Alex Ruben
How to Completely Uninstall the Snipping Tool from Windows 11 Using PowerShell
The Snipping Tool is a built-in application in Windows 11 that allows users to take screenshots, annotate them, and save or share images. However, some users may prefer to uninstall it, either due to the use of more advanced third-party screenshot tools or to troubleshoot issues with the app. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of checking if the Snipping Tool is installed, removing it using PowerShell, verifying its removal, and reinstalling it if needed.
Before starting, ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 computer, as you will need them to run PowerShell commands effectively. Familiarity with navigating the Microsoft Store is also beneficial if you choose to reinstall the Snipping Tool later.
Step 1: Check if the Snipping Tool is Installed
To determine if the Snipping Tool (internally known as Screen Sketch) is installed on your system, follow these steps:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
- In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
- If the Snipping Tool is installed, this command will display its package information, including the full name, version, and publisher.
get-appxpackage *ScreenSketch*
Step 2: Uninstall the Snipping Tool Using PowerShell
If you have confirmed that the Snipping Tool is installed and wish to remove it, follow these steps:
- In the same PowerShell window, enter the following command and press Enter:
- This command will uninstall the Snipping Tool from your system. No confirmation message will be displayed upon successful removal.
get-appxpackage *ScreenSketch* | remove-appxpackage
Step 3: Verify the Removal of the Snipping Tool
To ensure that the Snipping Tool has been successfully uninstalled, you can check it through PowerShell again or via Windows Settings:
- Run the following command in PowerShell:
- If the Snipping Tool has been removed, you will not see any details about the application.
- Alternatively, check through Windows Settings by navigating to Apps > Installed Apps and searching for “Snipping Tool.” If it does not appear in the list, it has been successfully removed.
get-appxpackage *ScreenSketch*
Step 4: Reinstall the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store
If you need to reinstall the Snipping Tool later, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- In the search box at the top, type “Snipping Tool” and press Enter.
- Click on the Get button to download and install the Snipping Tool again.
- Wait for the installation to complete, and the latest version will be restored to your system.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When uninstalling applications using PowerShell, ensure that you are typing the commands exactly as shown. A common mistake is to have typos or incorrect casing in commands, which can result in errors. If you encounter issues reinstalling the Snipping Tool, ensure that your Microsoft Store is updated and functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Uninstalling the Snipping Tool from Windows 11 using PowerShell is a straightforward process. Whether you are looking to tidy up your applications or resolve any issues with the tool, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you accomplish that. If you decide to switch to a more advanced screenshot tool, ensure that you explore the features of those alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall the Snipping Tool if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily reinstall the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store at any time.
What if I encounter errors when using PowerShell commands?
Ensure that you are running PowerShell as an administrator and that your commands are typed correctly. If issues persist, check for Windows updates or consult troubleshooting forums.
Are there any alternatives to Snipping Tool that I can use?
Yes, there are various third-party screenshot tools available, such as Greenshot, Lightshot, and ShareX, which offer advanced features for screen capturing.