To open Snipping Tool in Windows 11, select Start, type Snipping Tool, and press Enter. To skip the app window and start a screenshot right away, press Windows key + Shift + S.
Snipping Tool comes with Windows 11, so there’s nothing to download. Below is every way to open it, plus what to do if it won’t start.
Every Way to Open Snipping Tool
| Method | What opens |
|---|---|
| Windows key + Shift + S | The screenshot overlay |
| Windows key + Shift + R | The screen-recording overlay |
| Print Screen (PrtSc) key | The screenshot overlay, when the setting below is on |
| Start, then type Snipping Tool | The full app |
| Windows key + R, then type snippingtool | The full app |
| Taskbar icon (once pinned) | The full app |
Open the Full App From Start
- Select Start or press the Windows key.
- Type Snipping Tool. Typing snip is usually enough.
- Select Snipping Tool in the results, or press Enter.
- Choose a mode, such as Rectangle or Window, and select New to take a screenshot.
Use the full app when you want a delay timer, screen recording, or the settings. (Snipping Tool recording is Windows 11 only; on Windows 10, see how to screen record on a Windows 10 PC.) Microsoft describes the modes and shortcuts on its Snipping Tool help page.
Start a Screenshot With Windows Key + Shift + S
- Press Windows key + Shift + S. The screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top.
- Pick Rectangle, Window, Full screen, or Freeform.
- Select the part of the screen you want to capture.
- Select the notification that appears to open the screenshot in Snipping Tool for markup, or paste it with Ctrl + V.
The screenshot is copied to the clipboard. With automatic saving on, which is the default in current versions, it’s also saved to Pictures > Screenshots. For a screen recording instead, press Windows key + Shift + R. The full steps are in how to screen record in Windows 11.
Open Snipping Tool From the Run Box
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type snippingtool.
- Press Enter.
Keep Snipping Tool One Click Away
- Select Start and type Snipping Tool.
- Right-click Snipping Tool in the results.
- Select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.
Once it’s pinned, you can also press the Windows key plus the number of its position on the taskbar. For example, if it’s the third pinned icon, press Windows key + 3. Our guide on pinning apps to the taskbar has more on that.
Make the Print Screen Key Open Snipping Tool
On current versions of Windows 11, this is usually on by default, but it can be switched off. If Print Screen only copies the whole screen to the clipboard:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard.
- Turn on Use the Print screen key to open screen capture.
On some older versions, the switch is under Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard. If another app, such as OneDrive or a third-party screenshot tool, has taken over the Print Screen key, turn that off in the other app’s settings.
If Snipping Tool Won’t Open
- Try both Start search and Windows key + Shift + S to see whether it’s the app or just the shortcut.
- Restart the PC.
- Check for updates in Windows Update and in the Microsoft Store under Library.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three dots next to Snipping Tool, and choose Advanced options.
- Select Repair. If that doesn’t help, select Reset.
- If Snipping Tool is missing entirely, search for Snipping Tool in the Microsoft Store and select Get or Install.
For more fixes, see how to fix Snipping Tool in Windows 11. Once it’s open, our Snipping Tool guide covers the editing tools, and there are other options in how to take a screenshot on Windows 11. Snipping Tool can’t capture a scrolling page on its own; here’s how to take a scrolling screenshot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Snipping Tool screenshots go?
They’re copied to the clipboard and saved to Pictures > Screenshots. You can turn off automatic saving or change the folder in Snipping Tool’s settings.
Is there a shortcut to open the Snipping Tool app itself?
Not by default. Windows key + Shift + S opens the capture overlay, not the app window. Pin the app to the taskbar and use Windows key plus its number, or press Windows key + R and type snippingtool.
Do I need to download Snipping Tool?
No. It’s built into Windows 11. Only reinstall it from the Microsoft Store if it has been removed.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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