Snipping Tool from Start to check whether the app itself still works. If the app works but the shortcut does not, test the Windows, Shift, and S keys and temporarily close programs that remap keyboard shortcuts. If Snipping Tool itself also fails, repair or reset it under Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the Snipping Tool shortcut without installing software?
You can make Print Screen open screen snipping without installing software. Windows does not provide a normal Settings control for assigning an arbitrary replacement combination to Windows + Shift + S.
Does enabling Print Screen disable Windows + Shift + S?
No. It gives you an additional way to open screen snipping. Windows + Shift + S remains the standard screenshot shortcut.
Can I use a mouse button for Snipping Tool?
Possibly, if your mouse software supports assigning keystrokes or commands to buttons. The exact procedure depends on the mouse manufacturer and is not a built-in Snipping Tool setting.
What is the Snipping Tool video shortcut?
On supported Windows 11 versions, Windows + Shift + R opens the Snipping Tool video capture overlay.
Why did Print Screen start opening Snipping Tool?
The Windows keyboard setting for using Print Screen to open screen snipping may be enabled. You can turn that setting off under Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard if you prefer the classic behavior.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Select Accessibility.
- Select Keyboard.
- Find the Print Screen screen-snipping setting.
- Turn it on to use Print Screen as an additional Snipping Tool shortcut.
If all you want is a simpler built-in shortcut, Print Screen is the best Windows 11 option. A completely custom shortcut requires a separate remapping method rather than a hidden Snipping Tool setting.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.