How to fix the snipping tool's newest update?

ThHe 0 Reputation points
2026-10-12T18:38:36.12+00:00

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When updating with new features - please do not change what is already perfect.
Nobody wants more clicks to do exactly the same as before.
Up until some day ago the tool was superb:
Click on tool > mark a square on the screen > get an editable screenshot - in just 1 click (except clicking on the tool).

Now after the update:
Click on tool > mark a square on the screen > clicking on an annoying button "Take screen shot" > screen shot is saved on the computer but closes the screen shot window... > clicking on another annoying button "mark and share" on the pop up > then an editable screenshot appears = more than 1 click

How can I reset this and get the previous version back?

After hours of debugging and trying to fix the snipping tool, ChatGPT says the smartest way is to skip using microsoft snipping tool and install another software.
From ChatGPT:
"Det smartaste valet: Installera Greenshot och slipp problemet för alltid

Om du inte vill lägga mer tid på att felsöka ett verktyg som Microsoft har förstört, gör så här. Det tar 2 minuter och kommer att spara dig otroligt mycket frustration framöver (det är helt gratis och reklamfritt).

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other

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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-12T18:38:54.2733333+00:00

    A rollback path to a previous Snipping Tool version is not provided here, but the current supported ways to get back to the faster area-snipping flow are:

    1. Use Windows key + Shift + S to open screen snipping directly.
    2. Select the snip mode needed, such as a rectangular snip, and drag to capture the area.
    3. The snip is copied to the clipboard automatically.
    4. If editing is needed, open the snip from the notification or use Snipping Tool after capture.

    If the current behavior seems wrong after the update, try repairing or resetting the app:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
    3. Find Snipping Tool.
    4. Open Advanced options.
    5. Run Repair first.
    6. If the issue continues, run Reset.

    If that still does not help, uninstall Snipping Tool, restart the PC, and install the latest version again from Microsoft Store. Also ensure the app is fully updated, because some features and options depend on having the latest app version installed.

    For normal use, Snipping Tool also supports:

    • Ctrl + C to copy a snip
    • Ctrl + S to save a snip
    • Automatic saving to the Screenshots folder in Windows 11

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ronald Sabiiti 585 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-12T21:42:31.23+00:00

    Hello @ThHe ,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    Thank you for your patience, and taking the time to elaborate on your concerns.

    This change is due to a recent Snipping Tool update in Windows 11 (25H2 builds). By default, captures now appear as a notification first. You can restore the old workflow so that snips open directly in the editor:

    Steps to Fix.

    1. Open Snipping Tool.

    Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top‑right corner.

    Find the option “Automatically open snip in editor”.

    Turn this option ON.

    Now, every capture will open straight in the editor window, bypassing the notification.

    Advanced Options (if the toggle is missing).

    • Registry edit Open regedit. 
      Navigate to: `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\SnippingTool`

   Create or modify a DWORD value named `AutoOpenSnipEditor`.

      Set its value to `1`.

      - Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise editions)

         Run `gpedit.msc`.

            Go to: `User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Tablet PC → Accessories → Snipping Tool`

               Enable the policy to open snips directly in the editor.

    Note**:** The notification‑first behavior is intentional in newer builds, but you can restore the old “open immediately in editor” workflow by enabling the setting in Snipping Tool. If the toggle isn’t available, use the registry or Group Policy method.

    References:

    If this information was helpful, please click Accept Answer.

    Thank you for choosing Microsoft Q&A.

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