Taking screenshots is a daily necessity for many Windows users. Whether you want to capture a portion of your screen, save an important image, or create a tutorial, the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is your go-to app.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to open the Snipping Tool quickly and efficiently, along with tips to use it like a pro.
What is the Snipping Tool?
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility for capturing screenshots. It offers several modes:
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Rectangular Snip: Select a rectangle to capture.
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Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around the area you want to capture.
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Window Snip: Capture an active window.
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Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
Windows 11 combines the old Snipping Tool with Snip & Sketch, giving a more modern interface and better functionality.
Method 1: Open Snipping Tool Using Start Menu
This is the most straightforward way.
Steps:
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Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
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Type Snipping Tool.
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Press Enter or click the app from the search results.
💡 Tip: You can pin it to the Start menu for faster access later.
Method 2: Open Snipping Tool with Keyboard Shortcut
Windows 11 includes a quick keyboard shortcut to open the Snipping Tool directly.
Steps:
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Press Win + Shift + S.
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Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
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Select your preferred snip type: Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Full-screen.
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The screenshot is copied to the clipboard automatically.
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You can paste it anywhere using Ctrl + V, or click the notification to open Snipping Tool for editing.
This method is fast and efficient for quick screenshots.
Method 3: Open Snipping Tool via Run Command
If you like command-style access:
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Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
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Type:
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Press Enter.
The Snipping Tool will launch immediately.
Method 4: Open Snipping Tool from Quick Access or Taskbar
For even faster access, you can pin Snipping Tool to the taskbar:
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Open Snipping Tool using the Start menu.
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Right-click the app icon in the taskbar.
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Select Pin to taskbar.
Now, you can open it anytime with a single click.
Method 5: Open Snipping Tool via Action Center
Windows 11’s Action Center (Quick Settings) can also give you access:
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Press Win + A to open Quick Settings.
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Look for Screen snip (scissors icon).
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Click it to start the Snipping Tool overlay.
💡 Tip: If you don’t see it, click Edit quick settings and add Screen snip for easy access.
Tips for Using the Snipping Tool Effectively
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Annotate instantly: Use the built-in pen, highlighter, or eraser.
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Delay capture: Set a 3-5 second delay for dropdown menus or popups.
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Save multiple formats: PNG, JPEG, or GIF.
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Copy to clipboard: Paste directly into documents or emails without saving.
Troubleshooting: Snipping Tool Not Opening
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App missing? Install it via Microsoft Store.
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Shortcut not working? Make sure Windows is updated.
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Screen dimming issue? Restart your PC to reset the Snipping Tool overlay.
Conclusion
Opening the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is simple once you know the shortcuts. Whether through the Start menu, keyboard shortcut, Run command, or taskbar, you now have multiple ways to capture your screen efficiently.
Think of it as having a digital camera for your desktop — ready to capture exactly what you need in seconds.
FAQs
Q1. What is the keyboard shortcut to open Snipping Tool in Windows 11?
Press Win + Shift + S to open it directly.
Q2. Can I capture dropdown menus with Snipping Tool?
Yes, use the Delay feature (3-5 seconds) to open the menu before capturing.
Q3. Can I save screenshots in different formats?
Yes, Snipping Tool supports PNG, JPEG, and GIF.
Q4. How do I annotate a screenshot?
After capturing, use the pen, highlighter, or eraser in Snipping Tool.
Q5. What if Snipping Tool doesn’t open?
Update Windows 11 or reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store.