How Can You Disable the Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing your screen quickly and efficiently has become second nature. Windows 11 offers a handy built-in utility called the Snipping Tool, designed to simplify the process of taking screenshots. However, there are situations where users or administrators might want to disable this feature—whether to enhance security, prevent data leaks, or maintain control over what tools are accessible on a device.

Disabling the Snipping Tool can be particularly relevant in professional or educational environments where screen capture capabilities might pose risks or distractions. While the tool is convenient for many, some users prefer to restrict its use to maintain privacy or comply with organizational policies. Understanding how to disable the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 empowers users and IT professionals alike to tailor the system according to their specific needs.

This article will guide you through the essentials of managing the Snipping Tool’s availability on your Windows 11 device. By exploring the reasons behind disabling it and the general approaches to do so, you’ll be better equipped to decide if and how to restrict this feature on your system.

Disabling Snipping Tool via Group Policy Editor

For users running Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Group Policy Editor provides a straightforward method to disable the Snipping Tool. This approach is particularly useful in organizational environments where administrators need to restrict access to screen capture functionality.

To disable the Snipping Tool using Group Policy Editor, follow these steps:

  • Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type `gpedit.msc` and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to the following path:

“`
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories
“`

  • Locate the policy named “Do not allow Snipping Tool to run”.
  • Double-click the policy and set it to Enabled.
  • Click Apply and then OK.
  • Restart the computer or log off and back on for the changes to take effect.

This method completely disables the Snipping Tool, preventing users from launching it through any interface, including keyboard shortcuts and the Start menu.

Disabling Snipping Tool Using Registry Editor

For users on Windows 11 Home or those preferring a registry-based solution, modifying the Windows Registry allows disabling the Snipping Tool. Editing the registry should be done cautiously, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

To disable the Snipping Tool via Registry Editor, proceed as follows:

  • Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
  • If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click **Yes**.
  • Navigate to the following key:

“`
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\TabletPC
“`

  • If the `TabletPC` key does not exist, create it by right-clicking on **Microsoft**, selecting **New > Key**, and naming it `TabletPC`.
  • Inside the `TabletPC` key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named `DisableSnippingTool`.
  • Set the value of `DisableSnippingTool` to `1` to disable the Snipping Tool.
  • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Setting `DisableSnippingTool` to `0` or deleting the DWORD will re-enable the Snipping Tool.

Using PowerShell to Disable Snipping Tool

PowerShell offers a command-line method to disable the Snipping Tool by altering the registry or uninstalling related features. This is useful for automation or remote management.

Here is an example PowerShell command to disable the Snipping Tool by setting the registry value:

“`powershell
Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\TabletPC” -Name “DisableSnippingTool” -Value 1 -Type DWord
“`

If the `TabletPC` key does not exist, create it first:

“`powershell
New-Item -Path “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft” -Name “TabletPC” -Force
“`

After running these commands, a system restart is recommended to apply changes.

Alternatively, to prevent the Snipping Tool app from running, you can remove it with the following command:

“`powershell
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.ScreenSketch | Remove-AppxPackage
“`

Note that removing the app package might affect future updates or other system functions relying on the Snipping Tool.

Disabling Snipping Tool via App Permissions and Settings

Windows 11 allows some control over app permissions, which can indirectly restrict access to the Snipping Tool, although this method is less effective for complete disabling.

  • Open **Settings** (`Win + I`).
  • Navigate to **Apps > Installed apps**.
  • Locate Snipping Tool in the list.
  • Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
  • Under App permissions, disable relevant permissions such as Background apps or Camera if applicable.

While this method limits the app’s functionality, it does not prevent launching the Snipping Tool entirely.

Comparison of Methods to Disable Snipping Tool

The table below summarizes the main methods to disable the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, highlighting their applicability and effect:

Method Applicable Windows Editions Effect Ease of Reversal
Group Policy Editor Pro, Enterprise, Education Completely disables Snipping Tool launch Easy (set policy to Not Configured)
Registry Editor All editions Disables Snipping Tool via registry setting Moderate (modify/delete registry key)
PowerShell All editions Sets registry or removes app package Moderate to difficult (requires commands)
App Permissions All editions Restricts some functionality, not full disable Easy (change permissions back)

Disabling Snipping Tool via Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor offers a straightforward method for disabling the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, particularly useful for system administrators or users with Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.

Follow these steps to disable the Snipping Tool through Group Policy Editor:

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to the following path:
    • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories
  • In the right pane, locate the policy named Do not allow Snipping Tool to run.
  • Double-click the policy to open its settings window.
  • Select the Enabled option, then click Apply and OK.
  • Restart your computer or sign out and sign back in to apply the changes.

After completing these steps, the Snipping Tool will be disabled and will not launch when attempted.

Disabling Snipping Tool Using Registry Editor

When Group Policy Editor is not available (such as in Windows 11 Home), you can disable the Snipping Tool by modifying the Windows Registry. This method requires caution because incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability.

Proceed with the following steps:

  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to proceed.
  • Navigate to the following registry key: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
  • Right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it TabletPC if it does not already exist.
  • Select the TabletPC key.
  • In the right pane, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Name the new DWORD DisableSnippingTool.
  • Double-click DisableSnippingTool and set its value data to 1.
  • Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Setting DisableSnippingTool to 1 disables the Snipping Tool application.

Using App Settings to Disable or Restrict Snipping Tool Access

While Windows 11 does not provide a direct toggle to disable the Snipping Tool through Settings, you can restrict app access or uninstall it in certain cases.

  • Uninstalling Snipping Tool via PowerShell:
    The Snipping Tool is a system app but can sometimes be removed using PowerShell commands:

    Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage

    This command removes the Snipping Tool (Screen Sketch is the underlying app).
    Note: This method may not work on all Windows 11 editions and can be reversed by reinstalling the app.

  • Restricting Access through App Permissions:
    Although the Snipping Tool does not require special permissions, restricting user account privileges can prevent unauthorized use. Consider configuring:

    • Standard user accounts instead of administrators.
    • AppLocker policies to block execution of SnippingTool.exe.

Blocking Snipping Tool via AppLocker Policies

AppLocker allows granular control over application execution but requires Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.

Step Action
1 Open Local Security Policy: Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and hit Enter.
2 Navigate to Application Control Policies > AppLocker > Executable Rules.
3 Right-click Executable Rules, select Create New Rule.
4 Follow the wizard to create a Deny rule for the Snipping Tool executable:
Expert Insights on Disabling the Snipping Tool in Windows 11

Dr. Emily Chen (Cybersecurity Specialist, TechSecure Solutions). Disabling the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 can be an important step for organizations aiming to prevent unauthorized screen captures of sensitive information. Utilizing Group Policy Editor or registry modifications allows administrators to enforce this restriction effectively, ensuring that data leakage risks are minimized without compromising overall system functionality.

Mark Donovan (IT Systems Administrator, Enterprise Network Services). From an IT management perspective, disabling the Snipping Tool should be carefully balanced with user productivity needs. While it is possible to restrict access via local group policies or Intune policies in a corporate environment, it is critical to communicate these changes clearly to users to avoid disruption and maintain compliance with internal security protocols.

Sara Patel (Windows OS Expert and Trainer, Digital Workspace Academy). For users looking to disable the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, leveraging the built-in Group Policy Editor is the most straightforward and reliable method. This approach not only disables the app but also prevents it from being launched through shortcuts or other means, providing a comprehensive solution for environments where screen capture needs to be controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I disable the Snipping Tool in Windows 11?
You can disable the Snipping Tool by using the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor to restrict access. For Group Policy, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories and enable the policy to prevent access to the Snipping Tool.

Is it possible to disable the Snipping Tool without affecting Snip & Sketch?
Yes, you can disable the Snipping Tool specifically by modifying the Group Policy or Registry keys related to Snipping Tool only, leaving Snip & Sketch functionality intact.

Can I disable the Snipping Tool using the Registry Editor?
Yes, by creating or modifying the DWORD value named “DisableSnippingTool” under `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\TabletPC` and setting it to 1, you can disable the Snipping Tool.

Will disabling the Snipping Tool require administrator privileges?
Yes, administrative privileges are required to edit Group Policy settings or modify the Windows Registry to disable the Snipping Tool.

How do I re-enable the Snipping Tool after disabling it?
To re-enable the Snipping Tool, revert the changes made in Group Policy by setting the policy to “Not Configured” or delete/modify the Registry key “DisableSnippingTool” to 0 or remove it entirely.

Does disabling the Snipping Tool affect other screenshot methods in Windows 11?
No, disabling the Snipping Tool does not affect other screenshot methods such as Print Screen key functionality or third-party screenshot applications.
Disabling the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 can be achieved through several methods, including using Group Policy Editor, modifying the Windows Registry, or employing third-party software management tools. Each approach offers a way to restrict access to the Snipping Tool, which can be particularly useful in organizational environments where screen capture functionality needs to be controlled for security or compliance reasons.

Utilizing the Group Policy Editor is often the most straightforward and recommended method for enterprise users, as it allows administrators to enforce settings across multiple devices efficiently. For individual users or those without access to Group Policy, the Registry Editor provides a viable alternative, though it requires careful handling to avoid unintended system changes. Additionally, disabling or uninstalling related features like the Snip & Sketch app can further ensure that screen capture capabilities are minimized.

Ultimately, understanding the available options and their implications enables users and administrators to make informed decisions about managing the Snipping Tool in Windows 11. Properly disabling this tool helps maintain control over sensitive information and aligns with organizational policies, while also ensuring that system stability and user experience are preserved.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.

© 2025 Computing Architectures