How to Install Snipping Tool Windows 11 – A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want to quickly take screenshots, capture a portion of your screen, or annotate images in Windows 11? The Snipping Tool is the perfect built-in Windows app for screen capturing. But sometimes the tool might be missing, removed, or not working correctly — especially after updates or system resets.

No worries! In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to install Snipping Tool on Windows 11 using multiple safe and beginner-friendly methods.

Whether your Snipping Tool has disappeared or you’re setting up a fresh Windows installation — this guide has you covered. ✅

Let’s dive right in! 👇

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✅ What Is Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

The Snipping Tool is Microsoft’s default screenshot app that lets you:

• Capture full-screen snapshots

• Select a portion of the screen

• Take active window screenshots

• Capture scrolling screen content (after updates)

• Delay screenshots

• Annotate and share images easily

Windows 11 replaced Snip & Sketch and the old Snipping Tool with a new, combined version — faster, cleaner, and more capable.

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❓ Why Is Snipping Tool Missing in Windows 11?

Here are common reasons:

Good news? You can restore it easily using the methods below 👇

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🔧 How to Install Snipping Tool on Windows 11 (5 Methods)

Below are verified methods that work for all builds of Windows 11.

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✅ Method 1: Install Snipping Tool from Microsoft Store (Recommended)

1. Press Windows + S and type Microsoft Store

2. Open the app

3. In the search bar, type Snipping Tool

4. Select Snipping Tool by Microsoft Corporation

5. Click Install (or Get if not installed yet)

6. Wait for the installation to complete

✅ That’s it — Snipping Tool will now appear in Start Menu.

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✅ Method 2: Install Snipping Tool via Settings

If you prefer using the built-in settings:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings

2. Go to Apps

3. Select Optional features

4. Click View features near Add an optional feature

5. Search for Snipping Tool

6. Check the box ✅ and click Next

7. Select Install

Windows will install the feature automatically.

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✅ Method 3: Reinstall Snipping Tool Using Winget (Command Line)

If you’re comfortable using terminal commands:

1. Press Windows + X

2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)

3. Paste this command:

4. Press Enter and wait for installation to complete

This forces the latest version to install directly from Microsoft’s repository.

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✅ Method 4: Restore Snipping Tool if It’s Installed but Missing

Sometimes the app is installed but hidden.

Try this shortcut:

Press Windows + Shift + S

If the screen dims and a capture toolbar appears — Snipping Tool is active ✅

To pin it permanently:

1. Press Windows key

2. Type Snipping Tool

3. Right-click → Pin to taskbar or Start

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✅ Method 5: Repair or Reset Snipping Tool

If Snipping Tool opens but keeps crashing:

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Apps → Installed apps

3. Find Snipping Tool

4. Click Advanced options

5. Select:

   ✅ Repair (first option)
   ✅ If still broken → Reset

This fixes most application errors.

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🖼️ Bonus Feature: Enable Print Screen Shortcut for Snipping Tool

Want to make screenshots faster?

1. Open Settings

2. Go to Accessibility

3. Select Keyboard

4. Toggle Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping → ON ✅

Now just tap PrtSc to capture instantly!

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🧩 What If Snipping Tool Still Won’t Install?

Try these quick fixes:

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📌 Snipping Tool vs Snip & Sketch vs Print Screen — Comparison Table

✅ Snipping Tool is the most complete screenshot app in Windows 11.

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📥 Where Does Snipping Tool Save Screenshots?

Default location:

📂 Pictures → Screenshots

If using Windows + Shift + S, you must click the preview popup and manually save it.

Tip: Enable auto-save in Snipping Tool settings for convenience!

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🧠 Pro Tips for Better Screenshot Workflow

• Pin Snipping Tool to Taskbar for one-click access

• Use Ctrl + S to save instantly after editing

• Use the Ruler and Pen tools for marking details

• Delay captures for screenshots of menus or hover elements

• Try the new Text Actions tool (extract text from images)

Once you learn these shortcuts — you’ll never go back!

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✅ Conclusion: Install Snipping Tool Easily and Capture Anything

You now know every method to install or fix Snipping Tool in Windows 11:

✔ Microsoft Store
✔ Optional features in Settings
✔ Winget Command
✔ Restore shortcuts
✔ Repair / Reset troubleshooting

With these steps, your screenshot tool should now work smoothly again. ✅

Now go ahead — capture, annotate, and share like a pro! 🖼️✍️

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ Why did Snipping Tool disappear in Windows 11?

It may be removed during updates, system reset, or Store issues — reinstall from Microsoft Store to restore it.

2️⃣ Is Snipping Tool free to download?

Yes! It’s a totally free Microsoft app.

3️⃣ Can I install Snipping Tool without Microsoft Store?

Yes — use the winget command method shown in this guide.

4️⃣ How do I take a screenshot instantly?

Press Windows + Shift + S or enable Print Screen shortcut in Settings.

5️⃣ Where do screenshots go after using Snipping Tool?

They are saved automatically to Pictures → Screenshots (unless you manually change the path).

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📝 Summary — Key Takeaways

✅ Quick ✅ Simple ✅ Works for all Windows 11 versions