Snipping Tool Quick Markup: Faster Screenshots, Smarter Notes

Snipping Tool Quick Markup: Faster Screenshots, Smarter Notes

Take a screenshot, add instant markup, and share without leaving the Snipping Tool.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 19, 2025

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How many times have you captured a screenshot only to fumble with another app just to circle a detail or add a quick note? 

That extra step slows down productivity. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Quick Markup in Windows 11 Snipping Tool.

Microsoft’s Snipping Tool now includes Quick Markup, a built-in editing layer that lets you annotate screenshots immediately. 

It’s a small change with outsized impact for business users, educators, and anyone who shares visuals daily.

Feature Explanation

Quick Markup integrates lightweight drawing and text tools directly into the Snipping Tool. 

After you capture a screenshot, you can highlight, underline, or add arrows without exporting to Paint or another editor. 

This matters because it reduces friction: fewer clicks, faster communication, and no need to juggle apps. 

What You’ll Gain

• Highlight key details in seconds.
• Add context with arrows or text.
• Share annotated screenshots instantly.
• Reduce workflow interruptions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Windows 11 Desktop

1. Press Win + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool.
2. Click the "Quick Markup" button on the top toolbar before you make your selection.
3. Capture your desired area.
4. Use the markup tools:

• Pen and Highlighter: Draw and highlight on the screen. You can change colors and thickness.
• Eraser: Remove parts of your markup.
• Shapes: Add shapes like rectangles and arrows.
• Undo: Undo your last action.
• Capture and save: Click the "Capture" button to finish and take the snip, or continue marking up.

fig. 1 - Use the New Quick Markup Tool in Windows Snipping Tool

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Integrated workflow, no extra apps
• Lightweight tools for quick edits
• Ideal for business and classroom communication

Cons:

• Limited compared to full editors like Paint
• Rollout still in preview, not universal
• Advanced features (layers, shapes) missing

Configuration Guide

Quick Markup is enabled by default in the updated Snipping Tool. 

Feature Access

This feature is currently rolling out to all Windows 11 versions.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Saves time and reduces app switching.

Usability 8

Simple tools, but limited compared to full editors.

Wow Factor 7

Useful, though not groundbreaking.

Total: 24/30 👍 18–24 Good 

A practical upgrade, comparable to Apple’s built-in screenshot markup but now native to Windows.

Key Takeaways

Quick Markup makes screenshots actionable without leaving Snipping Tool. 

It’s efficient, intuitive, and rolling out now. 

For everyday communication, this feature trims minutes off repetitive tasks.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Quick Markup
• Platform(s): Windows 11
• Quick Benefit: Annotate screenshots instantly
• Access Type: Free, currently rolling out

Try It Yourself

Capture a screenshot today and test Quick Markup. 

Share your annotated screenshot with a colleague or friend, then subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter and spread the word.

READ MORE

• New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint
  
• Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix
  
• Notepad Remembers Now

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint

New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint

Microsoft Paint just got a big upgrade.  You can now save your artwork as editable project files, not just flat images. This means you can reopen and tweak your creations later, just like you would in Photoshop.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 12, 2025

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Have you ever closed Paint and realized you forgot to fix a line or change a color? 

Until now, you were out of luck. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New 'Save as Project' feature.

The new Save as Project feature lets you preserve layers and edits for later. 

Windows 11 users can now treat Paint like a true image editor, not just a pixel sketchpad.

Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix

Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix

A recent Windows 11 update introduced a bug that leaves Task Manager running invisibly in the background, draining memory and slowing performance. This guide shows you how to detect and fix it fast.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 5, 2025

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Have you ever closed Task Manager only to feel your PC dragging minutes later? 

You’re not imagining it. 

Microsoft’s October 2025 update (KB5067036) quietly broke Task Manager’s close button, leaving behind ghost processes that hog memory and slow down your system. 

If you’re a frequent Task Manager user, or just someone who never shuts down, this bug could be eating up gigabytes of RAM without you knowing.

Feature Explanation

The bug affects Windows 11 users who installed KB5067036, an optional update released on October 28, 2025. 

When you close Task Manager using the “X” button, it doesn’t actually quit. Instead, it lingers in the background. 

Reopening it spawns another instance, and so on. 

Each ghost process uses around 20MB of RAM. 

Multiply that by dozens or hundreds and you’ve got a performance bottleneck.

Notepad Remembers Now

Notepad Remembers Now

Windows Notepad remembers where you left off. With “Continue Previous Session,” your open tabs and unsaved notes return automatically. No more lost thoughts. No more manual reopenings.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 22, 2025

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Have you ever lost a thought in Notepad?

You’re typing away, maybe a quick draft, a grocery list, or a few lines of code. 

Then something interrupts you. 

You close Notepad, reboot, or switch tasks. Later, you open it again and… nothing. 

Blank slate. 

That moment is gone.

For years, Notepad was the digital equivalent of a sticky note. 

Fast, disposable, and forgetful. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set Continue Session State in Microsoft Notepad.

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11

Know exactly what you're clicking. Learn how to display file extensions in Windows 11 and avoid costly mistakes.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 15, 2025

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Have you ever opened a file thinking it was a harmless document, only to realize it was something else entirely?

That tiny “.exe” or “.pdf” at the end of a filename isn’t just decoration. 

It’s the digital equivalent of a food label. 

And yet, Windows 11 hides these extensions by default, leaving users to guess what they’re dealing with. 

For business users, educators, and anyone juggling dozens of files a day, that’s a recipe for confusion or worse, a security risk.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Show File Extensions in Windows 11.

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ends free updates and support for Windows 10. Here’s what that means for your computer, your security, and the steps you should take to stay protected.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 8, 2025

If you still rely on Windows 10, time is running short. In less than a year, Microsoft will stop issuing updates or security patches. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Explore Your Windows 10 Options.

Your system will continue to run, but the company will no longer fix newly discovered threats.

For many, this deadline feels abstract. 

Yet October 15 will arrive quietly, and millions of PCs will instantly become easier targets for hackers. 

Updates have always worked silently in the background. Their absence, however, will be loudly felt when a threat emerges.

The Clock is Back: Why Windows 11's September 2025 Update Matters

The Clock is Back: Why Windows 11's September 2025 Update Matters

The Windows 11 “2025” update (version 25H2) quietly restores something users have missed: a clock with seconds inside the Notification Center. Along with this, Microsoft has delivered several refinements and made the update easier to install. Here’s what you need to know, how to use it, and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

October 1, 2025

Think about the small things that slow you down. 

Checking the time while you already have notifications open seems trivial, but those moments add up. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Download the September 2025 Windows 11 Update for the New Notification Center Clock.

With the September update, you no longer need to glance back at the taskbar just to confirm the time. 

It’s not a groundbreaking feature, yet it shows Microsoft paying attention to details that shape daily use. 

For most of us, those details are what separate a smooth workflow from a frustrating one.

How to Enable or Disable Airplane Mode on Windows 11 and Windows 10

How to Enable or Disable Airplane Mode on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Airplane Mode on Windows is more than just a travel feature. It’s a quick toggle that can save battery, fix connectivity issues, and help you control wireless radios. Learn how to use it efficiently in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 3, 2025

Have you ever tried to connect to Wi-Fi on a flight only to be told to “switch to Airplane Mode”? 

Most of us think of this setting as something we toggle once the plane door closes, but Airplane Mode has a bigger role on your laptop than you might expect. 

Whether you’re conserving battery at a coffee shop, troubleshooting a stubborn Bluetooth mouse, or just wanting quiet time without pings, this setting can be surprisingly useful.

What is Airplane Mode in Windows?

Airplane Mode instantly disables all wireless communications on your device: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular (if available). 

It’s designed to prevent interference with aircraft systems, but its utility extends far beyond airports.

When you turn it off, Windows automatically reconnects to your previously used Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

Can Your Browser Finish Your Sentences Better Than You Can?

Can Your Browser Finish Your Sentences Better Than You Can?

Microsoft Edge’s text prediction feature uses AI to help you write faster, smarter, and with fewer interruptions. Whether you're drafting emails, lesson plans, or reports, it anticipates your next words and completes sentences in real time, saving keystrokes and sharpening clarity. 

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 27, 2025

You’re halfway through a sentence, fingers flying, when your brain stalls. 

What was that word again? 

Something like “collaborative,” or maybe “cohesive”? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft Edge's Text Prediction.

Microsoft Edge’s text prediction feature steps in like a helpful colleague who finishes your thought, without the awkwardness.

In a world where we’re all writing more than ever, emails, reports, lesson plans, blog posts, Edge’s predictive typing isn’t just a convenience. 

It’s a quiet revolution in how we interact with language.

Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?

Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?

Find out exactly what’s running inside your Windows 11 machine, CPU, RAM, GPU, version info quickly and clearly, even if you only have a minute and a shortcut key.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 20, 2025

You wouldn’t buy a car without checking the engine. 

So why run your business, teach a class, or edit a video without knowing what’s inside your PC? 

Whether you're prepping for a software install, diagnosing a slowdown, or just trying to sound smart in a meeting, knowing your system specs is one of those underrated power moves. 

And in Windows 11, it’s surprisingly easy if you know where to look.

Why This Tip Matters

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

When your Windows PC locks up and nothing responds, there's a little-known feature that can force a clean reboot without pulling the plug. Here's how to use Emergency Restart and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 13, 2025

Have you ever had your PC Freeze at the Worst Possible Moment?

You’re deep into a project. 

Then, out of nowhere, your system stops responding. 

No mouse movement.  No keyboard input.  Just a frozen screen and rising panic.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Windows Emergency Restart.

Snap Smarter: Windows 11's Update Makes Multitasking More Effortless

Snap Smarter: Windows 11's Update Makes Multitasking More Effortless

Windows 11’s Snap Assist just got a major usability boost in the June 2025 update, making it easier than ever to organize your workspace with intuitive tips, smarter layouts, and seamless snapping.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 6, 2025

Have you ever dragged a window to the top of your screen and wondered what just happened? 

Snap Assist has long been one of Windows 11’s most underrated productivity tools. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New and Improved Snap Assist.

In June 2025, Microsoft quietly gave it a thoughtful upgrade that makes snapping windows feel less like a guessing game and more like second nature.

Whether you're juggling spreadsheets, video calls, or browser tabs, the new Snap Assist improvements are designed to help you work faster with fewer clicks and more clarity.

How to Create Compressed Folders and Archives in Windows 11 (Including 7-Zip and TAR Files)

How to Create Compressed Folders and Archives in Windows 11 (Including 7-Zip and TAR Files) 

Windows 11 now supports ZIP, TAR, 7-Zip, and other archive formats natively, no third-party software required. Learn how to compress files using built-in tools and advanced options like 7-Zip, plus discover real-world use cases, pros and cons, and expert tips to streamline your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 30, 2025

Ever tried emailing a folder only to be blocked by size limits or file types? 

Or maybe you’ve downloaded a .TAR file and wondered why Windows just stared blankly at it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Windows 11 to Compress and Unpack Archive Formats.

Windows now understands a wide range of archive formats.

Whether you're zipping up a project or unpacking a mystery file, compression just got easier—and smarter.

How to Set Up iCloud on Windows

How to Set Up iCloud on Windows

Finally, you can access your iCloud files, photos, contacts, and even passwords from your Windows PC.  Here’s how to set up iCloud for Windows for a seamless synced access to iCloud content.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 23, 2025

Ever feel like your PC is the odd one out in your Apple ecosystem? 

You snap a photo on your iPhone and still have to dig through email or upload it manually to your Windows computer. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Connect iCloud to Windows.

With iCloud for Windows, everything, photos, documents, contacts, becomes instantly available in File Explorer. It's like training a cat to fetch: surprising at first, but you won’t know how you lived without it.

What You'll Gain

• Universal photo access: view iPhone pictures on your PC without cables.
• Password autofill: use your iCloud passwords in Chrome or Edge browsers.
• File collaboration: share and organize iCloud Drive files seamlessly.

Skip the USB: How Windows Nearby Sharing Streamlines File Transfers

Skip the USB: How Windows Nearby Sharing Streamlines File Transfers

Share files, links, and photos instantly between Windows devices with no cables, cloud uploads, or email attachments required.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 16, 2025

Ever emailed yourself a file just to move it across the room?

If so, you're not alone. 

Despite all our tech, file sharing between nearby devices still feels clunky. 

USB drives, cloud uploads, email attachments, all work, but they’re slow, messy, and often overkill. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Windows Nearby Sharing.

Windows Nearby Sharing is a built-in feature that quietly solves this problem with surprising elegance.

Think of it as Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop, except it’s baked into Windows 10 and 11, and it works over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 

No pairing. No passwords. Just click, share, and go.

Markdown Comes to Notepad

Markdown Comes to Notepad

Microsoft has quietly added Markdown support to Windows 11’s Notepad app and it’s much more than a cosmetic upgrade. This deceptively simple addition brings formatting tools, live previews, and enhanced functionality for writers, developers, and everyday users.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 9, 2025

What if your most overlooked app suddenly became your most powerful? 

That’s exactly what’s happening with Notepad, the no-frills text editor that’s been tucked into Windows since 1985. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Markdown in Windows 11 Notepad.

Notepad just got a jolt of modernity with native Markdown support, and for anyone who writes, formats, or takes notes, this update is worth a closer look.

Most of us know Markdown as the whisper-light formatting language used on GitHub, Reddit, and countless blogs. 

But with Microsoft’s newest update to Notepad in Windows 11, Markdown gets its own toolbar, live preview, and a faster workflow—without needing plugins or third-party editors.

Microsoft Says Goodbye to the Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft Says Goodbye to the Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft is retiring its iconic Blue Screen of Death and replacing it with a black crash screen in Windows 11, promising a more modern look but raising questions for IT pros. Here’s what you need to know.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 2, 2025

Picture this: It’s 3 a.m. and you’re on a deadline. 

Suddenly, your screen turns blue, your stomach drops, and your heart pounds. 

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). 

If you’ve worked in tech for more than five minutes, you’ve seen it and probably learned to fear it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft is retiring the Blue Screen of Death.

Microsoft is pulling the plug on this iconic error screen, swapping its familiar blue for a modern black. 

Is this change cosmetic or a sign of something deeper?

Free Windows 10 Security Updates Through 2026? Yes, But With a Catch.

Free Windows 10 Security Updates Through 2026? Yes, But With a Catch.

Microsoft just gave Windows 10 users a lifeline: one extra year of free security updates, extending support into 2026. But there’s a twist—only certain users qualify, and it’s not quite the free lunch it sounds like.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 25, 2025

Still on Windows 10? 

Microsoft Isn’t Done With You… Yet

Let’s be honest—Windows 10 has aged well. 

It’s familiar, stable, and still runs on over half of all Windows PCs. 

But with official support ending on October 14, 2025, many users were bracing for the upgrade hammer. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft has extended the deadline.

You can get one more year of free critical security updates—until October 13, 2026.

The catch? 

You’ll need to opt into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program—and that means jumping through a few hoops.

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Edge is transforming its new‑tab page into a smart command center—here’s how Copilot Mode helps busy professionals search, chat, and accelerate your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 18, 2025

Ever opened a new tab and wished you could ask for help right away, without typing a search or navigating menus? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode.

Microsoft is rolling out a "Copilot Mode" toggle in Edge’s new‑tab experience, replacing the usual clutter, news feeds, widgets with a clean prompt: "How can I help today?" 

This invites you to Search and Chat, launching your query into Copilot’s AI for instant, contextual responses with no extra typing, no tabs, just answers.

Microsoft Family Safety: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Family Online

Microsoft Family Safety: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Family Online

Want to keep your family safe online while encouraging healthy digital habits? Microsoft Family Safety offers robust parental controls, screen time management, and location tracking to help you create a secure and balanced digital environment.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 4, 2025

In today's hyper-connected world, managing screen time and online safety is more challenging than ever. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft Family Safety in Windows 11.

Whether you're a parent trying to set boundaries or a professional looking for digital wellness tools, Microsoft Family Safety provides a comprehensive solution.

What Is Microsoft Family Safety?

Microsoft Family Safety is a free tool that helps families manage screen time, filter inappropriate content, and track location. 

It works across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience for parents and kids alike.

What You'll Gain

• Set screen time limits for apps and devices 
• Filter inappropriate content and websites 
• Track family members' locations for peace of mind

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. Sign in to Microsoft Family Safety with your Microsoft account: www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/family-safety .
2. If you don’t have a Microsoft Family Group set up, create one to start managing family settings.

Navigate to "Screen Time" to set limits for devices and apps

1. Select the family member whose screen time you want to manage.
2. Set daily limits for Windows, Xbox, and Android devices linked to the account.
3. Customize schedules to allow screen time only during certain hours.
4. Enable "Always Ask" for extensions so kids need approval to use more time.

Use "Content Filters" to block inappropriate websites

1. Go to the “Content Filters” section.
2. Turn on the "Only allow age-appropriate content" setting.
3. Add specific websites to the blocked or allowed lists.
4. Activate SafeSearch to filter inappropriate content in web searches.

fig. 1 - Manage Your Family's Digital Life With Microsoft Family Safety

On iOS & Android

1. Download the Microsoft Family Safety app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign in and add family members.
3. Configure screen time, content filters, and location tracking.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Easy-to-use interface 
• Works across multiple platforms 
• Helps build healthy digital habits

Cons: 

• Limited customization for advanced users 
• Requires Microsoft accounts for all family members

Feature Access

Available for Microsoft 365 users and the general public on Windows, Xbox, iOS, and Android.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft Family Safety is an essential tool for managing digital well-being. 

With screen time controls, content filtering, and location tracking, it helps families stay safe online.

Try It Yourself

Ready to take control of your family's digital habits? 

Try Microsoft Family Safety today and experience a safer, more balanced online environment.

READ MORE

• Notepad Gets a Brain: How Microsoft's AI-Powered Feature Supercharges Your Text Editing
  
• Hear Everything, Miss Nothing: Master Windows 11 Live Captions
  
• How to Master Symbols in Windows 11
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

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