Snipping Tool Archives

Winsage

March 23, 2026

Microsoft announces changes to Windows 11: movable taskbar, less Copilot and improved update control

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Windows 11 in test builds for Windows Insider members during March and April of 2026. Key updates include: - Users can now reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of their screens and access more personalization settings. - The integration of the Copilot feature will be reassessed across applications like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad, focusing on specific use cases. - Windows Update will allow users to skip updates during initial setup, shut down or restart without mandatory updates, pause updates for extended periods, and reduce the frequency of automatic restarts and notifications. - File Explorer will see performance upgrades, including faster startup times, fewer visual artifacts, and enhanced stability. - The Feedback Hub will have an updated interface for easier feedback submission and improved visibility of user messages. - Future developments for Windows 11 will focus on enhancing system performance, stability, and predictability, reducing resource consumption, boosting application speed, improving driver stability, minimizing crashes, enhancing peripheral connectivity, and ensuring reliable updates. - There will be ongoing improvements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux to enhance file operations between Windows and Linux environments.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Windows users are angry, and Microsoft is finally doing something about it

Microsoft is addressing user dissatisfaction with Windows 11 by implementing several changes. These include enhanced taskbar customization, allowing users to reposition the taskbar; a more selective integration of AI features, reducing unnecessary AI entry points in applications; greater control over updates, enabling users to skip or pause updates; performance improvements aimed at reducing sluggishness in File Explorer and enhancing memory efficiency; and increased reliability by focusing on reducing crashes and improving app stability. Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance various functionalities, including Bluetooth and USB connectivity, printer support, and search functionality, while also making widgets less intrusive.

Winsage

March 21, 2026

Microsoft rolls back some of its Copilot AI bloat on Windows

Microsoft is reducing the number of entry points for its AI assistant, Copilot, in Windows 11, scaling back features in applications like Photos, Widgets, Notepad, and the Snipping Tool. This decision aims to create more meaningful AI experiences for users. Pavan Davuluri emphasized the importance of intentionality in AI interactions. A Pew Research study indicates that as of June 2025, half of U.S. adults are more concerned than excited about AI. Microsoft has previously abandoned plans for broader Copilot integrations and postponed the launch of the AI-powered memory feature, Windows Recall, due to privacy concerns. User feedback is influencing Microsoft's AI strategy, and additional enhancements to Windows 11 will include taskbar repositioning, improved control over system updates, faster File Explorer performance, and a better Widgets interface.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Our commitment to Windows quality

- Enhanced Taskbar Customization: Users will be able to reposition the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen. - Intentional AI Integration: Copilot will be integrated thoughtfully across Windows, starting with apps like Snipping Tool, Photos, Widgets, and Notepad. - Streamlined Windows Updates: Users will have more control over updates, including options to skip updates during setup, restart without installing updates, and pause updates. - Improved File Explorer: Enhancements will lead to quicker launches, smoother navigation, and more reliable performance. - Widget Control and Personalization: Widgets will have quieter defaults and improved personalization options. - Simplified Windows Insider Program: The program will be made more accessible with clearer channel definitions and enhanced engagement opportunities. - Revamped Feedback Hub: The Feedback Hub will be updated to streamline the process for submitting feedback and engaging with the community. - System Performance Improvements: Resource usage will be reduced to enhance performance, resulting in faster app launches and improved memory efficiency. - Fluid App Interactions: Core experiences will transition to the WinUI3 framework to minimize interaction latency. - File Explorer Optimization: Efforts will be made to lower latency for search and navigation. - Elevating the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Performance and integration for developers using Linux tools will be enhanced. - Windows Insider Program Enhancements: Expectations for each Insider channel will be clarified, and the quality of builds will be raised. - OS, Driver, and App Reliability: Improvements will be made to system stability and driver quality. - Windows Update Experience: Updates will be streamlined to minimize disruptions and provide clearer control over timing. - Windows Hello Improvements: Biometric authentication will be enhanced for a more reliable sign-in experience. - Start and Taskbar Enhancements: These areas will be made more reliable and personalized. - Focused User Experience: Distractions will be reduced to help users maintain focus. - Search Enhancements: Faster, more accurate search results will be delivered across Windows surfaces. - Commitment to security enhancements aligned with Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative.

Winsage

March 20, 2026

How I’ve improved Windows 11 with a 30-year-old tool

Microsoft PowerToys is a utility that enhances the Windows experience with additional features. It was first introduced with Windows 95, revived in 2019 as an open-source tool, and is available for free download from the Microsoft Store or GitHub. Key features of PowerToys include: - Pin important windows on top: Users can pin active windows above others using the shortcut Win+Ctrl+T, allowing for better focus on key tasks. - Resize images: The Image Resizer tool allows users to resize images to specific dimensions through right-click options, with presets for Fill, Fit, or Stretch. - Extract text from the screen: The Text Extractor uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to copy text directly from anywhere on the screen by selecting the area with Win+T. - Control multiple computers: The Mouse Without Borders feature enables users to control up to four computers with a single set of peripherals and share clipboard and files. - Customize shortcuts: The Keyboard Manager allows users to remap keys and shortcuts, though some keys are reserved for system functions. - Batch rename files: PowerRename enables users to rename multiple files at once through a right-click option, with a preview of changes. - Thumbnail and preview pane previews: PowerToys enhances file previews in File Explorer for additional file types and adds thumbnail support for files that Windows Explorer does not natively generate thumbnails for. - Crop and Lock: This feature allows users to crop application windows to focus on specific content, with two modes: Thumbnail mode for static previews and Reparent mode for functional cropped windows. PowerToys continues to be a valuable tool for enhancing productivity on Windows.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Best Windows drawing apps: Paint & more

Windows offers a suite of drawing tools designed to enhance visualization and communication. Key tools include: - Microsoft Whiteboard: An infinite canvas for brainstorming and collaborative sketching. - Snipping Tool: Captures specific screen areas for annotations and clarifications. - Photos app: Allows for simple edits on images to emphasize details or add context. These tools work together to support various phases of visual thinking: - Paint: Ideal for sketches and illustrations. - Whiteboard: Expands early ideas on an open canvas. - Snipping Tool: Captures details with annotations. - Photos app: Refines images with targeted edits. Choosing the right tool enhances the creative process, with Paint for hands-on creation, Whiteboard for concept mapping, Snipping Tool for quick captures, and Photos app for refining images.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Here’s some incredible Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts that will save you so much time

Windows 11 includes numerous keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity. Common shortcuts include: - Ctrl + A: Select everything - Ctrl + C: Copy selected item - Ctrl + X: Cut selected item - Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut item - Ctrl + Z: Undo last action - Ctrl + Y: Redo last undone action - Ctrl + N: Open new File Explorer window - Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps - Alt + F4: Close active app - Shift + Delete: Permanently delete selected item - Windows Key + F1: Open Windows help search Function key shortcuts include: - F2: Rename selected item - F3: Search in File Explorer - F4: Highlight address bar in File Explorer - F5: Refresh active window - F6: Cycle through screen elements - F10: Activate menu bar - Alt + F8: Show password on login screen Windows key shortcuts include: - Windows key + A: Open Action Center - Windows key + C: Open Microsoft Copilot - Windows key + S: Open Search - Windows key + E: Open File Explorer - Windows key + F: Open Feedback Hub - Windows key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs on network - Windows key + G: Open Game Bar - Windows key + H: Open Share menu - Windows key + I: Open Settings - Windows key + K: Open Connect menu - Windows key + L: Lock PC - Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation - Windows key + P: Open projection settings - Windows key + R: Open Run dialog - Windows key + U: Open Accessibility settings - Windows key + W: Open Windows Ink Workspace - Windows key + +: Zoom in with Magnifier - Windows key + -: Zoom out with Magnifier - Windows key + Esc: Close Magnifier Window management shortcuts include: - Windows key + M: Minimize all windows - Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows - Windows key + Home: Minimize all except active window - Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize active window - Windows key + Shift + Up arrow: Maximize vertically - Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize active window - Windows key + Left arrow: Snap window left - Windows key + Right arrow: Snap window right - Windows key + Alt + Up arrow: Snap window top - Windows key + Alt + Down arrow: Snap window bottom - Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow: Move window to another monitor Screenshot and emoji shortcuts include: - PrtScn: Copy screenshot to clipboard - Windows key + PrtScn: Save full-screen screenshot - Windows key + Shift + S: Open Snipping Tool - Windows key + . (period): Open emoji keyboard Exploring additional tips in Windows File Explorer can further optimize workflow.

Winsage

March 3, 2026

Best Shortcuts for PC Users

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11 include: - Ctrl + c: Copy the selected text or file. - Ctrl + v: Paste the last item from the clipboard. - Ctrl + x: Cut the selected item. - Ctrl + z: Undo your last change. - Ctrl + y: Redo what was undone with Ctrl + z. - Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows on the desktop. - Copilot key1: Open Copilot, the AI assistant. For screen capturing using the Snipping Tool: - Windows logo key + Shift + s: Open Snipping Tool overlay for image capture. - Windows logo key + Shift + r: Open Snipping Tool overlay for video capture. - Print Screen (PrtSc): Take a static image snapshot of the entire screen. For managing windows and multitasking: - Snap to the left: Windows logo key + left arrow. - Snap to the right: Windows logo key + right arrow. - Maximize: Windows logo key + up arrow. - Minimize: Windows logo key + down arrow. For managing virtual desktops: - Create a desktop: Windows logo key + Ctrl + D. - Switch between desktops: Windows logo key + Ctrl + left/right arrow. - Close the current desktop: Windows logo key + Ctrl + F4. - Show desktops in the taskbar: Windows logo key + Tab.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

Windows 11 apps like Notepad aren’t loading — what is error code 0x803f8001 and how do I fix it?

Windows 11 users are encountering the error code 0x803f8001 when launching applications, alongside the file system error (-2143322111). Affected applications include Armoury Crate, Notepad, Snipping Tool, Alienware Command Center, and Nitrosense. The error is often linked to issues with the Microsoft Store's ability to validate app licenses, potentially due to a corrupted Store cache or account sync problems. Users have reported similar issues on social media and forums, indicating a broader impact, including problems with Xbox Ally and ROG Ally Armoury Crate apps. Some users have attempted to reset the Microsoft Store app with mixed results, while one workaround involved uninstalling and reinstalling Armoury Crate from ASUS' website. Microsoft and ASUS are aware of the issue and are working on a resolution.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7535 Adds Narrator Copilot Features and Removal Policy

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to the Dev and Beta Channels, focusing on accessibility enhancements and improvements for managing Copilot features. The update introduces Copilot-powered image descriptions via the Narrator feature, allowing users to generate detailed descriptions of images on all Windows 11 devices. This functionality is available on Copilot+ PCs without cloud data transmission and is also extended to non-Copilot+ systems, though it is currently unavailable in the European Economic Area. Additionally, a new Group Policy option titled Remove Microsoft Copilot App allows administrators to uninstall the Copilot app under specific conditions. The build also includes a refresh of the Windows Spotlight desktop icon and various bug fixes addressing issues in the Start menu, File Explorer, printing dialog, Snipping Tool, and Windows Update. Known issues remain, including interaction problems in the Start menu and crashes in Settings. The features in this build are being rolled out gradually and may change before general release.