Snipping tool activates even though I deactivated and even uninstalled it

[racerfern]

I want to use PrintScreen Pro but the snipping tool keeps grabbing the command first. I disabled the snipping tool and even uninstalled it but it's still there. Help please.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @racerfern 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining that—having the Snipping Tool hijack your Print Screen key even after uninstalling it is beyond frustrating. Let’s get that shortcut back under your control so PrintScreen Pro can do its job.

Here’s what you can try:

🛑 Step 1: Disable Snipping Tool Shortcut in Settings

Even if the app is removed, Windows might still have the shortcut active:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
3. Scroll down and turn off the toggle for “Use the Print screen key to open screen capture”.

This should stop Windows from launching Snipping Tool when you press Print Screen.

🧼 Step 2: Clear Snipping Tool Residuals

Sometimes system components linger:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
  Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage
• Then restart your PC.

🔄 Step 3: Reassign the Print Screen Key

If PrintScreen Pro still doesn’t respond:

• Use a tool like PowerToys or AutoHotkey to remap the Print Screen key directly to PrintScreen Pro.
• In PowerToys:
  • Open Keyboard Manager.
  • Remap PrtScn to launch your preferred app.

🧠 Step 4: Check Background Services

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Look for any lingering SnippingTool.exe or ScreenSnip.exe processes.
• Right-click and End Task.

Let me know how it goes—once we get that shortcut freed up, your screenshots should be smooth sailing again!

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[racerfern]

Thanks Hawks_Eye but no joy. I followed all the steps even uninstalling. It doesn't show as a running program but pressing print screen still brings up the snipping menu. I tried PowerToys but I couldn't remap the key. The instructions don't seem to match what shows as choices.

I do have the small pop up menu of screenprint pro up and working so it's another step rather than fewer steps. Sigh.

I also just removed the batteries from the HP wireless keyboard and plugged in the old HP wired keyboard from the PC I replaced. 

[Hawks_Eye]

@racerfern 

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

If after following these steps you still face issues, consider reaching out to our customer support over the phone for further assistance. 

They can provide more in-depth troubleshooting.

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye