How to use the Windows 11 Snipping Tool to capture and annotate screenshots

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to use the Windows 11 Snipping Tool to capture and annotate screenshots. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is a built-in utility that allows you to capture screenshots of your screen, annotate them, and save or share the images. This is useful for documenting errors, sharing information with colleagues, or providing visual context when opening a support ticket with 220 Internet Services.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Press Windows key + Shift + S to open the screenshot capture bar.
2. Select the area of the screen you wish to capture.
3. Click the notification to open the image in the Snipping Tool editor.
4. Use the annotation tools to add notes or highlights.
5. Click Save to store the image on your computer.

Detailed Instructions

Opening the Snipping Tool

You can launch the Snipping Tool using a keyboard shortcut or via the Start menu.

1. Press Windows key + Shift + S on your keyboard. The screen will dim and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
2. Alternatively, click the Start button, type Snipping Tool in the search bar, and select the app from the results.

Choosing a Capture Mode

If you open the app via the Start menu, you can choose how you want to capture your screen:

• Rectangle mode: Drag the cursor around an object to form a rectangle.
• Window mode: Select a specific application window, such as a browser or settings window.
• Full-screen mode: Capture the entire screen.
• Free-form mode: Draw a custom shape around the area you want to capture.

Annotating Your Screenshot

Once you have captured a snip, a preview window will appear in the bottom-right corner. Click it to open the editor.

1. Click Pen to draw freehand lines on the image.
2. Click Highlighter to emphasise specific sections of the screenshot.
3. Click Eraser to remove annotations.
4. Click Touch Writing if you are using a touchscreen device or stylus.
5. Click Image crop to trim the edges of your screenshot.

Saving and Sharing

1. Click the Save icon (floppy disk) in the top toolbar.
2. Choose a location on your computer, such as your Documents or Desktop folder.
3. Enter a file name and click Save.
4. To copy the image directly into an email or chat, click Copy and paste it into your message.

Troubleshooting

Snipping Tool will not open

1. Ensure your Windows 11 installation is up to date. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
2. Restart your computer and try the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut again.

Annotations are not saving

1. Make sure you click the Save button after annotating; simply closing the window may discard your changes.
2. Check that you have permission to write files to the folder you have selected.

If you are still experiencing issues with the Snipping Tool or need further assistance, please Open a Ticket with our support team.

Still Having Issues?