Download Snipping Tool for free from the Microsoft Store on any supported Windows 11 device, or use Microsoft’s direct installer if you need to reinstall it on Windows 10.
One wrong tap can send the Snipping Tool icon away, and the fix is about ninety seconds in the Microsoft Store. Whether you accidentally uninstalled the inbox screenshot tool, switched to a new PC and found it missing, or just need Snipping Tool on a Windows 10 build that supports it, the process is straightforward and costs nothing. Microsoft publishes this app directly, so there is no need to hunt through third-party download sites.
The Fastest Way To Download Snipping Tool
The simplest route works for nearly everyone. Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows device, search for Snipping Tool, and click Install or Get. Microsoft lists the app for free, and the installation completes in under a minute on a standard internet connection.
After installation, press Win + Shift + S to trigger the screenshot overlay immediately. You can also find it by typing snipping tool into the Start menu search bar and selecting the app from the results.
How To Reinstall Snipping Tool on Windows (The Official Way)
If the app is already on your system but glitching, or if the Store method fails, Microsoft provides a direct installer package for uninstalling and reinstalling both Paint and Snipping Tool. Start by removing the broken copy, then run the installer file to bring it back fresh.
The uninstall route: head to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, scroll to Snipping Tool, tap the three-dot menu beside it, and choose Uninstall. Confirm the prompt, and the app disappears.
Next, visit Microsoft’s uninstall and reinstall page and download the Paint/Snipping Tool installer file. Open the downloaded file, follow the setup prompts, and let the installer finish. Windows will place the updated Snipping Tool back into your Start menu.
This method requires Windows 10 22H2 build 19045.3758 or later. On older builds, the Store path is the only option that works.
What Does Snipping Tool Actually Do?
Snipping Tool captures any part of your screen as an image or a video clip. You can draw a rectangle, grab a full window, or record a short screen segment without installing third-party software.
Microsoft documents four capture modes in the app: Rectangular Snip, Freeform Snip, Window Snip, and Fullscreen Snip. After you finish a snip, the tool opens an editing window where you can crop, annotate with the pen or highlighter, and share directly. For video capture, press Win + Shift + R to start the recording overlay.
Snipping Tool Features Compared
| Capture Type | Keyboard Shortcut | What It Saves |
|---|---|---|
| Image Snip | Win + Shift + S | Static screenshot to clipboard + editing window |
| Video Snip | Win + Shift + R | Screen recording clip (saved or edited in Clipchamp) |
| Fullscreen Screenshot | PrtSc | Entire screen image to clipboard |
| Rectangular Lasso | Choose mode in the snip bar | Freehand area you draw |
| Window Snip | Hover and click on a window | That entire window only |
| Fullscreen Snip | Click the fullscreen icon in the bar | Everything visible on your monitor |
| Delayed Snip | Use the delay dropdown in the app’s toolbar | Snip after 3 or 10 seconds |
On older Windows versions, you may need to click the arrow next to New instead of Mode to choose your snip type. The current interface uses the Mode button in the toolbar for the same task.
Keyboard Shortcuts You Should Know
Once Snipping Tool is installed, three keyboard shortcuts give you instant access without opening the app manually.
- Win + Shift + S – Opens the image snip overlay. The screen dims, and a bar appears at the top with capture-mode options.
- Win + Shift + R – Opens the video recording overlay. Draw a rectangle around the area you want to record, then press Start.
- PrtSc – Copies a static image of your entire screen to the clipboard. Works even if Snipping Tool is not pinned to the taskbar.
When the snip completes, a notification pops up in the lower-right corner of the screen. Click that notification to open the editing window and save or annotate the capture.
Does Snipping Tool Cost Anything?
Snipping Tool is completely free. Microsoft’s Store listing labels it “Free download and install on Windows,” and no paid subscription or in-app purchases exist for the standard tool.
One thing to watch: several third-party apps use names like “Snipping Tool Pro” or “Snip & Sketch Plus” and charge for features that the official Microsoft app provides at no cost. The genuine app is published by Microsoft Corporation in the Microsoft Store.
Snipping Tool Availability by Windows Version
| Windows Version | Availability | Install Method |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 (any build) | Pre-installed; available in Store | Microsoft Store or reinstaller |
| Windows 10 22H2 19045.3758+ | Supported; may require fresh reinstall | Reinstaller download from Microsoft support |
| Windows 10 (older builds) | Partial support | Microsoft Store only |
| Windows 8 / 8.1 | Legacy Snipping Tool only | Not available via Store or current installer |
| Windows 7 or earlier | Not supported | Not available |
Enterprise-managed PCs or devices with the Microsoft Store disabled may block installation even on supported builds. In that case, contact your IT administrator for an approved deployment.
Checklist: Confirm Your Snipping Tool Is Running
After installation, run through these checks to make sure everything works:
- Press Win + Shift + S and the screen dims with a toolbar at the top. This confirms the app installed correctly and the shortcut is active.
- Capture a rectangular snip. The snippet opens in the editing window. Draw an arrow or highlight a section, then save the file to your desktop.
- Press PrtSc and paste (Ctrl + V) into an email or document. The full-screen image should appear.
- Type snipping tool into the Start menu. The app icon appears with its name. Pin it to the taskbar for quicker access later.
If the snip overlay does not appear, restart your PC and try again. A Windows Update that patches the app may also resolve a blocked shortcut.
References & Sources
- Microsoft Store. “Snipping Tool.” Official app listing with download and install options for Windows 11.
- Microsoft Support. “Uninstall and reinstall Paint and Snipping Tool.” Step-by-step process for removing and reinstalling the inbox apps on supported Windows builds.
- Microsoft Support. “Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots.” Usage guidance, keyboard shortcuts, and troubleshooting for Snipping Tool.
- Microsoft Windows Tips. “Snipping Tool.” Promotional and educational page covering features and capabilities.