The Snipping Tool has been a handy part of Windows for a long time, helping people take screenshots easily. With Windows 11, it got some updates to stay useful. But sometimes, it might not come pre-installed, or you might accidentally delete it, or maybe you decide you don’t want it anymore. No worries! PowerShell is here to help you install or get rid of the Snipping Tool in Windows 11. This guide will show you the easy commands you need for both installing and uninstalling the Snipping Tool using PowerShell.
Also see: How to Find Snipping Tool History in Windows 11 or 10
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Prerequisites: Running PowerShell as Administrator
Before jumping into how to install or uninstall the Snipping Tool, make sure you have the right permissions on your Windows 11 PC.
- Find the Search Bar on your taskbar or press Win + S.
- Type “PowerShell”.
- In the search results, right-click on “Windows PowerShell” and pick “Run as administrator”.
- If asked, click “Yes” to let the app make changes to your device.
- A blue window opens, showing you’re in PowerShell as an admin.
Useful tip: How to Run PowerShell or CMD as SYSTEM or TrustedInstaller in Windows 11
With PowerShell ready to go as admin, let’s move on to how to add or remove the Snipping Tool.
How to install Snipping Tool using PowerShell
If the Snipping Tool is missing from your Windows 11, no problem. You can bring it back using PowerShell with a simple command. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure the PowerShell window is up as admin.
- To add the Snipping Tool, enter this command:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This checks for the Snipping Tool package and sets it up if needed. - Wait until the command finishes. It may take a bit, depending on your PC.
- Check if it worked by looking for “Snipping Tool” or “Screen Sketch” in the Start Menu. If you see it, you’re all set.
Note: If you hit any snags, check your internet connection. Sometimes, Windows needs to grab stuff online to complete the setup.
Handy guide: How to Take a Screenshot Showing Cursor on Windows 11
How to uninstall Snipping Tool using PowerShell
Want to clean up your system or use another tool for screenshots? You can easily remove the Snipping Tool from Windows 11 using PowerShell. Here’s how:
- Make sure you’re in PowerShell as admin.
- To get rid of the Snipping Tool, type this command:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage
This looks for the Snipping Tool and tells PowerShell to remove it. - Give it a moment to process. It might take a little time.
- Check if it’s gone by searching for it in the Start Menu. If it doesn’t show up, you’re good.
Note: Be careful with PowerShell, especially when removing things. Make sure you type commands correctly to avoid unwanted surprises.
Related resource: Disable Microsoft Store in Windows 11 Home or Pro (GPO)
Tip: Restoring all default Windows apps
Sometimes, after removing certain apps, you might miss them or change your mind. Good news: Windows 11 lets you bring back all default apps in one go. If you’ve removed the Snipping Tool (or any other default apps) and want them back, here’s how:
- Open PowerShell as admin again.
- To bring back all default Windows 11 apps, use this command:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This command reinstalls all default apps by going through each one and setting it up again. - Wait for it to finish. The time it takes can vary.
- Check the Start Menu to see if the Snipping Tool and other apps are back.
Note: Reinstalling all apps might take a while. Make sure not to interrupt the process. If you just want the Snipping Tool back, follow the install steps from earlier.
Summing up
PowerShell is a powerful tool for managing your Windows 11 software. Whether you need to add or remove the Snipping Tool, or other default apps, these commands make it easy. Getting to know how to use them can really help you keep your Windows system the way you like it.
