How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows 11

Snipping Tool can fail in several different ways on Windows 11. The app may refuse to open, Windows + Shift + S may do nothing, screenshots may stop saving, the capture overlay may freeze, or screen recording may fail even though ordinary screenshots still work.

Those symptoms point to different causes. A Snipping Tool not working problem can come from a frozen app process, a broken shortcut, damaged app data, Microsoft Store update issues, notification or clipboard behavior, corrupted Windows components, or a conflict with another screenshot utility.

The most useful first step is to identify what still works. Open Snipping Tool manually from Start, then test the shortcut separately. After that, take a screenshot and check whether it reaches the clipboard or Screenshots folder.

Microsoft currently documents Windows + Shift + S for image snips and Windows + Shift + R for video snips in Snipping Tool on Windows 11. Microsoft also confirms that image captures can be saved automatically to the Screenshots folder, depending on the app’s current settings.

Use the fixes below in order, starting with the least disruptive.

Check What Part of Snipping Tool Is Failing

Before changing Windows settings, run three quick tests.

Test 1: Open Snipping Tool Manually

Open Start and type:

Snipping Tool

Launch the app.

When it opens normally, the application itself is at least able to start.

When it does not open, jumps briefly onto the screen and disappears, or freezes immediately, focus on restarting, updating, repairing, resetting, and reinstalling the app.

Test 2: Try the Screenshot Shortcut

Press:

Windows + Shift + S

A capture overlay should appear.

Microsoft currently lists this as the standard shortcut for opening the Snipping Tool screenshot overlay.

When the app opens manually but this shortcut does nothing, the issue is more likely related to the shortcut, keyboard input, Windows shell behavior, or screenshot integration rather than the entire Snipping Tool application.

Test 3: Check Whether the Screenshot Was Actually Captured

Take a screenshot and press:

Ctrl + V

inside Paint, Word, an email draft, or another app that accepts images.

Snipping Tool normally copies a captured image to the clipboard.

Also check:

Pictures > Screenshots

Microsoft’s current Snipping Tool documentation says screenshots can be saved automatically to the Screenshots folder, and the automatic save behavior can be changed in Snipping Tool settings.

This test separates a capture problem from a notification or file-saving problem.

1. Close Snipping Tool Completely and Reopen It

A stuck Snipping Tool process can make the app appear broken even when the installation is fine.

Start with a normal close.

When the window is open, press:

Alt + F4

Then reopen Snipping Tool from Start.

When the app is frozen or keeps running in the background:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Open Task Manager.
3. Find Snipping Tool.
4. Select it.
5. Choose End task.
6. Reopen Snipping Tool.

My How to Force Quit on Windows article covers additional ways to close an application that refuses to exit normally.

After reopening Snipping Tool, test both:

Windows + Shift + S

and:

Windows + Shift + R

Do not move into resets or reinstalls until a simple restart has been ruled out.

2. Restart Windows

Restarting Windows reloads the app environment, shell processes, clipboard components, and keyboard shortcut handling.

Open:

Start > Power > Restart

After Windows loads again, test Snipping Tool before opening many background applications.

A restart is especially useful when the problem began:

• After waking from sleep
• After a Windows update
• After installing another screenshot utility
• After connecting or disconnecting a keyboard
• After Windows Explorer or the desktop stopped responding correctly

When Snipping Tool works after restart but repeatedly fails later, keep troubleshooting. A restart may only be clearing a temporary conflict.

3. Update Snipping Tool Through Microsoft Store

Snipping Tool is updated separately from many core Windows components, so Windows itself can be current while the app remains outdated.

Open:

Microsoft Store

Then:

1. Open Library.
2. Select Get updates or the current update option.
3. Install an available Snipping Tool update.
4. Restart the app.

Microsoft continues to add and change Snipping Tool features through app updates, including screenshot, text, editing, and screen recording functions.

This makes app updates particularly important when a feature worked previously and stopped after Windows or the app changed.

Do not install unofficial Snipping Tool packages from download sites.

Use Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s own Snipping Tool installer when a reinstall is necessary.

4. Install Windows Updates

Snipping Tool depends on Windows components as well as the app package itself.

Open:

Settings > Windows Update

Select:

Check for updates

Install available updates and restart the PC.

Also check:

Advanced options > Optional updates

when relevant.

A Windows update can fix problems involving:

• App frameworks
• Shortcut behavior
• Clipboard integration
• Graphics components
• Microsoft Store infrastructure
• Screen capture APIs

Do not uninstall Windows updates randomly because Snipping Tool stopped working.

Update first. Rollback should only be considered when the failure started immediately after a specific update and there is strong evidence that the update caused it.

5. Repair Snipping Tool

Windows 11 provides a Repair option for supported apps.

Microsoft recommends Repair before Reset because it attempts to fix the app without immediately clearing its local data.

Open:

Settings > Apps > Installed apps

Find:

Snipping Tool

Then:

1. Select the three-dot menu.
2. Choose Advanced options.
3. Scroll to Repair.
4. Select Repair.
5. Wait for Windows to finish.
6. Open Snipping Tool and test again.

Microsoft’s current Windows app-repair guidance confirms that supported apps can be repaired from Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Advanced options.

Test:

• Opening Snipping Tool
• Windows + Shift + S
• Taking a screenshot
• Saving the screenshot

When Repair solves the problem, stop there.

There is no benefit in resetting a working app afterward.

6. Reset Snipping Tool

Reset is more aggressive than Repair.

Use it when Snipping Tool still:

• Does not open
• Crashes
• Freezes
• Shows a blank interface
• Fails to remember or apply settings correctly
• Refuses to capture after Repair

Open:

Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options

Select:

Reset

Confirm the action.

Then open Snipping Tool again.

Resetting can clear local app preferences, so check Snipping Tool settings afterward.

In particular, review automatic screenshot saving and any capture preferences you previously changed.

Do not confuse Reset with reinstalling Windows. This resets the Snipping Tool app, not the operating system.

7. Check the Windows + Shift + S Shortcut Separately

The app can work while Windows + Shift + S does not.

That means the shortcut deserves its own test.

First open Snipping Tool manually and take a screenshot using New.

When manual capture works, test the keyboard keys individually.

Check:

• Windows key
• Left and right Shift keys
• S key

Press the Windows key by itself and confirm that Start opens.

Type the letter S into Notepad.

Test both Shift keys.

You can also try:

Windows + Shift + R

for the Snipping Tool video overlay on current Windows 11 builds.

When both Windows shortcut combinations fail but the app works manually, another keyboard utility, remapping tool, gaming software, macro app, or Windows shell problem may be interfering.

For broader Windows shortcut problems, Ctrl Alt Delete Not Working? How to Fix It provides a useful comparison for separating keyboard input failure from Windows shortcut handling.

8. Check the Print Screen Screenshot Setting

Windows 11 can use the Print Screen key to open screen capture.

Open:

Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard

Look for the Print Screen option related to opening screen capture.

Depending on the current Windows build, the wording can vary.

Toggle it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Test:

PrtSc

and:

Windows + Shift + S

This setting is particularly relevant when:

• Print Screen stopped launching Snipping Tool
• Another screenshot program previously controlled Print Screen
• A keyboard utility remapped the key
• Windows changed the shortcut behavior after an update

Not every keyboard has a dedicated Print Screen key.

Some laptops require:

Fn + PrtSc

or another manufacturer-specific combination.

9. Check Whether Another Screenshot App Is Taking Over

Third-party screenshot utilities can intercept Print Screen and other capture shortcuts.

Examples include:

• ShareX
• Greenshot
• Lightshot
• Snagit
• Gaming overlays
• GPU screenshot tools
• Keyboard macro software
• Clipboard utilities

Close those applications completely and test Snipping Tool again.

Also check their settings for assigned capture shortcuts.

A program can remain active in the notification area after its main window is closed.

Use Task Manager when necessary to confirm that it is no longer running.

When Snipping Tool immediately works after another screenshot application is closed, you have found a shortcut conflict rather than a broken Windows app.

Choose which application should own the shortcut and change the other program’s hotkey.

10. Check Clipboard Behavior When the Screenshot Is Captured but Seems Missing

A Snipping Tool screenshot can be captured successfully even when you do not see the expected popup or saved file.

After taking a snip, open Paint and press:

Ctrl + V

When the image appears, Snipping Tool captured it correctly.

The remaining problem involves saving, notifications, or clipboard behavior.

Test Clipboard History

Press:

Windows + V

When prompted, enable Clipboard history if you want to use it.

Take another screenshot and check whether the image appears in clipboard history.

Check Automatic Screenshot Saving

Open Snipping Tool.

Select the three-dot menu and open:

Settings

Review the automatic screenshot saving option and the Screenshots location.

Microsoft’s current documentation says image snips can be automatically saved to the Screenshots folder and that the automatic save behavior can be changed in Snipping Tool settings.

Check:

Pictures > Screenshots

Do not assume the capture failed simply because the Snipping Tool notification did not appear.

11. Check Windows Notifications

Snipping Tool commonly shows a notification after a capture so you can open the screenshot for editing.

When the screenshot reaches the clipboard but no popup appears:

Open:

Settings > System > Notifications

Find Snipping Tool if it appears in the app list.

Make sure notifications are enabled.

Also check:

• Do Not Disturb
• Notification filtering
• Focus settings

A missing notification does not mean the screenshot failed.

Test with Ctrl + V before resetting the app.

This distinction prevents unnecessary troubleshooting.

12. Reinstall Snipping Tool

Microsoft now provides an official uninstall and reinstall process for Snipping Tool.

Use this after Repair and Reset fail.

To uninstall:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Snipping Tool.
4. Select the three-dot menu.
5. Choose Uninstall.
6. Confirm.

Restart Windows afterward.

Then reinstall Snipping Tool using Microsoft’s official installer or Microsoft Store, depending on the option available on your system.

Microsoft’s official Snipping Tool reinstall instructions provide current installer options for 64-bit, 32-bit, and ARM64 Windows systems.

Do not download random Snipping Tool installers from third-party sites.

After reinstalling:

1. Open Snipping Tool manually.
2. Take a simple screenshot.
3. Test Windows + Shift + S.
4. Check the Screenshots folder.
5. Test screen recording only after image capture is working.

13. Test Snipping Tool in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is useful when another program appears to be intercepting screenshots or crashing Snipping Tool.

Open:

Settings > System > Recovery

Under Advanced startup, choose:

Restart now

Then:

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

Choose Safe Mode.

My How to Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode article explains several ways to access Safe Mode.

Once Windows starts, test Snipping Tool.

Safe Mode may not provide every graphics or screen recording feature normally available, so use it mainly to test basic app behavior and screenshot capture.

Snipping Tool Works in Safe Mode

A startup application or third-party service may be interfering.

Look for:

• Screenshot utilities
• Overlay software
• Macro tools
• Security software
• Clipboard utilities
• Display enhancement tools

Remove or disable recently installed candidates one at a time.

Snipping Tool Still Fails in Safe Mode

The issue is less likely to be caused by ordinary third-party startup software.

Move on to Windows component repair.

14. Run DISM and System File Checker

Snipping Tool should not require system-file repair for an ordinary app glitch.

Use DISM and SFC later in the process when:

• Repair and Reset fail
• Reinstalling Snipping Tool fails
• Other Windows apps are also malfunctioning
• Windows features freeze or crash
• You suspect broader Windows component corruption

Microsoft currently recommends running DISM before SFC.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Wait for it to finish.

Then run:

sfc /scannow

Do not close the window until the scan reaches 100 percent.

Microsoft explains that DISM can restore Windows component files used by SFC, while SFC scans protected system files and replaces damaged copies.

Restart Windows after the repairs and test Snipping Tool again.

When SFC returns a Windows Resource Protection error, TechWise Zone’s broader Windows troubleshooting content and Safe Mode guide can help you continue diagnosis rather than repeatedly rerunning the same command.

15. Try a Clean Boot When the Problem Returns Only During Normal Startup

A clean boot starts Windows with a reduced set of third-party services and startup programs.

Use this when Snipping Tool works after restart or in Safe Mode but breaks again after normal startup.

Search Windows for:

msconfig

Open System Configuration.

On the Services tab:

1. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
2. Select Disable all for the remaining third-party services.

Then open the Startup section through Task Manager and disable nonessential startup items.

Restart Windows and test Snipping Tool.

When it works in the clean environment, re-enable services and startup items in groups until the conflict returns.

Do not leave required security, hardware, or work software disabled permanently without identifying the actual cause.

Snipping Tool Not Opening

When Snipping Tool does not open at all, use this order:

1. End Snipping Tool in Task Manager.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Update Snipping Tool.
4. Install Windows updates.
5. Repair Snipping Tool.
6. Reset Snipping Tool.
7. Reinstall Snipping Tool.
8. Test Safe Mode.
9. Run DISM and SFC only when broader Windows problems are suspected.

Do not focus on notification settings when the application itself cannot launch.

Windows + Shift + S Not Working

When Snipping Tool opens manually but the shortcut does nothing:

1. Test the Windows key.
2. Test both Shift keys.
3. Test the S key.
4. Close screenshot and macro utilities.
5. Restart Windows.
6. Update Snipping Tool.
7. Check Print Screen capture settings.
8. Repair Snipping Tool.
9. Test another Windows user profile if necessary.

The shortcut problem and the app problem are related but not identical.

A working New button inside Snipping Tool proves that screenshot capture itself is still functioning.

Snipping Tool Opens but Does Not Take Screenshots

When the app opens normally but clicking New does nothing:

1. Close and reopen Snipping Tool.
2. Restart Windows.
3. Update the app.
4. Repair it.
5. Close third-party screenshot or overlay software.
6. Reset Snipping Tool.
7. Reinstall it.

Also test a different snipping mode such as:

• Rectangle
• Window
• Full screen

When only one application or protected screen cannot be captured, the issue may involve that app’s graphics or content-protection behavior rather than Snipping Tool itself.

Snipping Tool Screenshot Not Saving

Current Snipping Tool versions on Windows 11 can automatically save image snips to the Screenshots folder.

Check:

Pictures > Screenshots

Then open:

Snipping Tool > Settings

Review automatic save behavior.

You can also select the Save icon or press:

Ctrl + S

to choose a location manually.

When the screenshot pastes successfully with Ctrl + V but is not present in the folder, the capture worked. Focus on Snipping Tool’s save settings and the destination folder rather than screenshot capture.

Snipping Tool Notification Not Showing

Take a screenshot and immediately paste it into Paint.

When the screenshot pastes correctly:

Open:

Settings > System > Notifications

Check Snipping Tool notifications and Do Not Disturb.

A hidden notification is a Windows notification problem, not proof that Snipping Tool failed to capture the image.

Snipping Tool Keeps Crashing

Repeated crashes usually justify moving faster through the app-repair sequence.

Try:

1. Update Snipping Tool.
2. Install Windows updates.
3. Repair the app.
4. Reset the app.
5. Reinstall Snipping Tool.
6. Test Safe Mode.
7. Run DISM and SFC if other Windows components are unstable.

Also close overlays, screenshot utilities, graphics enhancement tools, and clipboard managers during testing.

When Snipping Tool is the only application crashing, reinstalling the app is more appropriate than immediately repairing the entire Windows installation.

Snipping Tool Screen Recording Not Working

Screen recording should be diagnosed separately from screenshot capture.

Microsoft currently documents:

Windows + Shift + R

as the shortcut for opening the Snipping Tool video capture overlay on supported Windows 11 systems.

You can also open Snipping Tool manually, select Record, choose New, select an area, and start recording.

Microsoft’s current Snipping Tool documentation confirms that video snips can capture a rectangular section of the screen and then be saved or opened in Clipchamp for further editing.

When screenshots work but screen recording does not:

1. Update Snipping Tool.
2. Install Windows updates.
3. Restart the PC.
4. Repair Snipping Tool.
5. Test recording from inside the app instead of the shortcut.
6. Close graphics overlays and screen capture programs.
7. Reset Snipping Tool.
8. Reinstall the app if necessary.

Do not assume screenshot functionality and video recording use exactly the same path.

A working screenshot does not prove that the screen recording feature is healthy.

Snipping Tool Not Working After a Windows Update

First restart Windows.

Then check Microsoft Store for a Snipping Tool update.

Windows and app updates do not always arrive at exactly the same time, so an updated Windows component may temporarily be paired with an older app build.

Next try:

Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options > Repair

Only consider update rollback when:

• The problem began immediately after a specific update
• Snipping Tool worked immediately beforehand
• App update, Repair, Reset, and reinstall have failed
• Microsoft has identified the update as problematic or other strong evidence exists

Do not remove security updates casually for one app issue.

Snipping Tool Not Working With Multiple Monitors

Multiple monitors can expose display-scaling or graphics issues that are not obvious on a single screen.

Try:

1. Move Snipping Tool to the primary display.
2. Take a screenshot there.
3. Temporarily disconnect the secondary monitor.
4. Test Windows + Shift + S.
5. Check that Windows display scaling is sensible on each monitor.
6. Update the graphics driver when other display problems are present.

When Snipping Tool works on one monitor but behaves incorrectly on another, investigate scaling and graphics configuration before resetting Windows.

Can You Use Another Screenshot Method While Snipping Tool Is Broken?

Yes.

For a full-screen capture, try:

PrtSc

or:

Windows + PrtSc

Microsoft also documents Fn + Windows + Space as a screenshot option on devices without a dedicated Print Screen key.

For basic screenshot needs, these methods can keep you working while you repair Snipping Tool.

They are not replacements for all Snipping Tool features, especially region selection, annotation, text actions, and video snips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11?

Snipping Tool can stop working because of a frozen app process, outdated app package, damaged local app data, screenshot shortcut conflict, third-party capture software, Windows component corruption, or a problem introduced by an update.

Why does Windows + Shift + S do nothing?

The shortcut may be blocked by a keyboard problem, remapping utility, screenshot application, or Windows shortcut issue even when Snipping Tool itself still works. Open Snipping Tool manually and test the New button to separate shortcut failure from app failure.

How do I repair Snipping Tool?

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options and select Repair. Test the app before using Reset.

How do I reset Snipping Tool?

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options and select Reset. This can clear local app settings, so review Snipping Tool preferences afterward.

Can I reinstall Snipping Tool?

Yes. Microsoft currently provides an official process for uninstalling Snipping Tool through Installed apps and reinstalling it using an official Microsoft installer.

Why is my Snipping Tool screenshot not saving?

Check Pictures > Screenshots and open Snipping Tool settings to review automatic screenshot saving. Also test Ctrl + V in Paint. When the image pastes, the screenshot was captured and the problem is limited to saving or notification behavior.

Why does Snipping Tool capture the image but no notification appears?

Windows notifications may be disabled, filtered, or affected by Do Not Disturb. Test the clipboard first before treating the issue as a failed screenshot.

Why does Snipping Tool keep closing?

Repeated closing can come from corrupted app data, an outdated build, Windows component problems, or third-party software conflicts. Update, Repair, Reset, and reinstall Snipping Tool before using system-level repair commands.

What is the shortcut for Snipping Tool screen recording?

On current Windows 11 systems, Microsoft documents:

Windows + Shift + R

for opening the video snip overlay.

Does Snipping Tool work on Windows 10?

Snipping Tool screenshot functionality exists on Windows 10, but current Windows 11 versions have newer Snipping Tool capabilities, including integrated screen recording. Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025.

Use the Symptom to Choose the Right Fix

A Snipping Tool problem becomes much easier to solve when you distinguish between the app, the shortcut, the capture itself, and what happens after the screenshot is taken.

When the app will not open, focus on restarting, updating, Repair, Reset, and reinstalling it. When Windows + Shift + S fails but manual capture works, troubleshoot the shortcut and competing screenshot utilities. When the image reaches the clipboard but does not appear in a folder or notification, check save and notification behavior instead of repairing the entire app again.

That approach keeps the troubleshooting targeted and avoids unnecessary system resets for a problem that often belongs to one small part of the Windows screenshot workflow.