How to Use Snipping Tool to Capture Screenshots in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with a refreshed and modern version of the Snipping Tool, combining the classic Snipping Tool with Snip & Sketch into a single, powerful screenshot utility. Whether you want to capture a full window, take a quick snip of a specific region, delay screenshots, or annotate and share them — Snipping Tool handles everything.

If you’re here reading this guide, you’re probably looking for the easiest ways to take screenshots, understand shortcut keys, and explore all the features the Snipping Tool offers. The good news? Windows 11 makes screenshot capturing incredibly simple once you know where everything is.

In this in-depth guide, we walk you through all the ways to use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots in Windows 11, along with advanced options, editing tools, and troubleshooting tips.

Let’s get started!

What Is the Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

Snipping Tool is Microsoft’s built-in screenshot utility that lets you:

• Capture fullscreen, window, and region-based screenshots
• Take delayed screenshots
• Add markup, highlights, drawings, and shapes
• Copy screenshots directly to the clipboard
• Save images in PNG, JPG, and GIF formats
• Record your screen (new feature!)

Snipping Tool replaced Snip & Sketch and is now the default screenshot tool in Windows 11.

1. Use the Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest Method)

The quickest and most popular way to open Snipping Tool is with a keyboard shortcut.

Windows + Shift + S

This instantly opens the snipping toolbar at the top of your screen.

You’ll see icons for the following capture modes:

• Rectangular snip
• Freeform snip
• Window snip
• Fullscreen snip

After you capture the screenshot, a small preview pops up in the lower-right corner — click it to open the Snipping Tool editor.

2. Open Snipping Tool from the Start Menu

If you prefer launching the tool manually:

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Type Snipping Tool.
3. Press Enter to open it.

From here, you can take screenshots using the New button.

3. Capture Screenshots Using Different Snip Modes

Snipping Tool offers multiple capture types depending on your needs.

Rectangular Snip (Most Common)

Draw a rectangle around the area you want to capture.

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Select the Rectangular snip icon.
3. Click-and-drag to select your region.

Freeform Snip

Draw any shape you want — great for irregular regions.

1. Open the snipping toolbar.
2. Click Freeform snip.
3. Trace your desired shape.

Window Snip

Capture any app window with a single click.

1. Open the snipping toolbar.
2. Click Window snip.
3. Click the window you want to capture.

Fullscreen Snip

Capture your entire display.

1. Use Windows + Shift + S.
2. Click Fullscreen snip.

For multi-monitor setups, it captures all screens at once.

4. Capture Delayed Screenshots (Perfect for Menus)

Snipping Tool allows you to set a delay timer.

1. Open the Snipping Tool application.
2. Click the arrow next to No delay.
3. Choose 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or 10 seconds.
4. Click New to start the countdown.

This allows you to open context menus or hover actions before the capture sta

5. Edit, Annotate, and Mark Up Screenshots

Once you take a screenshot, Snipping Tool opens the editor where you can:

• Draw with pen, pencil, or highlighter
• Add shapes or arrows
• Crop the image
• Erase markings
• Use a ruler or protractor
• Undo/redo edits

1. Capture your screenshot.
2. Click the preview thumbnail.
3. Use the toolbar at the top to annotate as needed.

The markup tools are great for tutorials, step-by-step guides, and highlighting important areas.

6. Save, Copy, or Share Your Screenshot

After editing your screenshot:

Save the file:

1. Click Save or press Ctrl + S.
2. Choose a save location.
3. Select a format (PNG, JPG, GIF).

Copy to clipboard:

Click the Copy icon or press Ctrl + C.

This is useful for pasting into documents or chat apps.

Share directly:

Click Share to send via:

• Email
• Nearby Sharing
• Linked apps

7. Use Snipping Tool to Record Your Screen (New Feature!)

Windows 11 now allows screen recording inside Snipping Tool — perfect for quick tutorials or bug reports.

1. Open Snipping Tool.
2. Click the Record tab at the top.
3. Click New.
4. Select the area you want to record.
5. Click Start.
6. When finished, click Stop.
7. Preview and save the recording.

Recordings save as MP4 files.

8. Change Snipping Tool Settings

Inside the app, go to Settings to customize:

• Auto-copy to clipboard
• Auto-save captures
• Show a notification after snipping
• Ask to save changes
• Selection outline color
• Capture sound

These options tailor the Snipping Tool to your workflow.

9. Take Screenshots While Gaming (Using Snipping Tool)

Snipping Tool can capture in-game overlays and non-exclusive fullscreen apps, but for some games:

• Use Windowed or Borderless Windowed mode
• Try delayed screenshots

For exclusive fullscreen titles, it’s better to use Xbox Game Bar (Win + G).

Wrapping Up

Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful utility that makes capturing screenshots and recording quick videos incredibly easy. Whether you’re grabbing a specific region, marking up images, capturing menus with delay, or saving your screen recordings, Snipping Tool handles it all with just a few clicks.