Microsoft continues to enhance the user experience on Windows 11, particularly with its Snipping Tool, which is gaining new features that promise to streamline the screenshot process. The latest update, currently available in the Dev and Canary builds, introduces a functionality called Quick Markup, allowing users to annotate screenshots before they are captured.
The Windows 11 Dev and Canary builds are getting a better Snipping Tool
As detailed in a recent post on the Windows Insider Blog, the Quick Markup feature is designed to simplify the way users interact with screenshots. To utilize this new capability, users can open the Snipping Tool using the shortcut Win + Shift + S or launch the application directly. Once open, a Quick Markup button will appear in the top toolbar, which can be toggled on or off. Alternatively, users can activate it using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + E.
With Quick Markup enabled, users can select their desired screenshot area and immediately begin annotating it before finalizing the capture. This eliminates the previous need to take a screenshot, import it into another application like Paint, and then add annotations—an often cumbersome process. By integrating this feature directly into the Snipping Tool, Microsoft is not only enhancing functionality but also saving users valuable time.
In addition to the Snipping Tool improvements, other applications within Windows 11 are also receiving updates. Paint has introduced the ability to save images as project files and has added an opacity slider for brushes, marking a significant upgrade for what was once a basic image editing tool. Meanwhile, Notepad has embraced AI technology, offering features such as “Summarize,” “Write,” and “Rewrite” for users on Copilot+ PCs, all without the need for a subscription.
These enhancements reflect Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to refining the Windows 11 experience, making it more intuitive and efficient for users across various applications.