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Miss the Old Snipping Tool? Here's How to Get it Back on Windows 11!

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Miss the good old Snipping Tool? Windows 11 swapped it out for Snip & Sketch, but some folks just aren’t feeling the new vibe. If you’re one of them, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide shows you how to bring back the familiar comfort of the classic Snipping Tool.

Snipping Tool
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Resurrecting the Snipping Tool in Windows 11

Two main scenarios exist: either you recently upgraded from Windows 10 and the Windows.old folder is still hanging around, or it’s gone. We’ll tackle both.

Scenario 1: Windows.old to the Rescue!

If you still have the Windows.old folder, you’re in luck. It’s like a time capsule for your old Windows files. Here’s how to mine it for Snipping Tool gold:

  1. Fire up File Explorer: Hit Windows Key + E.
  2. Create a New Folder: Call it “SnippingTool” (or whatever you like) somewhere on your local drive. This is where we’ll stash the goods.
  3. Dive into Windows.old: Navigate to C:\Windows.old\Windows\System32.
  4. Grab SnippingTool.exe: Copy SnippingTool.exe from this folder and paste it into the new “SnippingTool” folder you just created.
  5. Language Files are Key: Create another new folder inside your “SnippingTool” folder. Name it en-US (or your respective language code). This holds the language files.
  6. More File Hunting: Head to C:\Windows.old\Windows\System32\en-US.
  7. Snag the MUI File: Copy SnippingTool.exe.mui and paste it into the new en-US subfolder.
  8. You’re Done: Close File Explorer. You should now be able to launch the Snipping Tool by double-clicking the SnippingTool.exe file in the folder you created.

Scenario 2: Windows.old is Gone (Sad Face)

No Windows.old folder? No problem. You’ll need a Windows 10 machine to borrow the files from. Here’s the plan:

  1. On the Windows 10 Machine: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
  2. Copy the Goods: Copy both SnippingTool.exe and SnippingTool.exe.mui.
  3. Transfer to Your Windows 11 PC: Move the copied files to your Windows 11 machine using a USB drive, network share, or your preferred method.
  4. Place the Files (Tricky Part):
    • Put SnippingTool.exe in C:\Windows\System32\. Important Note: Windows might get fussy about letting you paste an .exe file into the System32 folder. Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator and have the necessary permissions.
    • Put SnippingTool.exe.mui in C:\Windows\System32\en-US (or your corresponding language folder).
  5. All Set: Close File Explorer. You should now be able to run the Snipping Tool!

Windows 11
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Pinning the Snipping Tool for Easy Access

Once you’ve resurrected the Snipping Tool, make it easily accessible by pinning it to your Taskbar or Start Menu. Right-click the SnippingTool.exe file and select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar.”

Troubleshooting Tips

Snipping Tool Not Working? Try restarting File Explorer. Sometimes things get glitchy, and a quick restart often fixes the issue. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del, select Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer,” and click “Restart.” Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.

Why Bother with the Old Snipping Tool?

Some people just prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the old Snipping Tool. Snip & Sketch has more features, but the classic Snipping Tool is a lightweight and straightforward option for quick screenshots. It’s all about personal preference!

Embracing the Past in the Present

Bringing back the old Snipping Tool is a quick and easy way to personalize your Windows 11 experience. If you’ve been missing this handy utility, give this method a try and let us know how it works for you in the comments below! We’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, and any other Windows 11 tweaks you’ve discovered. Come back and visit us again for more tech tips and tricks!

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