Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working? Here's Why & How to Fix It

If Snipping Tool is not working in Windows 11, you are likely to notice it when trying to capture something quickly with the Windows + Shift + S shortcut. Instead of bringing up the snipping overlay, the shortcut may do nothing, or Snipping Tool may open and then crash when you try to take a screenshot. Worry not, in this guide, we’ll walk you through all possible ways to get Windows 11’s Snipping Tool working again for you.

Why is Snipping Tool not working in Windows 11?

There are several reasons why Snipping Tool may suddenly stop working.

• A corrupted Snipping Tool installation: Damaged app files can cause the application to crash, freeze, or fail to launch.
• An outdated app: Snipping Tool is updated through Windows and the Microsoft Store, and an older build may contain bugs that have already been fixed.
• Corrupted Windows system files: Problems with Windows components can affect built-in apps, including Snipping Tool.
• Background software conflicts: Another application or service may interfere with Snipping Tool. A clean boot can help identify this type of conflict.
• Graphics or display problems: Driver or display-related issues can sometimes affect screen-capture functionality.

With those possibilities in mind, work through the following fixes in order.

What to do when Snipping Tool isn’t working on Windows 11?

1. Repair or reset Snipping Tool

Windows 11 has a built-in repair option that should be your first stop. It can fix problems with the app without requiring you to remove it completely.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Click Installed apps.
4. Find Snipping Tool.
5. Click the three dots next to it.
6. Select Advanced options.
7. Click Repair.
8. Once the process finishes, open Snipping Tool and test it again.

If Snipping Tool still freezes or crashes, return to the same screen and select Reset.

Keep in mind that Reset clears the app’s data and returns it to its default state, so try Repair first.

2. Update Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store

An outdated Snipping Tool version may be responsible for crashes or other unexpected behavior. Checking for an update is quick and is worth doing before moving on to deeper Windows repairs.

1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
2. Select Library.
3. Click Get updates.
4. Allow Windows to install any available updates for Snipping Tool.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Open Snipping Tool and try taking another screenshot.

Microsoft Store apps can receive updates automatically, but manually checking the Library can help make sure you’re running the latest available version.

3. Restart your Windows 11 PC

This may sound obvious, but a normal restart can clear temporary Windows processes that have become stuck.

1. Press Windows + X.
2. Select Shut down or sign out.
3. Click Restart.
4. Wait for Windows 11 to load completely.
5. Press Windows + Shift + S and try taking a screenshot.

If Snipping Tool works after restarting, the problem was likely caused by a temporary Windows or app process rather than a permanent installation problem.

4. Run DISM and SFC

If Snipping Tool continues to malfunction, corrupted Windows system files may be involved. Microsoft recommends using DISM and System File Checker (SFC) to repair damaged Windows components and protected system files.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt.
3. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
4. Run the following command:
   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. Wait for the operation to reach completion.
6. Then run:
   sfc /scannow
7. Let the scan reach 100%.
8. Restart your PC.

Microsoft recommends running DISM before SFC because DISM can provide the files needed to repair the Windows component store.

5. Check for Windows 11 updates

A Windows update may contain a fix for a problem affecting Snipping Tool or another component that it relies on.

1. Press Windows + I.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates.
5. Restart your computer if Windows asks you to.

After the restart, try opening Snipping Tool again.

If the problem started immediately after a Windows update, you may also want to check Microsoft’s current Windows 11 release information for known issues before making more substantial changes.

6. Perform a clean boot

If Snipping Tool works normally after a clean boot, another application or background service is probably interfering with it. Microsoft recommends clean booting Windows to isolate these types of software conflicts.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Open the Services tab.
4. Select Hide all Microsoft services.
5. Click Disable all.
6. Open the Startup tab.
7. Select Open Task Manager.
8. Disable the enabled startup applications.
9. Close Task Manager.
10. Click OK in System Configuration.
11. Restart your PC.
12. Try using Snipping Tool again.

If it works in the clean boot environment, gradually re-enable the disabled services and startup apps to identify the program causing the conflict. Once you’re finished testing, return System Configuration to Normal startup.

7. Update your graphics driver

Snipping Tool needs to interact with your display to capture what’s shown on screen, so a graphics driver problem shouldn’t be completely ruled out.

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Display adapters.
4. Right-click your graphics adapter.
5. Select Update driver.
6. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
7. Install an available update and restart your PC.

If Windows doesn’t find a newer driver, check the support page for your laptop or graphics-card manufacturer for a driver specifically intended for your Windows 11 system.

8. Reinstall Snipping Tool

If Repair and Reset don’t help, reinstalling Snipping Tool can give you a clean installation of the app.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Snipping Tool.
4. Click the three dots next to it.
5. Select Uninstall, if the option is available.
6. Open the Microsoft Store.
7. Search for Snipping Tool.
8. Install it again.
9. Restart Windows 11 and test the app.

If the uninstall option isn’t available on your system, use the Repair and Reset options first, then check the Microsoft Store for an available update or reinstall option.

That’s all we have for fixing Snipping Tool problems in Windows 11. In most cases, you shouldn’t need to make drastic changes. Repair or Reset, update the app, restart Windows, and run DISM/SFC are the most useful places to start. If you’re still running into trouble, it may be worth checking whether another application or a recent Windows change is behind the problem. If you are having issues with Snipping Tool on Windows 10, check our separate guide.

FAQs related to Snipping Tool issues on Windows 11

1. Why is Snipping Tool not working in Windows 11?

Snipping Tool can stop working because of corrupted app files, outdated software, damaged Windows components, or conflicts with background applications. Repairing or resetting the app is usually the best place to start.

2. How do I reset Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Snipping Tool, open Advanced options, and select Reset. Try Repair first if you want to preserve the app’s existing data.

3. Why does Windows + Shift + S not work?

The keyboard shortcut depends on the Snipping Tool and related Windows components working correctly. Repair or reset the app, install available updates, and restart Windows before trying the shortcut again.

4. Can I reinstall Snipping Tool on Windows 11?

Yes, when the uninstall option is available, you can remove Snipping Tool through Settings > Apps > Installed apps and install it again through the Microsoft Store.