How to Open Snipping Tool on Windows: A Complete Guide

Introduction

The Snipping Tool is one of Windows’ most useful built-in utilities for taking screenshots. Whether you're capturing a portion of your screen, an active window, or the entire display, Snipping Tool makes the task simple. However, many users still wonder: how do I open the Snipping Tool? This guide covers multiple ways to access it on Windows 10 and 11.

---

Method 1: Use the Search Bar

1. Click the Start menu or press the Windows key.
2. Type Snipping Tool into the search bar.
3. Click on the Snipping Tool app when it appears.

This is the most direct method, especially if you rarely use the tool and don’t want to memorize shortcuts.

---

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut (Windows 10 & 11)

If you're using Windows 10 or 11, a faster way to open the Snipping Tool (now merged with Snip & Sketch) is via a keyboard shortcut:

• Press Windows key + Shift + S

This combination opens a snip bar at the top of your screen, letting you select the screenshot type. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard, and you can paste it into any app.

Note: This shortcut uses the modern "Snip & Sketch" experience, which is gradually replacing the legacy Snipping Tool.

---

Method 3: From the Start Menu

You can manually find Snipping Tool under the Start Menu:

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Scroll down to Windows Accessories
3. Click on Snipping Tool

This is more helpful for users who prefer navigation over typing or shortcuts.

---

Method 4: Pin to Taskbar or Start Menu

If you use the Snipping Tool regularly, you can pin it for quicker access:

• Right-click the Snipping Tool in the Start menu
• Choose Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start

This saves you the hassle of searching every time.

---

Method 5: Use Run Dialog

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type snippingtool and hit Enter.

This opens the legacy Snipping Tool directly. On Windows 11, this might redirect to Snip & Sketch.

---

Troubleshooting Tips

• If nothing happens when you try opening it, make sure your Windows is up to date.
• Sometimes, the Snipping Tool might be disabled by group policy or system administrator on managed devices.
• If you're using a newer Windows version and "Snipping Tool" is missing, try using "Snip & Sketch" instead.

---

Conclusion

Now that you know several ways to open the Snipping Tool, choose the one that best fits your workflow. Whether you're a shortcut enthusiast or prefer classic navigation, Windows gives you flexible options. Don’t forget to pin it for convenience if you use it often.