How to Change the Default Snipping Tool in Windows 11? [2026]

If you are using Windows 11 and want to change the default Snipping Tool or control how screenshots are taken on your system, you can do so easily by adjusting a few system settings. Windows 11 offers flexibility to customize the screenshot experience, including replacing the default tool, modifying keyboard shortcuts, and setting a preferred screenshot application.

In this post, we will learn every step to change the Default Snipping Tool on your Windows 11 device!

Table of Contents

How to Change the Default Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

To change the default Snipping Tool in Windows 11, open Settings, go to Accessibility and then Keyboard, turn off the option that uses the Print Screen key to open Snipping Tool, and set your preferred screenshot app or tool manually. You can also assign another screenshot application as the default through Windows settings or by using third-party tools.

Let’s move towards the explained steps!

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

The first step is to open the Windows Settings panel, where you can access all system customization options. Windows 11 centralizes most controls in the Settings app, making it easy to manage default applications and keyboard shortcuts.

Click on the Start menu located at the bottom left of your screen. In the search bar, type Settings and open the Settings application. You can also press the Windows key and the letter I together to open Settings instantly.

Once the Settings window appears, you will see multiple categories such as System, Bluetooth and devices, Network and internet, Personalization, and Accessibility. These sections allow you to control different aspects of your computer.

To change the default Snipping Tool behavior, you will mainly work inside the Accessibility and Apps sections. Keeping the Settings window open will help you move through the next steps easily.

Step 2: Access Keyboard Accessibility Settings

After opening the Settings panel, navigate to the Accessibility section. This section includes features designed to improve usability and allow customization of input methods, including keyboard shortcuts.

Click on Accessibility from the left sidebar of the Settings window. Scroll down until you find the Keyboard option under the Interaction category. Select Keyboard to open keyboard-related settings.

Inside the Keyboard settings, you will find several options that control how keys behave in Windows 11. One of these settings is responsible for launching the Snipping Tool when you press the Print Screen key.

Look for the option labeled Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture or similar wording. This option determines whether pressing the Print Screen key launches the default Snipping Tool.

By default, this setting is usually turned on in Windows 11, which means the Snipping Tool opens whenever you press the Print Screen key. If you want to change the default screenshot behavior, this setting must be adjusted.

Step 3: Disable Print Screen Shortcut for Snipping Tool

To stop the Snipping Tool from opening automatically when pressing the Print Screen key, turn off the toggle for using Print Screen to open screen capture.

Click the toggle switch next to this option so that it turns off. Once disabled, pressing the Print Screen key will no longer open the Snipping Tool automatically.

Instead, Windows will revert to the traditional screenshot behavior where the Print Screen key copies the screen to the clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into an image editor or another application.

Disabling this option is essential if you want to use a different screenshot application as your default. Many third-party screenshot tools rely on the Print Screen key, and turning off the Snipping Tool shortcut allows those apps to take control.

After disabling the setting, restart your computer to ensure the changes are applied correctly. This helps Windows refresh the keyboard configuration.

Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Screenshot Tool

Once you disable the default Snipping Tool shortcut, you can set up another screenshot application to take its place. Windows 11 does not always allow direct replacement of the Snipping Tool, but you can configure another app to handle screenshots.

If you already have a third-party screenshot application installed, open that app and go to its settings. Most screenshot tools offer an option to set themselves as the default screenshot utility or assign the Print Screen key.

Enable the option inside your chosen screenshot app to use the Print Screen key. This allows the app to override the default Windows behavior.

If you do not have a screenshot tool installed, you can download one from the Microsoft Store or from trusted developers such as Microsoft. After installation, configure its keyboard shortcut settings to replace the Snipping Tool.

Using a dedicated screenshot tool often provides advanced features such as automatic saving, editing, annotation, and cloud sharing. These features are helpful for professionals and content creators.

Step 5: Manage Default Apps for Image Editing

Changing the default Snipping Tool also involves managing which application opens screenshots after they are captured. Windows allows you to set default apps for opening image files.

Open the Settings app again and go to Apps. Click on Default apps to see a list of file types and their associated applications. Scroll down to find common image formats such as PNG, JPG, and JPEG.

Click on each file type and choose your preferred image editor or viewer. This ensures that screenshots open in your chosen app instead of the default Photos app or Snipping Tool editor.

Setting a preferred image editor improves workflow, especially if you frequently edit screenshots. You can choose an advanced editing tool or a lightweight viewer depending on your needs.

After updating the default apps, close the Settings window and test your screenshot process to confirm everything works as expected.

Step 6: Use Alternative Screenshot Shortcuts

Even after changing the default Snipping Tool behavior, Windows 11 still offers built-in shortcuts for capturing screenshots. Understanding these shortcuts helps you control how screenshots are taken.

Press the Windows key and Print Screen together to capture the entire screen and save it automatically in the Screenshots folder. Press Windows key, Shift, and S together to open the Snipping Tool interface manually when needed.

These shortcuts allow you to use the built-in tool only when required. You can rely on your preferred screenshot application for daily use and still access the Snipping Tool occasionally.

Learning multiple screenshot methods ensures flexibility and efficiency while working on Windows 11.

Step 7: Uninstall or Reset Snipping Tool if Needed

If you want to completely stop using the Snipping Tool, you can uninstall or reset it. This step is optional and should only be performed if you are certain you will not use the tool.

Open Settings and go to Apps, then select Installed apps. Search for Snipping Tool in the list of installed applications. Click on it and choose Advanced options.

Inside Advanced options, you can reset the app to fix any issues or uninstall it entirely. Resetting clears its data and restores default settings. Uninstalling removes it from your system.

Keep in mind that Windows updates may reinstall the Snipping Tool automatically. If that happens, you can repeat the steps to disable its default behavior.

Step 8: Restart Your Computer and Test Changes

After making all necessary changes, restart your computer. Restarting ensures that Windows applies all new settings and updates keyboard shortcuts.

Once your system restarts, press the Print Screen key to check whether the Snipping Tool still opens. If it does not open and your preferred screenshot application works instead, the changes were successful.

Test additional screenshot shortcuts and confirm that screenshots open in your chosen image editor. If everything works correctly, your default Snipping Tool setup has been successfully changed.

FAQs

Can I completely remove Snipping Tool from Windows 11?

Yes, you can uninstall the Snipping Tool through the Installed apps section in Settings. However, Windows updates may reinstall it automatically. Many users prefer disabling its shortcut instead of removing it.

Why does Snipping Tool still open after disabling the Print Screen option?

If the Snipping Tool continues to open, restart your computer and check whether another setting or app is triggering it. Ensure that the Print Screen option in Accessibility settings is turned off.

How do I set a third-party screenshot app as the default?

Open the settings inside your chosen screenshot app and enable the option to use the Print Screen key. Also, ensure that the Snipping Tool shortcut is disabled in Windows settings.

Is it safe to uninstall Snipping Tool?

Yes, it is safe to uninstall. The tool is not required for system functionality. You can reinstall it anytime from the Microsoft Store if needed.

Can I still use Snipping Tool occasionally?

Yes, you can open it manually from the Start menu or by using the Windows key, Shift, and S shortcut, even if it is not set as the default screenshot tool.