How to Fix Snipping Tool Keeps Popping Up in Windows 11

If the Snipping Tool keeps opening by itself on Windows 11 — whether at startup, randomly during use, or every time you press a key — you’re not alone. This issue can happen due to shortcut misconfigurations, background app settings, or even glitches in Windows’ accessibility and notification system.

While the Snipping Tool is handy for quick screenshots, it can quickly become annoying if it starts popping up without your input. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the proven methods to stop the Snipping Tool from launching on its own.

Fix Snipping Tool Keeps Popping Up

You don’t need any third-party tools for this guide — just administrator access to your Windows 11 PC. These fixes apply to both desktop and laptop users, including systems upgraded from Windows 10.

Tip: Before making any changes, close all instances of the Snipping Tool from the taskbar or Task Manager to ensure your settings apply correctly.

Step 1: Check for Stuck Shortcut Keys (Print Screen or Snip Shortcut)

The most common reason the Snipping Tool pops up unexpectedly is that a shortcut key is triggering it — usually the Print Screen key or the Windows + Shift + S combination.

Check Your Keyboard

1. Tap the Print Screen (PrtSc) key to see if the pop-up appears.
2. If it does, your keyboard might be sending repeated key signals.
3. Try cleaning the key or testing with another keyboard to confirm.

If the Snipping Tool still launches without pressing anything, the shortcut might be mapped incorrectly.

Step 2: Disable the Snipping Tool Shortcut in Settings

Windows 11 allows the Print Screen key to open the Snipping Tool by default. If this setting is enabled, even minor key inputs or background signals can trigger it.

To disable the shortcut:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Accessibility → Keyboard.
3. Scroll down and find the option Use the Print Screen button to open Snipping Tool.
4. Turn this toggle Off.

Once disabled, pressing the Print Screen key will no longer open the Snipping Tool.

Step 3: Disable Background Snipping Tool Process

Sometimes, the Snipping Tool keeps running in the background due to Windows startup optimization. Disabling it from running automatically can help.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup apps tab.
3. Look for Snipping Tool or any app labeled Snip & Sketch.
4. If it appears, select it and click Disable.

This prevents the Snipping Tool from launching automatically when Windows starts.

Step 4: Check for Conflicting Screenshot Tools

If you use other screen capture apps (like Lightshot, ShareX, or Greenshot), they might conflict with the Snipping Tool or intercept screenshot shortcuts.

1. Open your third-party screenshot tool’s settings.
2. Look for any hotkeys assigned to Print Screen or Windows + Shift + S.
3. Change or disable them.
4. Restart your PC and see if the issue persists.

You can also try temporarily uninstalling or disabling these tools to determine whether they’re causing the conflict.

Step 5: Stop Snipping Tool From Running in the Background

The Snipping Tool can remain active in the background even after you close it, leading to unexpected pop-ups. To stop this behavior:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Scroll down and locate Snipping Tool.
3. Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
4. Under Background app permissions, choose Never.

This ensures the Snipping Tool only runs when you open it manually.

Step 6: Disable Startup Notifications and Suggestions

In some cases, Windows’ notification system triggers Snipping Tool pop-ups through background tips or system recommendations.

1. Open Settings → System → Notifications.
2. Scroll down to Additional settings.
3. Uncheck Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device and Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows.

These prompts sometimes cause the Snipping Tool (and other apps) to appear unexpectedly after updates.

Step 7: Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool App

If the Snipping Tool is corrupted or misbehaving, repairing or resetting it can stop it from opening on its own.

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Find Snipping Tool and click the three dots → Advanced options.
3. Scroll down and click Repair.
   • Wait for the repair process to finish, then test the app.
4. If it still pops up, click Reset.
   • Confirm when prompted.

Resetting will clear the app’s data and restore default behavior.

Step 8: Disable the Snipping Tool via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can disable the Snipping Tool entirely through the Group Policy Editor.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Tablet PC → Accessories
3. Double-click Do not allow Snipping Tool to run.
4. Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

After applying this policy, the Snipping Tool won’t open — even through shortcuts.

Step 9: Remove Snipping Tool Shortcut From Startup Folder (If Present)

Sometimes, the Snipping Tool gets added manually or automatically to the Startup folder. Removing it ensures it won’t launch when you log in.

1. Press Windows + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter.
2. Check if there’s a Snipping Tool shortcut inside the folder.
3. If found, right-click it and select Delete.

Restart your PC — the Snipping Tool should no longer appear at startup.

Step 10: Run Windows Troubleshooter for Apps

If none of the above methods work, try running the built-in Windows troubleshooter to detect and fix app-related issues.

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Store Apps.
3. Click Run.

The troubleshooter will scan for corrupted system components or permission errors affecting Snipping Tool behavior and fix them automatically.

Step 11: Update Windows to the Latest Version

If the Snipping Tool started acting up after a recent update, Microsoft may have already issued a fix.

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Download and install any available patches.

Restart your PC afterward and verify if the random pop-ups have stopped.

Step 12: Reinstall Snipping Tool (Final Option)

If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling the Snipping Tool can reset it completely.

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the following command to remove it: winget uninstall Microsoft.ScreenSketch
3. Once uninstalled, reinstall it using: winget install Microsoft.ScreenSketch
4. Restart your PC.

This restores a clean version of the Snipping Tool without leftover background processes or bad configurations.

Wrapping Up

If the Snipping Tool keeps popping up in Windows 11, it’s usually due to a stuck shortcut, background setting, or corrupted app data. Disabling the Print Screen trigger, resetting the app, and preventing it from running in the background are the quickest fixes.

For users who never use the tool, Group Policy or a PowerShell uninstall provides a permanent solution.

Once fixed, the Snipping Tool will stay quiet until you actually need it — exactly how it’s supposed to work.