If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11, you may have noticed that the classic Snipping Tool you loved has been replaced with a new combined version of Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch. While the new version has some modern features, many users prefer the old Snipping Tool because of its simplicity and familiarity.
So, how do you get it back? Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through different ways to restore the old Snipping Tool on Windows 11, step by step.
Why Users Miss the Old Snipping Tool
Before diving into solutions, let’s quickly look at why people still want the old tool:
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Simple interface – Fewer clicks, easier to use.
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Quick access – No extra features cluttering the screen.
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Reliability – Worked smoothly without unexpected bugs.
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Familiarity – Users who upgraded from Windows 7, 8, or 10 prefer the classic experience.
Method 1: Check if the Old Snipping Tool Still Exists
Interestingly, in early versions of Windows 11, the old Snipping Tool was hidden but not completely removed.
Steps
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Press Windows + S and type Snipping Tool.
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If you see the classic icon, try launching it.
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If it opens, you’re in luck—you already have it.
If not, don’t worry. Let’s move to the next methods.
Method 2: Use Windows 10 Snipping Tool Files
One way to bring it back is by copying the old tool from a Windows 10 system.
Steps
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On a Windows 10 PC, go to:
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Copy the file SnippingTool.exe.
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Also copy the folder:
(Look for
SnippingTool.exe.muifile inside). -
Paste them into the same locations on your Windows 11 PC.
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Create a desktop shortcut for SnippingTool.exe.
Now, you can use the old Snipping Tool again.
Method 3: Download the Old Snipping Tool from Trusted Sources
Some websites provide a standalone version of the old Snipping Tool packaged for Windows 11.
⚠️ Important: Only download from trusted websites to avoid malware.
Once downloaded, install it, and you’ll have the classic Snipping Tool back.
Method 4: Use Registry Trick to Restore Classic Behavior
In some builds, the old tool is disabled but can be re-enabled with a registry tweak.
Steps
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Look for a key like DisableSnippingTool.
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Set its value to 0.
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Restart your PC.
This may restore access to the old tool if it exists on your system.
Method 5: Create a Shortcut for Old Snipping Tool (If Still Installed)
Sometimes the app is there but hidden. You can manually create a shortcut.
Steps
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Right-click on the desktop.
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Select New > Shortcut.
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Paste this path:
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Name it Old Snipping Tool.
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Save and double-click to launch it.
Method 6: Use Portable Versions
Some developers have created portable versions of the old Snipping Tool that don’t require installation.
Just download, extract, and run it directly—perfect if you don’t want to mess with system files.
Method 7: Use an Alternative Lightweight Snipping App
If getting the exact old Snipping Tool isn’t possible, you can use alternatives that mimic its simplicity, such as:
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LightShot
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Greenshot
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PicPick
These are lightweight and easy to use, just like the classic tool.
Method 8: Replace New Snipping Tool with Old One
You can replace the new app’s shortcut with the old executable.
Steps
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Copy the old
SnippingTool.exe(from Windows 10). -
Place it in a folder, e.g.,
C:\OldSnip\. -
Pin it to the Start menu or Taskbar.
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Whenever you hit Snipping Tool, it launches the old version.
Method 9: Use Group Policy (For Pro Users)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy Editor may help.
Steps
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Check for settings related to Snipping Tool.
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Enable/disable as needed to bring it back.
Method 10: Stick with the New Snipping Tool but Customize It
If restoring the old tool feels like too much hassle, you can make the new tool behave similarly:
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Disable unnecessary options.
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Use keyboard shortcut Win + Shift + S for quick access.
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Set it as your default screenshot tool.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues
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Error when launching old tool → Make sure you copied
.muifiles correctly. -
Shortcut doesn’t work → Double-check the file path.
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Old tool missing from Windows 10 PC → It might be removed in newer builds; use portable versions instead.
Best Option for Most Users
The easiest way is to copy the SnippingTool.exe from Windows 10 or use a portable version.
If you don’t want the hassle, lightweight alternatives like LightShot work just as well.
Conclusion
While Windows 11 focuses on the new Snipping Tool, many people still prefer the simplicity of the old Snipping Tool. Thankfully, with methods like copying files from Windows 10, using registry tweaks, or downloading portable versions, you can still bring it back.
Whether you restore the old tool or use a modern alternative, the choice is yours—you’ll always have a quick way to capture your screen.
FAQs
Q1: Is it legal to copy the old Snipping Tool from Windows 10?
Yes, as long as you own a licensed copy of Windows 10, copying system files for personal use is fine.
Q2: Can I have both old and new Snipping Tools on Windows 11?
Yes, you can run them side by side by creating separate shortcuts.
Q3: Will Microsoft officially bring back the old Snipping Tool?
Unlikely—Microsoft wants users to adapt to the new combined version.
Q4: What’s the safest way to get the old Snipping Tool?
Copying it from a Windows 10 PC or using a portable version from a trusted source.
Q5: What’s the shortcut for the new Snipping Tool?
Press Windows + Shift + S to open the snipping overlay instantly.