How to Install Snipping Tool in Windows 11 Using PowerShell?

Recently, I got a requirement to install the snipping tool in one of the Windows 11 system. I used PowerShell for this. In this tutorial, I will explain how to install the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 using PowerShell.

Using PowerShell to install the Snipping Tool can be particularly useful if you’re dealing with a system where the Microsoft Store is disabled or if you prefer using scripts for software management.

Note: You need to have administrator privileges to run PowerShell commands.

Table of Contents

Install Snipping Tool Using PowerShell in Windows

Now, let me explain how to install the snipping tool using PowerShell in Windows 11 step by step.

Step 1: Open PowerShell with Administrator Privileges

First, you need to open PowerShell with administrative privileges. To do this:

Press Win + X to open the Power User menu.
Select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.

Step 2: Check for Existing Snipping Tool Installation

Before proceeding with the installation, it’s a good idea to check if the Snipping Tool is already installed on your system. You can do this by running the following command in PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage *snippingtool*

If the Snipping Tool is installed, you will see details about the package. If it’s not installed, you will not see any output.

Step 3: Remove Existing Snipping Tool (If Necessary)

If you found that the Snipping Tool is already installed but malfunctioning, it’s best to remove it before reinstalling. Use the following command to uninstall the Snipping Tool:

Get-AppxPackage *snippingtool* | Remove-AppxPackage

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Step 4: Install the Snipping Tool

Now, you’re ready to install the Snipping Tool. Use the following command to install it from the Microsoft Store:

Add-AppxPackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_10.1907.2391.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode

This command registers the Snipping Tool package on your system. Ensure that the path in the command matches the version and location of the Snipping Tool package on your system.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

After running the installation command, it’s important to verify that the Snipping Tool has been installed correctly. You can do this by searching for the Snipping Tool in the Start menu or running the following command in PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage *snippingtool*

If the installation was successful, you will see details about the Snipping Tool package.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Now, let me show you some common issues you might face while running the above PowerShell script and how to fix them.

Issue 1: Error Messages During Installation

If you receive an error message during the installation process, it could be due to a corrupted package or missing dependencies. To resolve this, try the following steps:

Ensure your Windows is up-to-date by running Windows Update.
Clear the Microsoft Store cache by running wsreset.exe from the Run dialog (Win + R).
Re-run the PowerShell installation command.

Issue 2: Snipping Tool Not Appearing After Installation

If the Snipping Tool does not appear in the Start menu after installation, try restarting your computer. Sometimes, a reboot is necessary for changes to take effect.

Issue 3: PowerShell Execution Policy Restrictions

If you encounter issues with PowerShell execution policies, you may need to adjust the policy settings. Run the following command to allow script execution:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

This command allows you to run scripts downloaded from the internet, as long as a trusted publisher signs them.

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Automate the Installation with a Script

If you manage multiple systems or frequently need to reinstall the Snipping Tool, consider creating a PowerShell script to automate the process. Here’s an example script:

# Check if Snipping Tool is installed
$snippingTool = Get-AppxPackage -Name "*snippingtool*"
if ($snippingTool) {
    # Remove existing Snipping Tool
    Remove-AppxPackage -Package $snippingTool.PackageFullName
}

# Install Snipping Tool
Add-AppxPackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_10.1907.2391.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode

# Verify Installation
$snippingTool = Get-AppxPackage -Name "*snippingtool*"
if ($snippingTool) {
    Write-Output "Snipping Tool installed successfully."
} else {
    Write-Output "Failed to install Snipping Tool."
}

Save this script as InstallSnippingTool.ps1 and run it in PowerShell with administrative privileges.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, I explained how to install the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 using PowerShell.