How to Manage Automatic Screen Recording in Snipping Tool

Written byRichardTech Writer, IT Professional

Jun 6, 2024 Updated Apr 17, 2026 3 min read Reviewed Mar 20, 2026

This guide shows you how to control whether your screen recordings are saved automatically in the Snipping Tool on Windows 11.

The Snipping Tool is a tool built into Windows. It lets you take pictures of your screen. You can capture the whole screen, a single window, or just a small part.

You can use the Snipping Tool to redact text, disable screen capture and recording, including system audio and microphone when recording, disable automatically saving screenshots, and more.

Why manage this setting? Windows now saves your screen recordings to your C:\Users\Username\Videos\Screen Recordings folder automatically. You might want to turn this off if you prefer to choose where your files go or if you want to save storage space.

What happens when done? Once you change this setting, your computer will stop saving recordings automatically, or start saving them again, depending on your choice.

How to change automatic saving

You do not need admin privileges for these steps.

Open the Snipping Tool app on your computer.
Click the See more button (it looks like three dots).
Select Settings.

Look for the section called Screen recording.
Find the option that says Automatically save screen recordings.
Click the switch to turn it On or Off.

Close the app when you are finished.

Summary

The Snipping Tool makes it easy to record your screen. By default, it saves these files to your Videos folder. You can go into the app settings at any time to turn this feature on or off. This helps you keep your files organized and manages your storage space the way you want.

How do I enable automatic screen recording in Snipping Tool?

To enable automatic screen recording in Snipping Tool, open the app, click on the 'See more' button (three dots), and select 'Settings'. Under the 'Screen recording' section, toggle the 'Automatically save screen recordings' switch to the 'On' position.

Can I disable automatic saving of screen recordings in Snipping Tool?

Yes, you can disable automatic saving of screen recordings in Snipping Tool. Simply go to the 'Settings' menu, find the 'Automatically save screen recordings' option, and toggle the switch to the 'Off' position.

Where are my automatically saved screen recordings stored?

Automatically saved screen recordings from the Snipping Tool are stored in the 'Video > Screen Recordings' folder on your Windows 11 device. You can access this folder through File Explorer.

What are the benefits of using automatic screen recording in Snipping Tool?

The automatic screen recording feature in Snipping Tool provides convenience by saving your recordings without manual intervention. This is particularly useful for users who frequently record and want to streamline their workflow.

Is it possible to record system audio and microphone with Snipping Tool?

Yes, Snipping Tool allows you to record both system audio and microphone input while capturing screen recordings. You can manage these settings in the app's recording options before starting your recording.

2454 articles

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

Expertise:Windows 11Ubuntu LinuxCMSApps and Browsers

View all articles by Richard →

Categories:

Windows