How to Get the Old Snipping Tool on Windows 11
So, the new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 isn’t quite doing it for some of us. Restoring the old version might sound like a hassle, but really, it’s just a bit of annoying file fiddling. Basically, it’s like a treasure hunt—you’ve gotta ditch the newer version first and then rummage through some files to get that trusty screenshot helper back. Sure, it can be a bit of a pain, but honestly, better than messing about in endless menus, right?
Uninstall the New Snipping Tool
First up, you need to get rid of the new Snipping Tool. Fair dinkum, it’s straightforward, but Windows doesn’t always make it that easy. Head over to your Settings — yep, the one you maybe avoid — and find Apps. Then look for Installed apps or Apps & features, depending on your version. Scroll down until you see “Snipping Tool” and click Uninstall. If it refuses to budge, you might need to get a bit sneaky with PowerShell. Because of course, Windows likes to throw in a twist now and then.
For those jumping into PowerShell, you can try running this command to nix the app: Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage. Usually, that does the trick if the uninstall button is being stubborn.
Find the Old Snipping Tool Files
Next, it’s time to hunt down the old Snipping Tool files. This is where it gets a bit tricky since Microsoft isn’t exactly rolling out a vintage collection. You’ll probably need to grab a Windows 10 ISO or something similar from a trusted source. Be careful though, there are plenty of dodgy sites out there trying to lure you in with malware disguised as helpful tools. If you can get the ISO from a safe spot or a legit backup, you’re laughing.
Once you’ve got the files, extract them using something like 7-Zip or the built-in Windows tools. If you’re stuck, look for a legacy archive or ask a tech-savvy mate for a hand. Just be wary—downloading files from shady sites could land your PC in a bit of hot water.
Copy Files to System32
Got the files? Perfect! Now, pop them into C:\Windows\System32. This is where all the Windows magic happens, and you’ll need admin rights. Right-click on File Explorer and choose Run as administrator, or open PowerShell with admin privileges (press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin)).
Then, copy the Snipping Tool files using this command: Copy-Item -Path <source_path> -Destination 'C:\Windows\System32' -Force. Just swap out <source_path> with where you stored those files.
If Windows throws a hissy fit and won’t let you copy, restart in Safe Mode and try again. To do that, go to Settings > System > Recovery, and select Advanced startup. It might sound a bit techy, but it’s just Windows protecting its files.
Create a Shortcut
Once the old Snipping Tool files are in place, let’s make it easy to access. Head to C:\Windows\System32, find SnippingTool.exe, right-click, and choose Create shortcut. Since you can’t put shortcuts directly in System32, send it to your desktop instead. From there, you can pin it to your Start menu or taskbar for quick access—just right-click and choose Pin to taskbar.
Test the Old Snipping Tool
Finally, give it a go! Double-click the shortcut you made or press Win + R to open the Run box and type SnippingTool.exe. The classic interface should pop up. If it doesn’t work, you might need to run sxstrace.exe to troubleshoot, or check the Event Viewer logs for clues.
Getting the old Snipping Tool back isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s definitely doable. Just heaps of caution—back up your stuff before messing with system files. Tech dramas tend to multiply if you’re not careful. If this whole process sounds too tricky, you might want to look into third-party options like ShareX or Greenshot—they do a bang-up job and then some.
Good luck, and may your screenshots always turn out ace!