How to Stop Snipping Tool from Activating Automatically in Windows 11

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 may sometimes activate unexpectedly, especially when pressing the Print Screen (PrtSc) key. This can disrupt workflows, interfere with third-party screenshot apps, and cause screenshots to save in unintended locations such as OneDrive or hidden system folders.

Here’s a complete guide to regain control over screenshot functionality.

1. Disable Snipping Tool Shortcut in Windows Settings

Windows 11 allows the Print Screen key to launch Snipping Tool by default. You can disable this behavior to restore traditional screenshot functionality.

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard (or Ease of Access > Keyboard on some builds).

Step 3: Toggle Use the Print Screen key to open screen snipping to Off.

This restores the Print Screen key to copy the entire screen to the clipboard, letting you continue using tools like ShareX, Greenshot, or Lightshot.

2. Turn Off OneDrive Screenshot Auto-Save

OneDrive can automatically save screenshots captured via Print Screen, which may confuse users.

Step 1: Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
Step 2: Select Settings > Backup > Screenshots.
Step 3: Uncheck Save screenshots I capture to OneDrive.

Screenshots will now remain local, preventing automatic storage in OneDrive.

3. Modify the Registry to Disable Snipping Tool Shortcut

For advanced users or IT deployments, the Windows Registry can enforce the Print Screen behavior.

Caution: Always back up the registry before making changes.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard

Step 3: Find PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled. If it exists, set the value to 0. If not, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled, and set it to 0.

Step 4: Restart your PC.

This registry change disables Snipping Tool from intercepting the Print Screen key entirely.

4. Check Third-Party Software or Keyboard Utilities

Keyboard utilities from manufacturers like Lenovo or Logitech may override default shortcuts.

• Lenovo Vantage: Check if Print Screen is mapped to Win + Shift + S.
• Logitech Options+: Remap the key if it launches Snipping Tool.
• If the utility cannot disable it, consider using AutoHotKey to remap the key to its traditional function.

These steps are essential if Windows settings alone do not stop Snipping Tool from activating.

5. Manage Snipping Tool Temporary Files

Even with auto-save disabled, Snipping Tool may store temporary files in:

C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_8wekyb3d8bbwe\TempState\Snips

• Copy snips to another app (e.g., Paint) and close Snipping Tool promptly.
• Alternatively, use third-party screenshot utilities that do not generate temporary files.

Conclusion

Disabling Snipping Tool’s automatic activation in Windows 11 ensures your Print Screen key works as expected and allows you to use preferred screenshot tools without interruption. Always check both Windows settings and device-specific software to fully regain control over screenshot behavior.