Open Snipping Tool in Windows 10: 8 Ways

You can open the Snipping Tool in Windows 10 using the Start menu, a keyboard shortcut, the Run dialog, or by searching for it—and there are several other methods. This guide covers every built-in way to launch the tool, plus how to pin it, use it faster, and fix common issues.

What Is the Snipping Tool?

The Snipping Tool is a free screenshot utility that has been part of Windows since Windows Vista. It lets you capture a rectangular area, a freeform shape, a window, or the full screen, and then annotate, save, or share the image. In Windows 10, it lives alongside the newer Snip & Sketch app, but many users still prefer the classic tool because of its simplicity and familiar interface.

8 Ways to Open Snipping Tool in Windows 10

Here are all the reliable methods, from the most obvious to the more advanced.

1. Search from the Taskbar

Click the search box or press Windows + S, type snipping tool, and press Enter. The app appears at the top of the results. This is the fastest method for most people.

2. Start Menu

Click the Start button, scroll to the Windows Accessories folder, and click Snipping Tool. It’s grouped with other classic utilities like Notepad and Paint.

3. Run Dialog

Press Windows + R, type snippingtool (no space), and press Enter. This works because the executable file is named snippingtool.exe and is in the system PATH.

4. Command Prompt or PowerShell

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type snippingtool then press Enter. The tool launches immediately. You can also use this in a script or batch file.

5. Create a Desktop Shortcut

Right-click your desktop, choose New > Shortcut, and in the location field enter snippingtool.exe. Click Next, name it, and Finish. Double-click the shortcut to open the tool.

6. Pin to Taskbar or Start

Once you find the Snipping Tool in search results, right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start. This gives you one-click access forever.

7. Keyboard Shortcut (Custom)

If the tool is pinned to your taskbar, you can press Windows + Alt + [position number]. For example, if it’s the third icon, press Windows + Alt + 3. This is a Windows 10 feature that works for any taskbar app.

8. Use the Print Screen Key (Alternative)

While not strictly the Snipping Tool, pressing Windows + Shift + S opens the Snip & Sketch overlay, which is the modern replacement. If you prefer the classic tool, you can change the Print Screen key behavior in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard to open the Snipping Tool instead.

How the Snipping Tool Works

When you open the tool, you see a small window with a New button. Click it to start a capture. The screen dims and you can drag to select an area. The default mode is Rectangular Snip, but you can change it to:

• Free-form Snip – draw any shape with your mouse or finger.
• Window Snip – capture an entire window, like a browser or dialog box.
• Full-screen Snip – capture everything on your screen.

After capturing, the image opens in an annotation window where you can use a pen, highlighter, or eraser. You can save it as PNG, JPEG, GIF, or a single-file HTML (MHT).

Common Problems and Fixes

Users sometimes report the Snipping Tool won’t open or is missing. Here’s what to try:

• Search doesn’t find it? Make sure you’re typing “snipping tool” correctly. If it’s still missing, check if you’re on Windows 10 N editions (which lack media features) or if the app was removed by a system administrator.
• It opens but the screen doesn’t dim? Some third-party screen overlay apps can interfere. Close them and try again.
• Can’t save? Make sure you have write permission to the destination folder. Try saving to Pictures or Desktop.
• It’s slow or crashes? Restart your PC. If that fails, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Snipping Tool vs. Snip & Sketch

Windows 10 includes two screenshot tools. The classic Snipping Tool is being phased out in favor of Snip & Sketch (now called “Snipping Tool” in later updates). The newer app offers:

• A delay timer (3 or 10 seconds) before capture.
• Window snip with a border.
• Annotations with a ruler and touch support.
• Direct sharing to other apps.

However, the classic tool is still available and works fine. If you prefer it, you can keep using it. Microsoft has not completely removed it from Windows 10 as of the latest stable releases.

How to Set a Snipping Tool Shortcut Key

There’s no built-in shortcut to open the classic Snipping Tool directly, but you can create one:

1. Right-click the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
2. Type snippingtool.exe and click Next.
3. Name it (e.g., “Snipping Tool”) and click Finish.
4. Right-click the new shortcut, choose Properties, and click in the Shortcut key field.
5. Press a combination like Ctrl + Alt + S, then click OK.

Now that key combo opens the tool from anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Snipping Tool missing from my Windows 10?

If you can’t find it in search, it may be disabled. Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features, and check if “Snipping Tool” is listed. If not, click “Add a feature,” search for it, and install it. In some enterprise or N editions, it might be removed by policy.

Can I use the Snipping Tool to capture a scrolling window?

No, the Snipping Tool cannot capture scrolling content. For long web pages, you’ll need a browser extension or a dedicated screen capture tool. The Windows 10 “Snip & Sketch” also doesn’t scroll-capture.

Does the Snipping Tool work on Windows 11?

Yes, but Windows 11 uses the new Snipping Tool app that combines the classic features with Snip & Sketch. The old “snippingtool.exe” may still work, but Microsoft directs users to the new app.

How do I change the default save format?

The Snipping Tool always asks for the format when you save. You can choose PNG, JPEG, GIF, or HTML. There is no setting to change the default; you select it each time.

Can I capture a tooltip or context menu with the Snipping Tool?

Yes, but you need to use the delay feature in Snip & Sketch. The classic Snipping Tool doesn’t have a delay, so you can’t capture a menu that disappears when you click elsewhere. In the newer app, set a delay of 3 or 10 seconds, open the menu, and wait for the capture.

With these methods, you’ll never waste time hunting for the Snipping Tool again. Whether you prefer the classic version or the modern replacement, Windows 10 gives you plenty of ways to grab a quick screenshot.

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