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How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11 [Troubleshooting]

Geeksdigit Team

May 22, 2026

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The Snipping Tool is one of the most useful built-in screenshot utilities in Windows 11. It allows users to capture screenshots, record screen activity, annotate images, and quickly save or share captures without installing third-party software. However, many users occasionally encounter issues where the Snipping Tool fails to open, crashes immediately after launch, displays a blank window, stops taking screenshots, refuses to save images, or shows messages such as “This app can’t open”, “Snipping Tool is not working”, or “A problem with Windows is preventing Screen Snipping from opening.”

These problems can occur after a Windows update, corrupted app files, damaged system components, outdated graphics drivers, incorrect date and time settings, software conflicts, or disabled background permissions. Fortunately, most Snipping Tool problems can be fixed using built-in Windows troubleshooting methods without reinstalling the operating system.

This guide explains the most effective ways to fix the Snipping Tool not working in Windows 11.

1. Restart the Snipping Tool

Temporary glitches can prevent the application from functioning properly.

Steps

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Locate Snipping Tool under Processes.
3. Select it.
4. Click End Task.
5. Close Task Manager.
6. Launch Snipping Tool again.

If the issue was caused by a temporary application freeze, the tool should start working normally.

2. Restart Windows 11

Many application issues disappear after a restart.

Steps

1. Click Start.
2. Select Power.
3. Click Restart.

After Windows reloads, open Snipping Tool and test screenshot functionality.

3. Verify the Keyboard Shortcut

Many users launch Snipping Tool using:

Windows + Shift + S

If this shortcut stops working:

Steps

1. Open Snipping Tool manually from the Start menu.
2. Try creating a screenshot directly from the application.
3. Test the shortcut again.

If the shortcut works inside the application but not globally, Windows Explorer may need to be restarted.

4. Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer controls many desktop functions including screenshot shortcuts.

Steps

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Open Task Manager.
3. Locate Windows Explorer.
4. Select it.
5. Click Restart.

The taskbar and desktop will briefly refresh.

Test Snipping Tool again afterward.

5. Repair the Snipping Tool App

Windows includes a built-in repair option.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Click Installed Apps.
4. Search for Snipping Tool.
5. Click the three-dot menu.
6. Select Advanced Options.
7. Click Repair.
8. Wait for Windows to complete the process.

Launch the application again and check whether the issue is resolved.

6. Reset the Snipping Tool App

If repairing does not work, resetting the application may help.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Click Installed Apps.
4. Open Snipping Tool Advanced Options.
5. Click Reset.
6. Confirm the action.

This removes corrupted application settings and restores default configuration.

7. Update the Snipping Tool

An outdated version can contain bugs or compatibility issues.

Steps

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library.
3. Select Get Updates.
4. Install available updates.
5. Update Snipping Tool if listed.
6. Restart the application.

Many bugs are resolved through Microsoft Store updates.

8. Install Windows Updates

Windows updates often include fixes for built-in applications.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Check for Updates.
4. Install all available updates.
5. Restart the computer.

After updating, test the Snipping Tool again.

9. Enable Background App Permissions

Snipping Tool may not function correctly if background permissions are restricted.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Open Installed Apps.
4. Locate Snipping Tool.
5. Select Advanced Options.
6. Verify background permissions are enabled.

Restart the application after making changes.

10. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect system date and time settings have occasionally caused Snipping Tool problems.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Time & Language.
3. Click Date & Time.
4. Enable:

Set time automatically

5. Enable:

Set time zone automatically

6. Click Sync Now.

Restart Windows and test again.

11. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect application issues.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Other Troubleshooters.
5. Find Windows Store Apps.
6. Click Run.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Apply any recommended fixes.

12. Reinstall the Snipping Tool

A fresh installation often resolves corruption issues.

Remove the Application

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Click Installed Apps.
4. Locate Snipping Tool.
5. Select Uninstall.

Install Again

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Snipping Tool.
3. Click Install.
4. Launch the application after installation.

13. Repair Corrupted System Files

Damaged Windows files can affect built-in apps.

Run System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete.

Restart the computer afterward.

14. Run DISM Commands

If SFC cannot repair everything, use DISM.

Steps

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

And finally:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After completion run:

sfc /scannow

again and restart Windows.

15. Check Focus Assist Settings

Focus Assist can interfere with notifications after taking screenshots.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Notifications.
4. Open Focus Assist.
5. Set it to:

Off

Take a screenshot and verify that notifications appear normally.

16. Restart the Clipboard Service

The Snipping Tool relies heavily on clipboard functionality.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

services.msc

3. Press Enter.
4. Locate clipboard-related services if available.
5. Restart the service.
6. Restart Windows.

Test screenshot copying functionality afterward.

17. Update Graphics Drivers

Graphics driver problems can affect screenshot applications.

Steps

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display Adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics card.
4. Select Update Driver.
5. Choose Search Automatically for Drivers.
6. Install updates if available.
7. Restart the computer.

Updated graphics drivers often improve application compatibility.

18. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party software can interfere with Snipping Tool.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

msconfig

3. Press Enter.
4. Open the Services tab.
5. Check:

Hide all Microsoft services

6. Click Disable All.
7. Open the Startup tab.
8. Disable startup applications.
9. Restart Windows.

If Snipping Tool works normally, a third-party program is likely responsible.

19. Create a New User Account

User profile corruption can prevent Windows applications from functioning properly.

Steps

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Accounts.
3. Click Other Users.
4. Choose Add Account.
5. Create a new local account.
6. Sign into the new account.
7. Open Snipping Tool.

If it works correctly, the original profile may be corrupted.

20. Use Alternative Screenshot Tools Temporarily

While troubleshooting, you can still capture screenshots using built-in Windows alternatives.

Print Screen Key

Press:

PrtScn

to copy the screen to the clipboard.

Save Screenshot Automatically

Press:

Windows + PrtScn

Screenshots are saved automatically in:

Pictures\Screenshots

Xbox Game Bar

Press:

Windows + G

and use the Capture widget to take screenshots.

Common Reasons Snipping Tool Stops Working

The most frequent causes include:

• Corrupted app files
• Outdated Snipping Tool version
• Windows update bugs
• Damaged system files
• Incorrect date and time settings
• Graphics driver issues
• User profile corruption
• Background permission restrictions
• Software conflicts
• Disabled notifications

Identifying the root cause helps apply the correct fix more quickly.

Tips to Prevent Future Snipping Tool Problems

To keep Snipping Tool functioning properly:

• Install Windows updates regularly.
• Update Microsoft Store apps.
• Keep graphics drivers current.
• Avoid unnecessary system optimization tools.
• Run periodic SFC scans.
• Maintain correct date and time settings.
• Create restore points before major changes.

These practices help prevent application corruption and compatibility issues.

Final Thoughts

When the Snipping Tool is not working in Windows 11, the problem is usually related to corrupted app files, outdated software, damaged system components, graphics driver issues, or Windows configuration problems. Start by restarting the application, repairing or resetting it through Settings, updating the app through Microsoft Store, and installing Windows updates.

If the issue persists, run SFC and DISM scans, update graphics drivers, disable software conflicts through a Clean Boot, or reinstall the application completely. Following these troubleshooting methods will resolve most Snipping Tool problems and restore screenshot functionality in Windows 11.