Snipping Tool in Windows now saves many captures automatically by default, but you can stop it from doing that in a few clicks — and there are important caveats to know about when and why the option may or may not appear on your PC.
Windows’ built‑in Snipping Tool has evolved from a lightweight capture helper into a fuller-featured screenshot and short video utility. In recent Windows 11 updates Microsoft added an auto‑save option that writes snips to a Screenshots folder (Pictures\Screenshots) immediately after capture, while still copying the image to the clipboard for paste workflows. That behavior is presented as a convenience for users who want automatic file archives of each capture.
At the same time Microsoft also allowed the Print Screen (PrtScn) key to be reused as a launcher for the Snipping Tool overlay — a change that has been enabled by default in some builds and can be reverted in Settings. The change and the toggle to control it are documented across multiple Windows guides and news outlets.
This article explains exactly how to disable Snipping Tool auto‑saving, where previously saved screenshots live, how to prevent Print Screen from launching Snipping Tool, why the auto‑save option may be missing on some machines, and enterprise/privacy considerations to watch for.
Source: Guiding Tech How to Disable Snipping Tool Auto Saving Screenshots
Windows’ built‑in Snipping Tool has evolved from a lightweight capture helper into a fuller-featured screenshot and short video utility. In recent Windows 11 updates Microsoft added an auto‑save option that writes snips to a Screenshots folder (Pictures\Screenshots) immediately after capture, while still copying the image to the clipboard for paste workflows. That behavior is presented as a convenience for users who want automatic file archives of each capture. At the same time Microsoft also allowed the Print Screen (PrtScn) key to be reused as a launcher for the Snipping Tool overlay — a change that has been enabled by default in some builds and can be reverted in Settings. The change and the toggle to control it are documented across multiple Windows guides and news outlets.
This article explains exactly how to disable Snipping Tool auto‑saving, where previously saved screenshots live, how to prevent Print Screen from launching Snipping Tool, why the auto‑save option may be missing on some machines, and enterprise/privacy considerations to watch for.
What the auto‑save feature does (quick summary)
- By default, after a capture the Snipping Tool copies the image to the clipboard and — when Automatically save original screenshots is enabled — also saves an unedited copy to your account’s Screenshots folder (Pictures\Screenshots) as a timestamped PNG.
- The editor still gives you the option to save edited snips manually; auto‑save concerns only the unedited “original” image.
- The Print Screen key behavior is separate: Windows can route the key to the Snipping Tool overlay (Win + Shift + S equivalent) if you enable that Accessibility option. That mapping can be turned off.
How to disable Snipping Tool auto saving (step‑by‑step)
Follow these steps for the clearest, fail‑safe way to turn off automatic saving inside the Snipping Tool app:- Open Snipping Tool (type “Snipping Tool” or “snip” into the Start menu).
- Create any snip (press New or use Win + Shift + S) so the editor/preview appears. The settings entry is reachable from the capture editor or the app’s overflow menu.
- In the editor, click the three‑dot menu (… / See more) in the top‑right and choose Settings.
- Toggle Automatically save original screenshots (or similar labelled option) to Off.
- The setting is per‑user and applies immediately; new screenshots will remain on the clipboard until you explicitly save them.
- If you need a permanent file, open the editor and click Save (or press Ctrl+S) — you get to choose destination and filename.
Visual quick checklist (if you prefer terse steps)
- Start → Snipping Tool
- Take a snip (Win + Shift + S)
- Editor → … (three dots) → Settings
- Uncheck “Automatically save original screenshots” (turn off)
Where the auto‑saved screenshots live and how they’re named
When auto‑save is enabled, the unedited PNGs are placed in:- C:\Users\<your‑username>\Pictures\Screenshots
- Screenshot‑YYYY‑MM‑DD‑HHMMSS.png
Removing old screenshots safely
If you’ve been using Snipping Tool with auto‑save turned on, you may have an accumulation of images. Here’s a safe cleanup workflow:- Open File Explorer → Pictures → Screenshots.
- Sort by Date (newest/oldest) to see bursts of captures that may be duplicates.
- Delete unnecessary files or move them to an archive folder or external drive.
- Optionally: run a one‑time PowerShell command to delete files older than N days (advanced users) or use Storage Sense to remove temporary images.
Preventing Print Screen from opening Snipping Tool
If your Print Screen key now opens Snipping Tool but you prefer the classic PrtScn behavior (copy whole screen to clipboard), disable the mapping:- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Accessibility → Keyboard.
- Find Use the Print screen key to open screen snipping (or “Use the Print screen key to open Snipping Tool”) and toggle it off.
Why you might not see the auto‑save option (and what to try)
Several users report the auto‑save toggle does not appear in some Snipping Tool versions or on some devices. Possible causes and remedies:- Snipping Tool version differences: Newer builds and Microsoft Store updates add the auto‑save option. If your Snipping Tool app is older, update it via Microsoft Store or check Windows Update.
- Windows build differences: Some Insider or staged feature rollouts make options appear on some PCs earlier than others. Confirm your Windows 11 build and app version if the toggle is missing.
- Parity with OneDrive settings: Historically, OneDrive offered an automatic screenshot backup toggle; the model changed to Folder Backup for Pictures. If OneDrive is configured to back up your Pictures folder, behavior and expectations may differ.
- Update Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store and reboot.
- If you’re on a managed/work PC, ask IT — group policy or MDM can alter available app settings.
- As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Snipping Tool (or Reset the app) from Settings → Apps → Installed apps; then recheck Settings.
Enterprise and policy notes: GPO/registry control
- There is no widely documented Group Policy specifically to toggle the Snipping Tool auto‑save option for all users; community and Microsoft Q&A indicate admins may need to rely on app configuration scripts or registry changes for large fleets. Admins asking about a GPO to disable auto‑save have been pointed to per‑user settings or registry workarounds. Test any registry changes thoroughly.
- You can disable access to the Snipping Tool fully (not just auto‑save) by setting policies such as DisableSnippingTool under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer, but that prevents any snip capture from the app — which is blunt and typically undesirable for end users. Use with caution.
Privacy and sync: OneDrive and cloud backups
Two separate mechanisms can cause screenshots to leave the device:- Snipping Tool auto‑save writes local files to Pictures\Screenshots. If OneDrive (or another sync service) is configured to back up the Pictures folder, those images may be uploaded to your cloud storage automatically. That’s often the main surprise for users who thought screenshots stayed local. Double‑check OneDrive’s Folder Backup settings or the client’s “Automatically save screenshots I capture to OneDrive” option (older versions).
- Third‑party tools such as ShareX, Dropbox, or vendor keyboard utilities can intercept Print Screen or auto‑upload captures. If privacy is a concern, review each app’s upload and sync settings before using auto‑save workflows.
- Keep auto‑save off if you regularly capture sensitive data and don’t want every shot persisted.
- If you do want an archive but prefer it to remain local, disable cloud sync for Pictures or point Snipping Tool’s save folder to a non‑synced directory.
Advanced tips and alternatives
- Change the Snipping Tool default save folder: Recent builds allow changing the folder where auto‑saved screenshots go (Snipping Tool Settings → Change where Screenshots are saved). If available, move it to a preferred location. If your build doesn’t show that option, you can manually move files or use a PowerShell script to relocate files periodically.
- Use Win + PrtScn for immediate file saves: If you want instant, automatic saving without Snipping Tool’s overlay, press Windows + PrtScn — that saves a full‑screen PNG to Pictures\Screenshots immediately. This is a long‑standing keyboard shortcut for a file‑based workflow.
- Clipboard‑first workflow: Press Win + Shift + S to capture to the clipboard (overlay). That keeps your filesystem clean until you decide to save or share. It’s the recommended approach when you only need occasional files.
- Use PowerToys Keyboard Manager to remap Print Screen back to PrtScn behavior if other apps steal the key or if the accessibility toggle doesn’t behave as expected. PowerToys must be active for remaps to remain in effect.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
Problem: After toggling auto‑save off I still see files being written.- Check OneDrive / Dropbox / Google Drive: they may be uploading screenshots from your Pictures folder as a separate process. Disable automatic picture backups or change the folder.
- Update Snipping Tool via Microsoft Store and check your Windows build; some features are rolled out gradually or tied to app versions. If you’re on a corporate device, consult IT — policies may be in place.
- Confirm Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard toggle for Print Screen. If off and Print Screen still doesn’t behave, check installed utilities (Logitech, Razer, third‑party screenshot tools) and disable their hotkey overrides.
Risk assessment and final recommendations
Strengths:- The Snipping Tool’s auto‑save makes it easy to keep a persistent archive of captures without manual file saves — helpful for documentation and repeated capture sessions.
- Clipboard‑first capture remains available, giving users control to save only what matters.
- Unintended data retention: Auto‑save can quietly accumulate sensitive captures, especially when paired with cloud backup, creating a privacy risk. Always verify cloud sync settings if you care about where images are stored.
- Inconsistent availability: The auto‑save option is tied to Snipping Tool versions and Windows builds; some users report the option missing, which can cause confusion in support scenarios. Keep apps and Windows up to date if you need that feature.
- Enterprise management: There’s no simple centralized GPO to flip auto‑save across all users — admins may need scripted or registry approaches. Blocking the entire Snipping Tool is possible but blunt. Test and document any policy changes carefully.
- If you occasionally capture and rarely want files, disable auto‑save and use Win + Shift + S (clipboard) for ephemeral captures.
- If you regularly archive captures but want them off the cloud, change the default Screenshots folder to a non‑synced location (if your Snipping Tool build allows it) or disable Pictures folder backup in OneDrive.
- For teams and fleets, document the expected behavior and test the Snipping Tool build you plan to deploy; some builds change defaults and features over time.
Conclusion
Disabling Snipping Tool’s automatic screenshot saving is straightforward when the app and Windows build expose the setting: open Snipping Tool, take a snip, open Settings from the editor, and toggle off Automatically save original screenshots. If the option doesn’t appear, update the app, check your Windows build and cloud sync settings, and consult IT if the device is managed. Remember that auto‑save can be useful but also carries privacy and storage implications — use the clipboard workflow or change save locations when you want to keep your filesystem tidy and your cloud storage under control.Source: Guiding Tech How to Disable Snipping Tool Auto Saving Screenshots