Snipping Tool - How to establish the default Save Location

JohnBMoss-5620 40 Reputation points
2026-10-23T22:33:33.9833333+00:00

When I complete the Snipping Tool screen capture (Windows+Shift+S), I'd like the image to be saved in a specific default save folder on my device. I understand this is possible to establish but I have not found a way to do this.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author

AI answer

2026-10-23T22:33:56.6566667+00:00

Open Snipping Tool → See more (⋯) → Settings, then use the option for the default Screenshots folder to select the folder where future captures should be saved. ^1^

Set the folder

  1. Select Start, type Snipping Tool, and open it.
  2. Select See more (⋯) in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Ensure automatic screenshot saving is enabled.
  5. Under the automatic-save settings, select the control for the default Screenshots folder.
  6. Browse to the desired folder and select it.
  7. Press Windows + Shift + S and capture a test snip. It should be saved automatically in the selected folder.

The standard location is the Screenshots folder under Pictures. The folder setting affects automatically saved captures; Save as can still be used to save an additional copy somewhere else. ^1^

If the folder option is missing

The configurable-folder and automatic-save controls depend on the current Windows 11 Snipping Tool. Update Snipping Tool through Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates, reopen the app, and check ⋯ → Settings again. Automatic saving was introduced in Snipping Tool version 11.2209.2.0, with captures saved by default under %UserProfile%\Pictures\Screenshots. ^2^

References

  1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots#save-a-snip)
  2. how do i enable autosave screenshots on snipping tool(snip&sketch), the setting wont show - Microsoft Q&A
AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

Was this answer helpful?

2 people found this answer helpful.
Answer accepted by question author
Marcin Policht 112.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2026-10-23T22:48:15.2933333+00:00

On Windows 11, the default auto-save folder for the Snipping Tool is C:\Users\{username}\Pictures\Screenshots. You cannot specify a separate custom folder directly in the Snipping Tool settings. However, you can change the system Screenshots folder location or manually save captures to another folder.

To change the system Screenshots folder location, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\{username}\Pictures. Locate or create the Screenshots folder, right-click it, and select Properties. Open the Location tab, click Move, and browse to your preferred folder. Click Select Folder, then Apply, and choose Yes if prompted to move existing files. Windows will use the new location for screenshots saved to that system folder.

If screenshots taken with Win + Shift + S are not being saved automatically, open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu, click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and select Settings. Enable Automatically save original screenshots. The path displayed in the settings identifies the active save location.

Alternatively, you can save individual captures to a custom folder without changing the system Screenshots folder. After taking a capture with Win + Shift + S, click the notification in the lower-right corner to open the Snipping Tool editor. Press Ctrl + S or click the Save icon, then select your desired folder. The Snipping Tool may remember the last folder used for subsequent manual saves.

If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

hth

Marcin

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.