Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11? How to Fix?
Trying to capture your Windows 11 screen, but the Snipping Tool is not working? The Snipping Tool may stop working due to several reasons. Sometimes the app does not open at all. In other cases, it opens but fails to capture screenshots or save them. Some users experience keyboard shortcut problems where pressing Windows + Shift + S does nothing. There are also cases where the tool freezes or shows a blank screen.
These problems usually occur due to outdated Windows updates, corrupted system files, incorrect app settings, or conflicts with other screenshot software.
In this post, I will explain the steps to fix the ‘Snipping Tool is not working in Windows 11’ issue.
Snipping tool not working in Windows 11? How to Fix?
If the Snipping Tool is not working in Windows 11, you can fix it by restarting the app, repairing or resetting it from settings, updating Windows, enabling notifications and clipboard permissions, and reinstalling the tool if needed. These methods resolve most issues like the tool not opening, crashing, or failing to capture screenshots.
Let’s explore all these methods in detail!
Restart the Snipping Tool and PC
The first and simplest solution is restarting the Snipping Tool and your computer. Temporary glitches often cause apps to malfunction, and a quick restart can resolve them.
Begin by closing the Snipping Tool completely. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Look for Snipping Tool in the list of running apps. If you find it, right-click on it and select End Task. This will force close the application.
Now restart your computer. Once the system reboots, open the Snipping Tool again by searching for it in the Start menu. Try capturing a screenshot using the Windows + Shift + S shortcut or by opening the tool manually.
If the tool starts working again, the issue was likely caused by a temporary system or background process error. If it still does not work, move on to the next step.
Check Windows Updates
Running an outdated version of Windows 11 can cause built-in apps like the Snipping Tool to malfunction. Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
Open Settings by pressing Windows + I. Go to Windows Update and click on Check for updates. If updates are available, download and install them. After installing updates, restart your computer.
Once your PC restarts, open the Snipping Tool again and check if it is functioning properly. Many users find that simply updating Windows resolves the problem because updates include fixes for system apps and features.
Repair the Snipping Tool App
Windows 11 allows you to repair apps directly from the settings menu. Repairing the Snipping Tool can fix corrupted files without deleting your data.
Open Settings and navigate to Apps. Click on Installed apps and scroll down until you find Snipping Tool. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
Scroll down to find the Repair button. Click on Repair and wait for the process to complete. Once done, open the Snipping Tool again and test it.
If repairing the app does not solve the issue, you can try resetting it, which is explained in the next step.
Reset the Snipping Tool
Resetting the Snipping Tool restores it to default settings and removes corrupted configurations that may be causing problems.
Go to Settings, then Apps, and open Installed apps. Locate Snipping Tool and click on Advanced options again. This time, click on the Reset button. Confirm the action when prompted.
After resetting, restart your computer and open the Snipping Tool again. Resetting usually fixes issues where the tool does not open, crashes, or fails to capture screenshots.
Keep in mind that resetting removes app data and settings, but it does not affect your saved screenshots.
Enable Clipboard History and Notifications
The Snipping Tool relies on Clipboard History and notifications to function properly. If these features are disabled, the tool may not work as expected.
Open Settings and go to System. Click on Clipboard and ensure that Clipboard history is turned on. This allows screenshots to be copied and accessed properly.
Next, go to System and select Notifications. Make sure notifications are enabled for the Snipping Tool. Without notifications, the tool may capture screenshots but not show the preview or the saving option.
After enabling these settings, try using the Snipping Tool again to see if the issue is resolved.
Check Keyboard Shortcut Settings
Many users rely on the Windows + Shift + S shortcut to open the Snipping Tool. If this shortcut stops working, it may be disabled in settings.
Open Settings and go to Accessibility. Click on Keyboard and look for the option related to the Print Screen shortcut. Make sure the option that allows the Print Screen key to open screen snipping is enabled.
Also, check if any third-party software is overriding keyboard shortcuts. Screenshot tools like Lightshot or Greenshot can interfere with the default shortcut. Close or uninstall such programs temporarily and test again.
Reinstall the Snipping Tool
If none of the previous methods work, reinstalling the Snipping Tool can resolve deeper issues.
Open Settings and go to Apps, then Installed apps. Find Snipping Tool, click the three dots next to it, and select Uninstall. Confirm the uninstallation.
Once removed, open the Microsoft Store and search for Snipping Tool. Download and install it again. After installation, restart your computer and open the tool to check if it is working properly.
Reinstalling replaces all app files and usually fixes persistent problems.
Run System File Checker
Corrupted system files can cause built-in apps to malfunction. Running the System File Checker can repair these files.
Open the Start menu and search for Command Prompt. Right-click on it and choose Run as administrator. In the command window, type sfc slash scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. If corrupted files are found, Windows will repair them automatically. Restart your computer after the process finishes and test the Snipping Tool again.
Use Alternative Screenshot Methods Temporarily
While fixing the issue, you can still capture screenshots using alternative methods. Press the Print Screen key to capture the full screen and paste it into Paint or another editor. You can also use Windows + Print Screen to save screenshots directly to the Pictures folder.
I have also created a useful guide on the top Ways to capture the Screen in Windows 11. You can head on to this and select a desired method.
Faqs
Why is the Snipping Tool not opening in Windows 11?
The Snipping Tool may not open due to outdated Windows updates, corrupted app files, or disabled permissions. Repairing or resetting the app usually fixes this problem.
How do I fix the Snipping Tool shortcut not working?
Check keyboard settings and ensure the Print Screen shortcut is enabled. Also, verify that no third-party screenshot software is interfering with the shortcut.
Can I reinstall the Snipping Tool in Windows 11?
Yes, you can uninstall it from installed apps and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. Reinstalling often resolves persistent issues.
Does updating Windows fix Snipping Tool problems?
Yes, updating Windows installs bug fixes and improvements that can restore the functionality of built-in apps like the Snipping Tool.
What should I do if screenshots are not saving?
Ensure clipboard history and notifications are enabled. Also, check the default save location and reset the app if needed.