The Snipping Tool is one of the most popular built-in screenshot utilities in Windows. On Windows 11, Microsoft revamped it by merging the classic Snipping Tool with Snip & Sketch, offering a clean interface and new features like delay options, annotation, and direct saving to clipboard. However, in some cases, users might find that the Snipping Tool is missing or not working properly. This can happen if the tool was uninstalled accidentally, removed during a Windows update, or disabled by system administrators.
Normally, you can reinstall or update the Snipping Tool through the Microsoft Store, but what if the Store is blocked, not working, or simply unavailable? Fortunately, there are multiple ways to install or restore the Snipping Tool on Windows 11 without depending on the Microsoft Store.
In this guide, we’ll explore several step-by-step methods, including using Windows Settings, Optional Features, DISM commands, PowerShell, direct app packages (AppxBundle), and even third-party trusted sources. Whether you’re a student, office worker, or casual user, these methods will help you get Snipping Tool back up and running.
Why You Might Need to Install Snipping Tool Without the Store
Before we dive into the methods, here are a few scenarios where users face this issue:
- Microsoft Store disabled: Some organizations disable Microsoft Store for employees.
- Store not working properly: The Store might be corrupt or broken after a system error.
- Offline computers: No active internet connection to download apps.
- Uninstallation: Accidentally removed Snipping Tool.
- Update problems: Latest update caused Snipping Tool to disappear.
Method 1: Reinstall Snipping Tool via Windows Optional Features
Windows 11 has a section called Optional Features where you can add or remove system apps, including Snipping Tool.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Optional features.
- Scroll down and check if Snipping Tool is listed under “Installed features.”
- If it’s missing, click Add a feature.
- In the search bar, type Snipping Tool.
- Select it from the list and click Install.
- Wait for Windows to complete the installation.
Tip: After installation, restart your PC to ensure the tool appears in the Start Menu.
Mockup screenshot suggestion: Show the “Optional features” window with the Snipping Tool being installed.
Method 2: Install Snipping Tool Using DISM Command
If Optional Features doesn’t work, you can use DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), a command-line tool built into Windows.
Steps:
- Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Microsoft.Windows.SnippingTool~~~~0.0.1.0 - Press Enter.
- Wait until the process completes.
- Restart your PC and check if Snipping Tool is installed.
This method forces Windows to add the Snipping Tool capability directly from its local or online source without using the Microsoft Store.
Method 3: Install Snipping Tool Using PowerShell
PowerShell allows more advanced control over Windows apps. You can install Snipping Tool from Windows capability packages.
Steps:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Enter the command:
Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Microsoft.Windows.SnippingTool~~~~0.0.1.0 - Wait for the process to complete.
- Restart your PC.
If successful, Snipping Tool should now appear in your Start Menu.
Method 4: Download Snipping Tool AppxBundle from Trusted Sources
Every Microsoft Store app has an AppxBundle (installation package). If you cannot use the Store, you can manually download this package and install it.
Note: Always use trusted sources, such as Microsoft’s official servers or well-known repositories like store.rg-adguard.net (a tool that fetches Store links).
Steps:
- Go to a site like https://store.rg-adguard.net/.
- Copy the official Microsoft Store link of Snipping Tool:
https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/snipping-tool/9MZ95KL8MR0L - Paste the link into the tool and choose your desired version.
- Download the
.AppxBundleor.Msixbundlefile. - Right-click the downloaded file and select Install.
- Follow the prompts to complete installation.
This method works even without the Store, as long as you can download the package.
Method 5: Restore Snipping Tool Using Windows Features on Demand ISO
Microsoft also provides Features on Demand (FOD) ISO files for enterprises. You can extract Snipping Tool from there.
Steps:
- Download the Windows 11 Features on Demand ISO from Microsoft (requires a Microsoft account).
- Mount the ISO by double-clicking it.
- Navigate to the folder containing Snipping Tool capability packages.
- Use PowerShell to install the
.cabfile with:Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name Microsoft.Windows.SnippingTool~~~~0.0.1.0 -Source D:\FOD(Replace D:\FOD with your actual ISO path.) - Restart your system after installation.
This is especially useful for IT admins managing multiple PCs.
Method 6: Copy Snipping Tool Executable from Another PC
If you have access to another Windows 11 computer with Snipping Tool, you can manually copy its files.
Steps:
- On the working PC, go to:
C:\Windows\System32 - Find SnippingTool.exe.
- Copy the file to a USB drive.
- Paste it into the same location on your PC.
- Create a shortcut to the desktop for quick access.
Note: This gives you the classic Snipping Tool but without full integration. For best performance, use the DISM or PowerShell methods.
Method 7: Use Third-Party Alternatives (If Needed)
If you cannot restore Snipping Tool, several free and safe alternatives are available:
- ShareX – advanced screenshot tool with editing.
- Lightshot – quick, lightweight snipping alternative.
- Greenshot – open-source and simple.
These apps can act as temporary replacements while you fix Snipping Tool.
Best Practices After Installing Snipping Tool
To make the most of the Snipping Tool after reinstalling:
- Pin it to taskbar: Right-click and select Pin to Taskbar.
- Set hotkeys: Use Windows + Shift + S for quick snips.
- Update regularly: Keep Windows updated to avoid missing apps.
- Backup apps: Create a system restore point to prevent future loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I install Snipping Tool offline?
Yes. Using the DISM command with a mounted FOD ISO or copying from another PC lets you install it without internet access.
2. What if the Snipping Tool crashes after installation?
Try resetting the app: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced Options > Reset.
3. Is it safe to download Snipping Tool from third-party websites?
It’s best to avoid unofficial sites. Instead, use trusted sources like Microsoft’s FOD ISO or rg-adguard.net which pulls files directly from Microsoft servers.
4. Can I use Snipping Tool on older versions of Windows?
Yes, Windows 7, 8, and 10 also include Snipping Tool, though with fewer features compared to Windows 11.
Conclusion
The Snipping Tool remains a simple yet powerful feature in Windows 11 for capturing screenshots quickly. While Microsoft Store is the usual method to download or update it, many users cannot access the Store due to restrictions, network issues, or administrative policies. Luckily, there are multiple alternative ways to install or restore the Snipping Tool without relying on the Microsoft Store.
From using Optional Features and DISM/PowerShell commands to downloading the AppxBundle or copying files from another PC, you have several reliable solutions at your disposal. IT administrators can also use Features on Demand ISO for large-scale deployments.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily bring back the Snipping Tool and ensure your productivity isn’t interrupted. If nothing works, third-party alternatives like ShareX or Greenshot can temporarily fill the gap until you restore Snipping Tool.
In short: even without the Microsoft Store, Snipping Tool can still be installed and used effectively on Windows 11.
