Snipping Tool Archives

Winsage

November 20, 2025

5 tools I still use on Windows 11 that I wish Microsoft included natively

Windows 11 has introduced updates to its native applications, including the Snipping Tool's new OCR capabilities, Paint's additional utilities, and improvements to File Explorer such as expanded archive format support, a tabbed view, and a revamped Home page. However, users still find a lack of essential features that should be included by default. Key tools that could enhance Windows 11 include: - Monitorian: A minimalist app that allows users to adjust display brightness for external monitors directly from the system tray. - Bulk Crap Uninstaller: A tool that enables batch removal of applications, including Store apps, which is not supported in Windows 11's Settings app. - VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports a wide range of formats and simplifies playback without the need for additional codecs. - ExplorerPatcher: A tool that restores the movable Taskbar design from Windows 10, allowing for greater customization. - WinDirStat: A storage management tool that provides a comprehensive view of disk usage and allows users to identify and delete large folders and files easily. These tools highlight the potential for Windows 11 to improve user experience by integrating basic functionalities that are currently missing.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

5 must-have apps I install on every new Windows PC – and why they matter

Windows 11 includes the Snipping Tool for screen capture, but ShareX offers more advanced features. ShareX allows users to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a designated region, and it can also record videos. It includes a suite of editing tools that enable users to add shapes and text, crop images, incorporate emoji stickers, and blur or pixelate sensitive information. After editing, ShareX allows users to upload their content to third-party platforms like Google Drive and Imgur directly from the app.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Microsoft is updating Windows 11’s Snipping Tool with option to add text to screenshots

Microsoft has transformed the Snipping Tool into a multifaceted application, adding features like video creation and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for text extraction from images. Recently, new text editing capabilities were discovered, allowing users to insert text when editing screenshots. This feature was demonstrated by a user on X, and while Microsoft has not officially commented on it, the potential applications include simple annotations and creative projects. Windows Insiders are expected to be the first to access these new tools, although a release timeline is not yet clear.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Windows 11 Snipping Tool Gains “Add Text” Feature for Better Annotations

Windows 11's Snipping Tool will soon allow users to insert text directly into screenshots, as revealed by tipster @phantomofearth on X. This feature was demonstrated in a recent Insider build and includes a new "Text" button in the toolbar for easy text entry. Users can move, resize, change fonts, and select colors for the text. Microsoft has not confirmed the rollout timeline, but Insiders are expected to access the feature first, with a broader release anticipated in a future update.

Winsage

November 7, 2025

Microsoft admits Windows 11’s right-click menu is cluttered, confirms fix with a new UI feature

Windows 11 is set to introduce a "Split Context Menu" update for WinUI 3-based applications, aimed at reducing menu clutter and improving usability. This update will implement context-aware nested menus that adapt based on file types, allowing for a more streamlined right-click experience. The new API, SplitMenuFlyoutItem, will enable a single menu entry to display both primary actions and secondary options in a smaller adjacent flyout. This redesign could reduce menu length by up to 38% in some cases. Currently, the Split Context Menu is intended for WinUI applications, with no confirmation on whether it will extend to the entire Windows shell. The update is still in early development and not available for public testing.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

How to record your screen in Windows 10 or 11 – in just a few clicks

Windows offers built-in tools for screen recording, specifically the Game Bar and the Snipping Tool. The Game Bar, available in Windows 10 and 11, allows users to record screen activity, activate the microphone, and save recordings in MP4 format. To use the Game Bar, navigate to Settings > Gaming > Captures, and recordings are saved in the user folder under VideosCaptures. Users can start recording by pressing the Record button or using the shortcut Windows key + Alt + R. The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 can also record screens, requiring version 22621.1344 or higher. Users can launch it, define the recording area, and manage audio settings before and during recording. Recorded videos can be edited, saved, or shared directly from the respective tools.

Winsage

October 24, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool just got a Google Lens-like feature – here’s how to use it

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has been upgraded to include a visual search engine that utilizes Bing to provide additional information about captured content, such as images, text, and mathematical equations. Users can perform a visual search by capturing content on their screen and then right-clicking the image to select "Visual Search with Bing," which redirects them to Bing for related search results. The tool allows users to translate text, copy visible text, and solve mathematical equations. Users can also mark up, edit, and fine-tune images, with built-in OCR technology for text extraction. To use this feature, users need to ensure they have the latest version of the Snipping Tool, which can be updated through the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

5 apps I always install on every new Windows PC – and why they’re essential

Windows 11 includes the Snipping Tool for screen capture, but ShareX is a more robust alternative. ShareX offers various image capture methods, including full screen, specific windows, and designated regions, as well as video recording capabilities. It features a suite of editing tools that allow users to add shapes and text, crop images, incorporate emoji stickers, and blur or pixelate sensitive information. ShareX also enables direct uploads to platforms like Google Drive and Imgur, enhancing workflow efficiency. The author first used ShareX in 2021 and found it significantly improved productivity.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

11 things I love (and hate) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10

The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has prompted users to reflect on the differences between the two operating systems. Key observations from a week-long comparison include: - Windows 11 features an upgraded Windows Explorer with tabbed browsing for better file management. - The Screen Capture tool in Windows 11 allows for seamless screen recording, improving upon the previous version. - Windows 11 includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities in the Snipping Tool, enabling easy text extraction from images. - It comes with bundled applications like Clipchamp, Copilot, and an upgraded Photos app, which enhance functionality compared to Windows 10. - Performance metrics suggest Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10. - Windows 11 is designed to offer better security for personal information and system integrity. Negative aspects of Windows 11 include: - Increased surveillance and personalized advertising, making it harder to use without a Microsoft account. - The Start button has been relocated to a central position, which some users dislike, though customization options are available. - The right-click menu has become more cluttered, making essential options harder to find. - Microsoft is phasing out security updates for Windows 10, raising concerns for users who have not transitioned to Windows 11.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

This Upcoming Paint Feature Brings The Windows App One Step Closer To Being A Proper Photoshop Alternative

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to the Paint application for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, including the ability to save projects as a new .paint file format. This feature allows users to return to ongoing creations without starting anew. Additionally, Paint will now include opacity sliders for adjusting the transparency of brush and pencil tools, located on the left side of the interface. These updates aim to position Paint as a more competitive creative tool alongside advanced graphic design applications like Photoshop. The update has received mixed responses from users, with some expressing concerns over the modernization of classic applications. Microsoft has also rolled out improvements to other applications, such as the Snipping Tool, which now features Quick Markup for more efficient screenshot annotation.