How to Use Snipping Tool’s Text Actions in Windows 11
The Snipping Tool is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that allows you to capture your screen. With the new Snipping Tool text extraction feature, you can now pull words directly from images. This process uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to turn pictures into editable text.
Why use Text Actions?
Why use this feature? It saves you time. Instead of typing out long paragraphs from a screenshot, the app does the work for you. It is perfect for copying data from websites, error messages, or documents that do not allow direct text selection.
What happens when you use it?
What happens when done? The text is copied to your computer’s clipboard. You can then paste it into any program, like Notepad or Microsoft Word, using CTRL + V.
Version Requirements
To use Snipping Tool OCR, you must have version 11.2308.33.0 or higher. If you do not see the Text Actions button, your app is likely outdated. You can update it via the Microsoft Store. Always keep your system updated by going to Settings > Windows Update to ensure all features work correctly.
How to copy text from screenshots
Follow these steps to extract text:
- Open the Snipping Tool app.
- Take a screenshot of the image that contains the text you need.
- Click the Text Actions button in the toolbar. This will highlight all the text found in the image.
- To grab all the text at once, click the Copy all text button.

- If you only want a specific part, use your mouse to highlight just that text. Right-click the highlighted area and select Copy text.

Summary
The Snipping Tool text extraction feature is a powerful way to digitize information. By using OCR Windows 11 technology, you can quickly copy text from image files without manual effort. Remember to keep your app updated via the Microsoft Store to access the latest tools, including Quick Redact for privacy.
Why can’t I see the Text Actions button in Snipping Tool?
If the button is missing, your Snipping Tool version is likely outdated. Please visit the Microsoft Store to update the app to version 11.2308.33.0 or newer. Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated through the Settings menu to maintain compatibility with the latest screen capture features.
Is text extraction in Snipping Tool secure?
Yes, the text extraction process happens locally on your device. Microsoft does not upload your screenshots to the cloud for processing. For added security, use the Quick Redact feature to remove sensitive personal information like phone numbers or email addresses from your images before sharing them with others.
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