Yesterday it emerged there is a bug in Microsoft's Windows Snipping Tool that leaves some parts of cropped images exposed, meaning those elements may be shared online. However, that is not slowing down the development of the service, with Microsoft preparing to roll out a new build to Windows Insiders this week.
While Snipping Tool in Windows 11 preview build 23419 does not bring a host of new features, it does include a new shortcut to access the screen recording ability. It is worth noting this preview is currently not public on the Insider Program. In other words, it is not yet available without a third-party tool or by accessing the Windows Registry.
Found by @PhantomOfEarth (Twitter), Microsoft is testing a shortcut sequence that will allow users to start screen recording instantly. Specifically, the Win + Shift + R combination will invoke the screen recorder.
As this is a hidden feature, it is not complete and will be very buggy. So, if you do decide to unlock it, you do so at your own risk. Elsewhere in the update, Microsoft is making the usual unnamed improvements and fixes.
Snipping Tool screen recording should soon support the Win+Shift+R keyboard shortcut. Hidden in 23419, currently just opens the regular screen snipping UI, not the recording UI, when the velocity feature is enabled pic.twitter.com/bsmqEzKUhw
— PhantomOcean3 ☃️ (@PhantomOfEarth) March 22, 2023
Cropped Image Bug
Yesterday we reported on a bug that means the Windows Snipping Tool does not crop images like you think. This serious issue could allow threat actors to see the image content you through was cropped from screenshots.
If you take a screenshot with these tools, save it, crop it, and save it again to the same file, the data may still be available in the file. This means that if you ever cropped out something from your screenshots using these tools and shared them online or via email or chat apps, someone could potentially see what you tried to hide.
Tip of the day: When using your Windows 10 laptop or convertible with a mobile hotspot you might want to limit the Internet bandwidth your PC uses. In our tutorial we are showing you how to set up a metered connection in Windows 11 or Windows 10 and how to turn it off again, if needed.
