The Snipping Tool is a great way to capture screenshots or record your screen on your Windows computer. However, what if the device itself stops working? Well, that's what we're here for. We have collected solutions to help you fix the Snipping Tool issue on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.
1. Check if your Windows key is not locked
Most gaming keyboards can lock your Windows key to prevent accidental pauses or interruptions while playing games. If you also have one, make sure it is not enabled. For example, when we pressed Windows key + Shift + S Use the keyboard shortcut to launch the Snipping Tool, it would not open because Windows Key Lock was disabled on our gaming keyboard.
However, as soon as we disabled Windows Key Lock and tried it again, the Snipping Tool appeared.
On the other hand, if you have a normal keyboard, try the following solution.
2. Reset the Snipping Tool app
With every Windows update, various problems can arise, and the Snipping Tool can be one of them. In that case, repairing or resetting the app may help resolve the issue. This way:
1. launch windows search (Windows key + S) and search snipping Tool Application.
2. Once found, right-click on Application choose more app settings From the context menu.
3. Click reset Button to clear app data. Click if asked to confirm reset button again.
This will probably fix the problem of Snipping Tool not working on Windows.
3. Reinstall Snipping Tool
If resetting the Snipping Tool doesn't work, try reinstalling the app. This will ensure a clean and updated installation and potentially resolve any underlying issues.
1. Press windows key + s keyboard shortcut to open windows search To search for snipping Tool And right click to go to that app settings,
2. then click Uninstall button, and if prompted, press Uninstall button again.
3. Later, you can get the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store and see if that fixes the problem.
4. Use the PrintScreen key
In newer builds of Windows 11, the default shortcut to the Snipping Tool may be applied (Windows key + Shift + S), and with PRTSC (Print Screen) key on your keyboard. This provides a great alternative if your default shortcut isn't working.
5. Restart your PC
An app or program may conflict with the Snipping Tool, and cause it to stop working. Therefore, a PC restart will probably fix this problem. If it doesn't, follow the next troubleshooting method.
6. Check for misconfiguration
In case you're unaware, the Snipping Tool can disable automatic saving of screenshots or screen recordings. If this function is already disabled, it may give the false impression that the Snipping Tool is not working properly. To verify correct configuration, open snipping Tool app, click three-dot sign (meatball icon), and select Adjustment,
Make sure that 'Save screenshots automatically' Is on.
7. Use SFC Scan
What if there is a problem with your system files and Snipping Tool is not working on your Windows computer? To check this you can run SFC (System File Check) scan. This way:
1. Press windows key + s keyboard shortcut to open windows search search more command prompt, after this right click Click on it and select run as administrator Option.
2. Next, enter and hit below command enter,
sfc /scannow
8. Restart Windows File Explorer
Have you tried restarting File Explorer on Windows? Since many core Windows apps and features are closely tied to File Explorer, restarting it may reactivate your Snipping Tool. Here's the step-by-step process:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc open keyboard shortcut Task Manager On your Windows PC, right-click Windows Explorer Apps, select More restart Option.
9. Update Windows
Did you check for new Windows updates? There may be a pending Windows OS build update. It's possible that a fix for the Snipping Tool could be included in the next Windows update.
go there Settings > Windows Update and click check for updates button.
10. Reset Windows
Although you can always rely on third-party screenshot taking apps, if you insist on using the Snipping Tool app, the only option is to reset your Windows PC. You can follow our in-depth guide on how to reset Windows.
questions to ask
1. How do I take a screenshot on Windows without the Snipping Tool?
There are many choices of snipping tools available. For example, you can use an app called LightShotWhich is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.
2. Where are Snipping Tool files saved?
By default, screenshots are saved in the Pictures folder. However, you can also choose a different location to save the screenshot every time you use the Snipping Tool.
Resume your screenshot love story
We understand that not everyone may be inclined to install third-party screenshot-capturing apps, which is why you are here looking for a solution to the Snipping Tool issue on your Windows PC. We hope that one of the above solutions will resolve the issue and help you fix the Snipping Tool issue. Before you go, you can learn how to extract text from an image using the Snipping Tool.
