How to Enable or Disable Snipping Tool Screenshot Saving in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to automatically save your screenshots whenever you use the most recent Snipping Tool. By default, every time you take a picture of your screen, a copy is saved as a PNG file in your Pictures\Screenshots folder. You can also find this folder in your home directory at C:\Users\Username\Pictures\Screenshots Picture.

Why change this setting?

You might want to stop your computer from saving every single screenshot to your hard drive to save space or keep your folders clean. Alternatively, you might want to turn it on so you never lose an important image.

What happens when done?

Once you change this setting, the Snipping Tool will stop or start creating files in your folder automatically. If you disable it, your screenshots will only be copied to your clipboard, and you will need to paste them into an app manually.

How to enable or disable automatic saving

Because the Snipping Tool is a Microsoft Store app, you cannot change these settings using advanced tools like the Windows Registry or Group Policy. You must change them directly inside the app.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Snipping Tool and click to open it.

3. Click the three dots (ellipses) in the top right corner of the app window.
4. Select Settings from the menu.

5. Locate the option labeled Automatically save screenshots.
6. Click the toggle switch to turn it On or Off.

Your changes take effect immediately. Simply close the settings window to finish.

Summary

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 saves your screenshots to your hard drive by default. You can easily turn this feature on or off by opening the app, going to the Settings menu, and flipping the toggle switch. This change helps you manage your storage and keep your screenshot folder organized.