How to Use Snipping Tool Text Actions in Windows 11

The Snipping Tool has come a long way in Windows 11. Once just a simple screenshot utility, it’s now packed with AI-powered features that make it smarter and more productive than ever. One of the newest additions is Text Actions, a feature that lets you detect, copy, and redact text directly from screenshots — no need to retype anything manually.

If you often capture information from apps, documents, or web pages, this feature can save you a ton of time. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Text Actions in Snipping Tool on Windows 11, along with a few helpful tips to make the most of it.

1. What Is Text Actions in Snipping Tool?

Text Actions is a feature built into the Snipping Tool that uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to identify text inside your screenshots.

Once the Snipping Tool detects text, you can:

• Copy text directly from the image.
• Select and edit text detected by the tool.
• Redact sensitive information like emails, phone numbers, or addresses with a single click.

Essentially, it turns your screenshots into editable, searchable content — something that used to require third-party OCR tools.

2. Update Snipping Tool to the Latest Version

Text Actions is available in Windows 11 version 23H2 or later. Before you start, make sure you’re using the latest version of the Snipping Tool.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click the Library icon in the bottom-left corner.
3. Click Get updates to update all apps, including Snipping Tool.

Alternatively, you can check manually:

• Open the Snipping Tool → Click the menu (⋯) → Settings → scroll down to verify the version.
• Ensure it’s version 11.2307.44.0 or newer.

3. How to Enable Text Actions in Snipping Tool

Once you’re on the latest version, you can access Text Actions directly within the app.

1. Open Snipping Tool.
2. Click New to take a new screenshot, or open an existing image by clicking Open file.
3. Once your image appears, look at the top toolbar — you’ll see a new Text Actions icon (a square with text lines inside).
4. Click it to activate text recognition.

The Snipping Tool will automatically analyze your image and highlight all detected text.

4. How to Copy Text from Screenshots

Copying text is the most useful part of the Text Actions feature.

Here’s how to do it:

1. After you’ve taken or opened a screenshot, click the Text Actions button.
2. Wait a moment while the Snipping Tool detects text.
3. The detected text will appear highlighted.
4. Click Copy all text in the toolbar, or select specific text with your cursor.

You can now paste it anywhere — in Notepad, Word, or your browser.

Example Use Case

If you screenshot an error message or code snippet, you can copy it as text and paste it directly into Google or your documentation without retyping.

5. How to Redact Sensitive Text Automatically

The Snipping Tool can also detect and hide private information in screenshots, such as email addresses or phone numbers.

To use redaction:

1. Open your screenshot in Snipping Tool.
2. Click the Text Actions button.
3. Once text is detected, click the Redact button in the top toolbar.
4. Choose whether to redact:
   • Emails
   • Phone numbers
   • All text
5. The selected information will be automatically blurred or covered.

This is perfect for sharing screenshots that include private data without manually editing them.

6. How to Edit Detected Text

While you can’t directly edit text inside the image, you can easily copy and modify it elsewhere:

1. Use the Text Actions → Copy all text option.
2. Paste the content into a text editor like Notepad or Word.
3. Make your edits freely.

If you need to reapply the text to an image (for example, creating labeled screenshots), use tools like Paint or Canva after copying the text.

7. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Actions

Windows 11 allows you to use quick shortcuts with Snipping Tool to save time:

• Windows + Shift + S: Open Snipping Tool capture mode instantly.
• Ctrl + A: Select all detected text after text recognition.
• Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
• Ctrl + P: Print your screenshot directly.

Using these shortcuts makes it faster to combine Text Actions with your regular snipping workflow.

8. Troubleshooting: Text Actions Not Working

If you don’t see the Text Actions button or it doesn’t detect text, try these steps:

1. Update Snipping Tool

Ensure it’s version 11.2307.44.0 or later via the Microsoft Store.

2. Check Windows Updates

1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

3. Repair Snipping Tool

If it’s still not working:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Find Snipping Tool, click the three dots (⋯) → Advanced options.
3. Click Repair, or if that doesn’t help, click Reset.

4. Enable Optional Features

Text Actions rely on modern AI/OCR components. If you’ve disabled optional features or app permissions, restore them.

• Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Snipping Tool → App permissions.
• Ensure Pictures and Documents access are turned on.

After these steps, restart Snipping Tool and test again.

9. Bonus Tip: Combine Snipping Tool with Clipboard History

For multitaskers, here’s a neat trick — enable Clipboard History to store multiple pieces of copied text or screenshots.

1. Press Windows + V.
2. Click Turn on if Clipboard History is disabled.
3. Now, every time you copy text using Snipping Tool, it’s saved in your clipboard history.

You can quickly switch between copied text, screenshots, and snippets without redoing OCR every time.

Wrapping Up

The new Text Actions feature in Snipping Tool makes Windows 11 even more powerful for productivity. You can now copy text from screenshots, redact sensitive information, and extract content effortlessly — all without installing third-party tools.

If you frequently capture text from images, web pages, or error messages, this feature can save you time and streamline your workflow. Just keep your Snipping Tool updated, and you’ll have a smarter screenshot tool right at your fingertips.