Microsoft has introduced a long-awaited enhancement to the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, allowing users to create animated GIFs directly from the screen capture application. This feature, which can be accessed using the Win + Shift + R shortcut, is now available for Windows Insiders participating in the Dev and Canary channels, enabling them to test upcoming Windows 11 versions.
Previously, the Snipping Tool was limited to saving screenshots in formats such as JPG, PNG, and static GIFs, while video recordings could only be captured in MP4 format. Users seeking to create short, shareable GIF animations for purposes like tutorials or bug reporting often relied on third-party applications like ShareX or ScreenToGif. With this update, those extra steps are no longer necessary.
New Features and Functionality
The newly integrated “Create GIF” option allows users to initiate a recording immediately after selecting the desired screen area. Once recorded, the animation can be saved as a GIF or shared directly via email, chat, or on websites, eliminating the need for additional video players or conversion tools.
Users have the flexibility to export their creations in either “low” or “high quality,” with a maximum length of 30 seconds for the animated GIFs. Should the recording exceed this duration, users will have the option to export it as an MP4 video instead.
Another notable advantage of this feature is its compatibility with multi-monitor setups, providing a seamless experience that can be easily managed through a compact overlay.
Currently, the GIF export functionality is exclusive to Insider versions of Windows 11, specifically from build 11.2405.24.0. While Microsoft has yet to confirm a timeline for a broader rollout, it is anticipated that this feature will be made available to all users during the summer, likely as part of a regular Windows update or the next “Moment” release, potentially coinciding with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update.
Further reading: These 13 tips will make you a Windows 11 master
This article was originally published in our sister publication, PC-WELT, and has been translated and localized from German.
