SnippingTool.exe

Windows ProcessMicrosoft Corporation

Also called snippingtool, snipping tool, snip and sketch

WindowsSystem Component

Snipping Tool. This is the editor and recorder app. The Win+Shift+S dim overlay is ScreenClippingHost.exe.

What you need to know

This is the Snipping Tool app. ScreenClippingHost.exe is only the overlay.

SnippingTool.exe is Screen Sketch / Snipping Tool. It can record as well as capture. Ending it closes the editor. The hotkey overlay can still live in ScreenClippingHost.exe.

Safe?: Yes. It is Snipping Tool
Same as Win+Shift+S?: The overlay is a different host
Should I end it?: You lose an unsaved snip or recording

Feex says

If I already have a snip open for markup, that is SnippingTool. If the screen is only dimmed, that is ScreenClippingHost. I treat them as two pieces.

What is SnippingTool.exe?

SnippingTool.exe is the Windows Snipping Tool application in the ScreenSketch package.

What does it do?

It opens captured images for markup and can record the screen. The rectangle overlay is ScreenClippingHost.exe. Paint is a different editor.

Why is it running?

You opened Snipping Tool, or a snip handed off to the editor. A copy at logon is unusual unless you left a window open.

Is it safe?

Usually safe

The Microsoft.ScreenSketch package is Snipping Tool. A SnippingTool.exe in Downloads is not.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_*\SnippingTool\SnippingTool.exe

Editor and recorder
Overlay: ScreenClippingHost.exe
Older Windows had System32\SnippingTool.exe

Can I end it?

Closes the editor

Ending SnippingTool.exe drops unsaved markup or a recording in progress. The overlay host can still start on the next hotkey.

Can I remove it?

Uninstall Snipping Tool

Uninstall Snipping Tool from Settings > Apps. The Win+Shift+S overlay can remain in ScreenClippingHost.exe, which is a different host.

Should it start with Windows?

On demand, or after a snip hand-off.

Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

CPU: Higher while recording
Memory: Follows resolution and recording length
Disk: Saved captures
GPU: During capture and record

File information

SnippingTool.exe file information
Executable name	SnippingTool.exe
Common legitimate path	C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_*\SnippingTool\SnippingTool.exe
Publisher	Microsoft Corporation
Signature expectation	Signed by Microsoft Windows

Common problems

Hotkey works after uninstall

ScreenClippingHost.exe is a separate CBS host.

People paste into Paint and hunt SnippingTool

Two apps. Check which window is open.

Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

Win+Shift+S then look for this process after you mark up

Overlay first, editor second.

Do not download a "snip tool" exe

Use the Store app.

Technical details

SnippingTool.exe technical details
Image name	SnippingTool.exe
Product	Snipping Tool

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

Microsoft Support: Snipping Tool · Capture and record
Microsoft Store: Snipping Tool · Screen Sketch package
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

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