Snipping Tool Gone in Windows 11? Quick Fixes to Get You Screenshotting Again!

Updated: 13 Mar, 2025 • 0 • min read

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Many Windows 11 users have reported the disappearance of the Snipping Tool, a crucial utility for capturing screenshots and recording screen activity. This missing tool disrupts workflows, especially for users who rely on it for daily tasks. The Snipping Tool might be absent due to unintentional uninstallation or administrative restrictions set by the system administrator. This article provides comprehensive solutions to restore the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 and Windows 10, ensuring you can resume taking screenshots effortlessly.

Common Methods to Restore Missing Snipping Tool¶

If you find the Snipping Tool missing from your Windows 11 or Windows 10 system, there are primarily two effective methods to reinstate it. These methods are straightforward and can be implemented by users with administrative privileges.

Enable through Group Policy: This method is particularly useful in environments where system policies might be restricting the Snipping Tool’s availability.
Download from Microsoft Store: If the tool is simply missing, downloading it again from the Microsoft Store is a quick and reliable solution.

Remember that executing these steps generally requires administrator permissions on your Windows machine.

Enabling Snipping Tool via Group Policy¶

Group Policy settings can sometimes inadvertently disable certain applications, including the Snipping Tool. If a policy is the reason for the missing Snipping Tool, enabling it through the Group Policy Editor can quickly resolve the issue. Follow these steps to check and modify the relevant Group Policy setting:

Open Group Policy Editor: The first step is to launch the Group Policy Editor. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter. This command will open the Local Group Policy Editor, provided you are using a Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows. For Home editions, Group Policy Editor is not available, and you should proceed to the next method.
Navigate to Administrative Templates: In the Group Policy Editor window, on the left-hand side panel, navigate to User Configuration. Under User Configuration, find and select Administrative Templates.
Expand Windows Components: Under Administrative Templates, locate and expand the folder named Windows Components. This folder contains a wide range of settings related to different Windows features and components.
Locate Tablet PC and Accessories: Within the Windows Components folder, scroll down and expand the Tablet PC folder. Under Tablet PC, you will find a subfolder named Accessories. Click on the Accessories folder.
Find ‘Do not allow Snipping Tool to run’ Setting: On the right-hand side pane of the Group Policy Editor, you will see a list of settings related to Accessories. Look for the setting named Do not allow Snipping Tool to run.
Edit the Setting: Double-click on the Do not allow Snipping Tool to run setting to open its properties window.
Disable the Policy: In the properties window, you will see three options: Not Configured, Enabled, and Disabled. If the Snipping Tool is missing, and this policy is configured, it might be set to Enabled. To re-enable the Snipping Tool, select the radio button next to Disabled.
Apply and Save Changes: After selecting Disabled, click on the Apply button and then click OK to save the changes. This action will disable the policy that was preventing the Snipping Tool from running.
Restart Your Computer (Optional): In most cases, the changes should take effect immediately. However, if you still do not see the Snipping Tool, restarting your computer can ensure that all policy changes are fully applied.

After completing these steps, check if the Snipping Tool is now accessible. You should be able to find it in the Start Menu or by searching for it.

Downloading Snipping Tool from Microsoft Store¶

If the Group Policy method does not resolve the issue, or if you suspect that the Snipping Tool was uninstalled, downloading it from the Microsoft Store is the next recommended step. Windows 11 comes with both the classic Snipping Tool and the newer Snip & Sketch app. However, if neither is available, reinstalling the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store is a straightforward process.

Open Microsoft Store: To begin, you need to open the Microsoft Store application. Press the Windows key + S to open the Windows Search bar. Type Microsoft Store and click on the Microsoft Store app from the search results to open it.
Search for Snipping Tool: Once the Microsoft Store is open, navigate to the search bar located at the top of the window. Type Snipping Tool into the search bar and press Enter.
Select Snipping Tool App: From the search results, locate the Snipping Tool app. It should be listed as a utility app by Microsoft. Click on the Snipping Tool app to open its description page.
Install Snipping Tool: On the Snipping Tool app page, you will find an Install button. Click on the Install button to begin downloading and installing the Snipping Tool on your Windows 11 system.
Wait for Installation: The installation process will begin, and you can monitor the progress on the button, which will change to indicate the download and installation status. Once the installation is complete, the button will change to Open.
Open and Use Snipping Tool: After successful installation, you can click the Open button directly from the Microsoft Store to launch the Snipping Tool. Alternatively, you can find the Snipping Tool in your Start Menu under the list of installed applications or by searching for it again using the Windows Search bar.

Once installed, the Snipping Tool should function normally, allowing you to capture screenshots and screen recordings as needed. This method ensures you have the latest version of the Snipping Tool available from the Microsoft Store.

Quick Launch and Usage of Snipping Tool in Windows 11¶

After restoring the Snipping Tool, knowing how to quickly launch and use it efficiently is essential. Windows 11 provides a convenient keyboard shortcut to open the Snipping Tool instantly.

Using Keyboard Shortcut: The quickest way to launch the Snipping Tool is by pressing WinKey + Shift + S simultaneously. This shortcut immediately activates the Snipping Tool interface.
Screenshot Options: Once the Snipping Tool is active, a small toolbar will appear at the top center of your screen. This toolbar offers different screenshot modes:
- Rectangular Snip: Drag a rectangle around the area you want to capture.
- Window Snip: Capture a specific window by clicking on it.
- Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
- Free-form Snip: Draw a freehand shape around the area you want to capture.
Capturing a Screenshot: Select your desired mode and follow the on-screen instructions to capture your screenshot. The captured snip will then be opened in the Snipping Tool editor window, where you can annotate, save, or share it.

Snipping Tool for Screen Recording¶

A notable feature of the Snipping Tool is its ability to record screen videos, which was introduced in recent updates. This feature enhances its utility beyond just static screenshots.

Switching to Video Recording Mode: In the Snipping Tool interface, you will find options to switch between screenshot and screen recording modes. Select the Video option to switch to screen recording mode.
Starting a Recording: To start recording, click on the New button and select the area of the screen you wish to record. Once you select the area, the recording will begin.
Stopping and Saving Recording: To stop recording, click on the Stop button in the Snipping Tool toolbar. After stopping, you can preview the recording and save it as an MP4 file to your desired location.

This screen recording capability makes the Snipping Tool a versatile tool for creating tutorials, demonstrations, or capturing dynamic content on your screen.

Alternative Screen Capture Tools¶

While the Snipping Tool is a built-in and convenient option, several alternative screen capture tools are available that might offer additional features or suit specific needs. If you continue to experience issues with the Snipping Tool, or if you require more advanced functionalities, consider exploring these alternatives:

Snagit: A powerful screen capture and recording tool with advanced editing and annotation capabilities. Snagit is a paid software but offers a wide array of features for professional use.
Greenshot: A free and open-source tool that is lightweight and efficient for capturing screenshots. Greenshot offers annotation, obfuscation, and various export options.
ShareX: Another free and open-source tool, ShareX is highly versatile, offering numerous capture methods, workflows, and destinations for sharing captures. It’s particularly popular among developers and power users.
LightShot: A simple and user-friendly tool that allows quick screenshots with instant editing and sharing options. LightShot is known for its ease of use and speed.
PicPick: A feature-rich tool that includes screen capture, image editing, color picker, pixel ruler, and more. PicPick is free for personal use and provides a comprehensive suite of utilities for image handling.

These tools offer various features and can be excellent alternatives or supplements to the Snipping Tool, depending on your specific requirements.

Conclusion¶

Encountering a missing Snipping Tool in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s generally a solvable issue. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively restore the Snipping Tool and continue using it for your screenshot and screen recording needs. Whether it’s enabling through Group Policy or reinstalling from the Microsoft Store, these solutions are designed to get you back to capturing your screen quickly and efficiently.

Have you experienced the Snipping Tool missing from your Windows system? Which method worked best for you? Share your experiences and any other tips you might have in the comments below!

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