How to Turn Off Snipping Tool in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is a handy screen capture utility, but not everyone needs it. Some users find it distracting when triggered accidentally, while IT admins may want to disable it for productivity or policy reasons. Thankfully, Windows 11 offers multiple ways to turn it off — from simple settings changes to full uninstallation.

This step-by-step guide covers all methods so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Why You Might Want to Disable the Snipping Tool

  • Prevent accidental launches with the Print Screen key.

  • Stop users from taking screenshots (useful in work environments).

  • Replace it with a third-party screenshot tool.

  • Reduce distractions and background processes.

Method 1: Disable the Print Screen Shortcut

If Snipping Tool keeps opening when you press Print Screen, you can simply turn off that shortcut.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.

  3. Find Use the Print Screen key to open Snipping Tool.

  4. Toggle it Off.

✅ This will stop Snipping Tool from launching with the Print Screen key, but the app itself will remain installed.

Method 2: Uninstall Snipping Tool from Windows 11

If you don’t use it at all, you can completely uninstall it.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.

  3. Search for Snipping Tool.

  4. Click the three dots (…) next to it and select Uninstall.

  5. Confirm the action.

💡 If you ever want it back, reinstall it via the Microsoft Store.

Method 3: Disable Snipping Tool via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise editions)

For system administrators or advanced users, Group Policy can block Snipping Tool entirely.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories

  3. Find Do not allow Snipping Tool to run.

  4. Double-click it, set it to Enabled, and click OK.

  5. Restart your PC (or run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt).

📌 Result: Snipping Tool won’t launch at all.

Method 4: Disable Snipping Tool with Applocker or Intune (Enterprise / IT Admins)

For enterprise environments, you can block Snipping Tool using Applocker or Intune policies.

Example (Applocker Rule):

  1. Open Local Security Policy (secpol.msc).

  2. Go to Application Control Policies > Applocker > Executable Rules.

  3. Create a new Deny rule for SnippingTool.exe.

  4. Apply the rule and restart.

This ensures users cannot run the app, even if it’s installed.

Method 5: Disable the Snip & Sketch Shortcut (Win + Shift + S)

Snipping Tool is tied to the Win + Shift + S shortcut, which some users find disruptive.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Notifications.

  3. Scroll down and disable Snipping Tool notifications.

  4. Alternatively, use PowerToys Keyboard Manager (free Microsoft tool) to remap or disable Win + Shift + S.

Method 6: Use PowerShell to Remove Snipping Tool

For advanced users, PowerShell provides a quick uninstall method.

Steps:

  1. Right-click Start and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Run the following command:

    Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage

    or

    Get-AppxPackage *MicrosoftWindows.Client.SnippingTool* | Remove-AppxPackage

  3. Restart your PC.

This removes Snipping Tool for the current user. Use -AllUsers to remove it for all accounts.

Which Method Should You Use?

  • Just annoyed by hotkeys? → Use Method 1 or 5.

  • Want it gone completely? → Use Method 2 or PowerShell.

  • Admin restricting users? → Use Method 3 or 4.

Conclusion

Disabling the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is easy and flexible — from simply turning off shortcuts to fully uninstalling or blocking it across multiple devices. Whether you’re a casual user avoiding accidental screenshots or an IT admin enforcing policy, the right method is just a few clicks away.

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