How to fix
Snipping Tool opening automatically
on Windows

Hello. I use a Windows computer and the Snipping Tool app keeps opening automatically or by itself. What should I do? Any tips would be appreciated.

There is a known Windows bug that causes the Snipping Tool to open automatically, which can be annoying when using a computer on a daily basis. This is typically caused by the default option, which allows the tool to run automatically when the accessibility feature "Use the Print Screen key to open Snipping Tool" is enabled. For many users having this issue, turning off this setting has worked like a charm.

Corrupted tool-related AppData is another possible reason why the Snipping Tool opens automatically. Important details regarding the settings and parameters of the program are contained in AppData. This data corruption can result in unexpected behavior, including the utility launching without warning. This problem may arise for users even in the absence of any noticeable changes in their usage habits.

The Snipping Tool's automated opening might impede users' productivity and lead to annoyance and distraction. Tasks may be interrupted, especially if the tool opens at inconvenient times, which could result in a loss of productivity and focus. This problem can negatively affect user satisfaction and productivity, especially for users who depend on a smooth and uninterrupted computer experience.

Users can choose from a few possible solutions to deal with this issue. One way to go about this is to disable the "Use the Print Screen key to open Snipping Tool" setting in the accessibility options. Furthermore, the unwanted automatic launching of the Snipping Tool can be prevented by addressing problems associated with corrupted AppData through the application of suitable troubleshooting techniques.

In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix Snipping tool opening automatically in Windows. You can also run a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, registry[ref en-2] issues, or clear cookies and cache.[ref en-3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Install Windows Updates

• Click Start and select Settings.
• Go to the Windows Update section.
• Click Check for updates and wait.

• Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates.
• Reboot your system.

Solution 3. Change Accessibility Settings

• Press the Windows key + I.
• Select Accessibility from the left menu.
• On the left side, scroll down to the Interaction section.
• Click on Keyboard.

• From the next page, turn off Use the Print screen key to open screen capture.
• Now the Snipping tool should not open randomly.

If this setting is greyed out or causing problems when turning it off, you can change the "Print Screen setting" using Registry Editor:

• Click on Start and type regedit.exe.
• Hit Enter and copy-paste the following path into the address bar of Registry Editor:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard

• Double-click on the DWORD PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled.
• Change the Value data to 0 and click on OK.
• Restart your computer and see if the issue is fixed.

Solution 4. Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool

• Right-click on Start and select Settings.
• Select Apps > Installed apps.
• Locate Snipping Tool in the list and click on 3 dots.
• Select Advanced options.
• Scroll down to the Reset section and click on Repair.
• After that, check if the problem is solved.

• In case the Snipping Tool still opens, click on Reset.
• Finally, restart the system and check.

Solution 5. Reinstall the Snipping Tool

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Find Snipping Tool and click on the ellipsis (3 dots).
• Select Uninstall.
• Click on Start and select Microsoft Store.
• Type snipping tool in search and select the same from the drop-down result.
• Click on Get and wait for a while.

Sometimes removing the Snipping Tool via Windows PowerShell also works:

• Pres the Windows key + S and type Powershell.
• Select Run as administrator.
• Type the following cmdlet and hit Enter:

get-appxpackage Microsoft.ScreenSketch | remove-appxpackage

• Go to Microsoft Store and install the tool.

Solution 6. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
• Click on Disable all button.

• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.
• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.