Microsoft has steadily improved the default Snipping Tool app on Windows. It now comes with a new user interface, a screen recorder, and bunch of other add-ons to annotate screenshots like a pro. However, it’s still not as feature-rich as some of the third-party apps like Snagit and leaves a lot to desire for power users. If you already use another app to take screenshots, use the steps below to completely disable the Snipping Tool on Windows.
Before you go ahead and use the steps below, make sure to learn what’s the Snipping Tool on Windows.
What Is Snipping Tool on Windows
Snipping Tool is the default screenshot tool on Windows. You can press the Windows + Shift + S keys to launch it to take a snapshot of the screen. Once you take a screenshot, the app presents several options to annotate it.
The Snipping Tool is the go-to app for most to take screenshots on Windows. Although Microsoft has improved it over the years, the app may feel barebone to power users. If you don’t want to use Snipping Tool and assign the same keyboard shortcut to another app, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Uninstall Snipping Tool From Windows Settings
You can use the Settings app on Windows to completely uninstall Snipping Tool on your Windows PC. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Step 2: Select Apps & features from the sidebar and open the Installed Apps menu.
Step 3: Scroll to Snipping Tool. Click the three-dot menu beside the app and click Uninstall.
If you run into errors, continue with the steps below.
Disable the Snipping Tools via the Local Group Policy Editor
Local Group Policy Editor is available to Windows 11 Pro users only. If you use Windows 11 Home, you won’t find the option. You must rely on other tricks to get rid of Snipping Tool on Windows.
Be careful before making changes to the Group Policy Editor. A small tweak can lead to permanent damage to your Windows PC. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run menu. Type ‘gpedit.msc’ and hit Enter.
Step 2: Head to the following menu.
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories
Step 3: Find the ‘Do not allow Snipping Tool to run’ from the sidebar. Double-click on it.
Step 4: Click ‘Enabled’ and click Apply.
Restart your PC to save changes. Your PC should reboot without any traces of Snipping Tool.
Turn off Snipping Tool Using the Registry Editor
As we mentioned, the trick above only applies to Windows 11 Pro users. If your PC or laptop is running the Windows 11 Home edition, use the steps below to disable Snipping Tool using the Registry Editor.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Registry Editor. Hit Enter.
Step 2: Move to the following location.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
Step 3: Right-click on Microsoft, expand New, and select Key.
Step 4: Name the new key as ‘TabletPC’.
Step 5: On the right side, right-click, expand New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 6: Set it as ‘Disable SnippingTool’ and double-click on it.
Step 7: Set the value as 1 and hit Enter.
Now, restart the computer to save the changes. You can try the Windows + Shift + S keys combination, and it won’t show up the Snipping Tool.
Disable the Snipping Tool From Services
You can use the Services menu to disable the Snipping Tool on Windows. Go through the steps below to make changes.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Services. Hit Enter.
Step 2: Scroll to ‘Snipping.tool.exe’ and double-click on it.
Step 3: Expand the Startup type menu and select Disabled.
Step 4: Click Apply and select Ok.
Reboot your computer, and you are good to go without Snipping Tool.
Disable Snipping Tool on Print Screen Key
Does the print screen bring up the Snipping Tool instead of capturing the screenshot? It’s an irritating behavior. Here’s how you can disable it.
Step 1: Open Settings and scroll to Accessibility.
Step 2: Scroll to Keyboard.
Step 3: Disable the ‘Use the Print screen button to open screen snipping’ option.
Use Your Favorite Screenshot App on Windows
There is no shortage of capable screenshots apps on Windows. Snagit is one such name that’s popular among power users. Which screenshot app do you prefer? Make sure to disable the default Snipping Tool before going ahead with a third-party app.
