How to Snip in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide to Screenshots

Screenshots are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools on your PC. Whether you’re capturing an error message, saving a recipe, or sharing part of your screen, Windows 11 makes it incredibly easy — thanks to the Snipping Tool and several built-in shortcuts.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to snip in Windows 11 step-by-step using multiple methods — from the Snipping Tool to keyboard shortcuts, Game Bar, and even third-party apps.

By the end, you’ll know every trick to take, edit, and save screenshots like a pro.

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🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

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Introduction: Why Learn How to Snip in Windows 11?

Taking screenshots is a must-have skill for both casual users and professionals. Maybe you need to:

• Capture an error message for tech support

• Save online receipts

• Share design work or presentations

• Record gaming highlights

In Windows 11, Microsoft combined the Snip & Sketch app and the classic Snipping Tool into a single, improved utility — simply called the Snipping Tool.

This updated tool gives you instant shortcuts, annotation options, timers, and even video capture in newer versions.

💡 Fun Fact: You can now even record your screen using the Snipping Tool (a new Windows 11 feature added in late 2023).

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Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool in Windows 11

Let’s start with the main method.

🪜 Method 1: From the Start Menu

1. Click the Start menu (Windows icon).

2. Type Snipping Tool in the search bar.

3. Select the app from the results.

You’ll see the modern Snipping Tool interface with options like:

• New

• Mode

• Delay

• Options

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Step 2: Use Keyboard Shortcut to Open the Snipping Toolbar

If you want to snip instantly without opening the app, use the universal screenshot shortcut:

🧩 Shortcut:

Press Windows + Shift + S

This brings up the Snipping Toolbar at the top of your screen.

You can then choose from four snip modes:

Once you snip, the image is copied to your clipboard, and a notification appears — click it to open the Snipping Tool editor.

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Step 3: Edit and Annotate Your Screenshot

After capturing your snip, you can edit and mark up your image directly in the Snipping Tool window.

🖊️ Editing Options Include:

• Crop: Trim unwanted areas

• Pen & Highlighter: Draw or underline

• Eraser: Remove marks

• Ruler or Touch Writing: Add straight lines or annotations

• Save / Copy / Share options at the top right

🧠 Pro Tip: Use the Ctrl + Z shortcut to undo mistakes instantly.

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Step 4: Save or Share Your Screenshot

Once you’re satisfied with your screenshot:

1. Click Save (floppy disk icon).

2. Choose a location and file type:

   • PNG (best quality)

   • JPEG (smaller size)

   • GIF (simple graphics)

3. Name your file and hit Save.

You can also:

• Copy it to clipboard (Ctrl + C)

• Paste into apps like Word, PowerPoint, or Photoshop

• Share via Email or Microsoft Teams

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Step 5: Capture a Delayed Screenshot (Timer)

Need to snip something like a drop-down menu or tooltip that disappears when you click elsewhere?

Use the Delay feature.

🪜 Steps:

1. Open the Snipping Tool.

2. Click the Delay button (clock icon).

3. Choose a delay: 3, 5, or 10 seconds.

4. Click New, wait for the timer, and the snip will start automatically.

This feature gives you time to open the menu or hover over elements before capture.

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Step 6: Capture Screenshots Using Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

Windows 11 still supports the classic Print Screen method for those who prefer old-school shortcuts.

🔹 To capture the entire screen:

Press PrtScn
→ The screenshot copies to your clipboard.
→ Paste it into Paint (Ctrl + V) or Word.

🔹 To capture only the active window:

Press Alt + PrtScn

🔹 To automatically save the screenshot:

Press Windows + PrtScn
→ Your screen will briefly dim, and the image is saved to:
Pictures → Screenshots

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Step 7: Capture Screenshots Using Xbox Game Bar

If you’re a gamer or need to capture in-app moments, the Xbox Game Bar is built for you.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.

2. Click the Camera icon in the Capture section.

3. Your screenshot is automatically saved to:
   C:\Users\[Your Name]\Videos\Captures

You can also record short gameplay clips using the Record button here.

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Step 8: Use Snip & Sketch (for Older Versions)

Some older Windows 11 builds still show the Snip & Sketch app — it works similarly.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S (same shortcut).

2. The Snip toolbar appears.

3. Capture your area → edit and save.

⚠️ Microsoft is phasing out Snip & Sketch and merging it into the new Snipping Tool, but functionality remains the same.

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Step 9: Use Snipping Tool for Screen Recording (New Feature)

The latest Windows 11 updates introduced screen recording directly inside the Snipping Tool — no need for third-party apps!

🪜 How to Record Screen with Snipping Tool:

1. Open the Snipping Tool.

2. Click the Camera icon → switch to Video mode.

3. Click New → select the screen area to record.

4. Hit Start to begin recording.

5. Press Stop when done and save your video.

🎥 Your recordings are saved in the Videos → Captures folder by default.

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Step 10: Take Screenshots Using PowerShell or Command Prompt

If you like automation, you can capture screenshots with commands.

📜 PowerShell Command:

This triggers a Print Screen programmatically — useful for scripting or remote captures.

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Step 11: Snip a Specific Window or Menu

You can directly target a window instead of the entire screen.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the current window.

2. Or use Win + Shift + S → Window Snip mode.

3. Click the specific window you want to capture.

This is perfect for documenting error popups or specific app screenshots.

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Step 12: Use Clipboard History to Manage Snips

Did you take multiple screenshots and lose track of them? Clipboard History can help.

🪜 Steps:

1. Press Windows + V to open clipboard history.

2. Enable it if it’s your first time.

3. Browse through your last copied images and text.

4. Click any item to paste it again.

This is a lifesaver when working with multiple captures.

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Step 13: Capture Scrolling Screens (Webpages & Long Documents)

The Snipping Tool doesn’t natively support scrolling screenshots — but you can use third-party apps for this.

🧰 Best Tools for Scrolling Screenshots:

• ShareX (free and open source)

• PicPick

• Snagit (premium, professional use)

These tools can capture entire webpages, chat histories, or long documents in one image.

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Step 14: Edit Screenshots with Paint or Photos App

Want to add highlights or blur out sensitive info?

🪜 Using Paint:

1. Right-click your snip → Open with → Paint.

2. Use tools like Brush, Shapes, and Text to annotate.

3. Save as PNG or JPG.

🪜 Using Photos App:

1. Open screenshot → click Edit Image icon.

2. Crop, adjust brightness, or add filters.

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Step 15: Set the Print Screen Key to Open Snipping Tool (Optional)

By default, Win + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool — but you can reassign PrtScn to it.

🪜 Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.

2. Scroll to Use the Print screen button to open Snipping Tool.

3. Toggle it ON.

Now pressing PrtScn launches the Snipping Toolbar instantly — super handy!

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Common Screenshot Shortcuts in Windows 11

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Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues in Windows 11

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Tips for Better Screenshots

✅ Use Rectangular Snip for neat captures
✅ Keep Snipping Tool pinned to your taskbar
✅ Try dark mode for less eye strain
✅ Use shortcuts to save time
✅ Store your screenshots in OneDrive for automatic cloud backup

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Advantages of Snipping Tool in Windows 11

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Conclusion

Learning how to snip in Windows 11 is an essential skill for anyone who wants to capture, share, or record screen content effortlessly. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the Snipping Tool interface, or Game Bar, Windows 11 offers multiple flexible options.

To recap:

1. Use Win + Shift + S for quick snips.

2. Edit and annotate directly in Snipping Tool.

3. Save or share screenshots in seconds.

4. For advanced needs, try ShareX or Snagit.

Now you’re ready to capture anything on your screen — faster and smarter than ever.

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🧠 FAQs: How to Snip in Windows 11

1. What is the shortcut to open the Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

Press Windows + Shift + S — it instantly opens the Snipping Toolbar.

2. Where do my screenshots get saved?

By default, screenshots taken with Win + PrtScn go to Pictures → Screenshots.

3. Can I record my screen with Snipping Tool?

Yes! The new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 supports screen recording.

4. Is there a scrolling screenshot feature?

Not natively. Use ShareX or Snagit for scrolling webpage captures.

5. How do I fix the Snipping Tool not working?

Update Windows, reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store, or use Win + Shift + S instead.

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