Having problems with your Snipping Tool on Windows 11? This handy screenshot utility sometimes stops working, leaving users frustrated when they need to capture important information. You can often fix the Windows 11 Snipping Tool by repairing the app through Settings, rebooting your system, or checking that Focus Assist isn’t interfering with its functionality.
Many users don’t realize that simple solutions can resolve their Snipping Tool issues. Sometimes the app becomes corrupted or encounters conflicts with other Windows features. When the Windows 11 Snipping Tool stops working, it might be due to outdated graphics drivers, system glitches, or permission problems that prevent the tool from functioning properly.
Fix the Snipping Tool in Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is essential for screenshots and screen recordings, but it can sometimes stop working, refuse to open, or fail to capture screenshots. If your Snipping Tool is broken, crashing, or missing features, this guide will help you fix it quickly and permanently.
Common Snipping Tool Problems in Windows 11
You may experience one or more of the following:
- Snipping Tool won’t open
- App crashes on launch
- Screenshot shortcut doesn’t work
- Screen recording not available
- Blank or black screenshots
- “This app can’t open” error
Quick Fixes (Try These First)
✅ Restart your PC
✅ Press Win + Shift + S instead of opening the app
✅ Close conflicting screenshot apps
✅ Update Windows
If the issue persists, continue below.
Fix 1: Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool App
This resolves most Snipping Tool issues.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps → Installed apps
- Search for Snipping Tool
- Click Advanced options
- Select Repair
- If that doesn’t work, select Reset
✅ Resetting removes app data but fixes corrupted files.
Fix 2: Update the Snipping Tool via Microsoft Store
The Snipping Tool is updated separately from Windows.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Store
- Click Library
- Select Get updates
- Update Snipping Tool
Fix 3: Reinstall the Snipping Tool
If repair and updates fail, reinstall it.
Steps:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Run:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage - Restart your PC
- Reinstall Snipping Tool from Microsoft Store
Fix 4: Check Keyboard Shortcut Settings
If Win + Shift + S doesn’t work:
- Open Settings
- Go to Accessibility → Keyboard
- Enable Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping
- Restart your PC
Fix 5: Disable Conflicting Screenshot Tools
Third‑party apps can block the Snipping Tool.
Common conflicts:
- Lightshot
- Greenshot
- ShareX
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay
✅ Temporarily disable or uninstall them and test again.
Fix 6: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can break built‑in apps.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run:
sfc /scannow - Restart your PC
Fix 7: Run DISM Tool
If SFC doesn’t fix the issue:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This repairs Windows system images.
Fix 8: Check Windows Updates
Some Snipping Tool bugs are tied to Windows builds.
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Install all available updates
- Restart your PC
Fix 9: Enable Clipboard History
Snipping Tool relies on clipboard services.
- Go to Settings
- Select System → Clipboard
- Enable Clipboard history
Fix 10: Create a New User Account
If the problem is profile‑specific:
- Open Settings → Accounts
- Select Other users
- Add a new user
- Sign in and test Snipping Tool
When Nothing Works: Last Resort Options
- Perform a Windows repair install
- Reset Windows while keeping files
- Use alternative tools (temporarily)
Best Snipping Tool Alternatives (If Needed)
| Tool | Best For |
|---|---|
| ShareX | Advanced users |
| Greenshot | Simple screenshots |
| Lightshot | Quick sharing |
| Snagit | Professional workflows |
Final Thoughts
The Windows 11 Snipping Tool usually fails due to app corruption, outdated versions, or conflicts with third‑party software. In most cases, repairing or reinstalling the app fixes the issue in minutes.
Quick Fix Summary
✅ Repair or reset the app
✅ Update via Microsoft Store
✅ Reinstall Snipping Tool
✅ Run SFC & DISM
✅ Disable conflicting apps
Key Takeaways
- Repair or reset the Snipping Tool through Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps to fix most common issues.
- Reboot your computer and check if Focus Assist is enabled as these simple steps often resolve screenshot problems.
- Update your graphics drivers and check for Windows updates to ensure compatibility with the Snipping Tool.
Understanding the Snipping Tool on Windows 11
The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 offers enhanced screen capture capabilities with new features compared to previous versions. The tool allows users to quickly capture any part of their screen and edit it before saving or sharing.
Features and Functions
The Windows 11 Snipping Tool combines the best elements of the classic Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch into one streamlined application. Users can access it quickly by pressing Windows key + Shift + S, which activates the screen snipping function.
This screenshot tool offers multiple capture modes:
- Rectangular snip
- Freeform snip
- Window snip
- Fullscreen snip
After capturing a screenshot, the image is saved to the clipboard. Users can then click the notification to open the Snipping Tool editor where they can annotate with pens, highlighters, and crop the image as needed.
One significant change in Windows 11 is that the Snipping Tool saves to clipboard by default rather than prompting for a save location immediately.
Common Issues and Errors
Many users encounter problems with the Windows 11 Snipping Tool. Among the most frequent issues are freezing, crashing, and failure to launch. These problems often occur after Windows updates or when there are conflicts with other applications.
Some users report that their screenshots appear skewed or distorted, which can be caused by display scaling settings. Setting the display scaling to 100% instead of higher values may resolve this issue.
Other common errors include:
- Tool not responding after capture
- Images not saving correctly
- Clipboard history limitations
- Black screen when attempting to capture
Microsoft regularly addresses these issues through Windows updates. For persistent problems, running the Windows troubleshooter or following specific fix guides can help restore functionality to this essential screen capture tool.
Checking for Updates and Compatibility
Windows 11 Snipping Tool issues often stem from outdated system components or digital certificate problems. Keeping your system current and verifying proper app registration can quickly resolve these frustrating screenshot tool malfunctions.
Windows Update
Outdated system files frequently cause Snipping Tool failures in Windows 11. To fix this, open Settings by pressing Win+I and navigate to Windows Update section. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
Microsoft specifically recommends this as the first troubleshooting step when the Snipping Tool stops functioning properly. Updates often contain fixes for known bugs affecting system applications like the Snipping Tool.
Sometimes Windows 11 requires a specific update package to resolve Snipping Tool issues. After installing updates, restart your computer to properly implement all changes. This simple step resolves approximately 40% of all Snipping Tool problems.
Microsoft Store and Digital Certification
The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 functions as a Microsoft Store app, making digital certification crucial for proper operation. If updates didn’t fix your issue, try reinstalling the app through Microsoft Store.
Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Microsoft Store and click “Get” or “Install” if available. If the tool appears missing or unavailable, you may need to run a PowerShell command to reinstall it properly.
Digital certificate issues can also cause problems. Some users report that adjusting their system date temporarily resolves certificate validation errors. Navigate to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and ensure “Set time automatically” is enabled.
After confirming proper certification and installation, restart the Snipping Tool to verify the fix worked correctly.
Troubleshooting Snipping Tool Issues
When the Snipping Tool stops working in Windows 11, several effective solutions can help restore its functionality. These methods target common issues like corrupted files, conflicting applications, and system errors.
Using Task Manager to Restart the Tool
When the Snipping Tool freezes or fails to launch, restarting it through Task Manager often solves the problem. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select “Task Manager” or right-click on the taskbar and choose “Task Manager.”
In the Processes tab, look for “Snipping Tool” or “ScreenClippingHost” in the list of running applications. If you find it, select it and click End task at the bottom right corner.
After closing the process, try launching the Snipping Tool again. This method works because it terminates any stuck instances of the tool that might be preventing it from functioning correctly.
If the Snipping Tool doesn’t appear in the Task Manager, it might not be running at all. In this case, you can try checking for Windows updates that might resolve compatibility issues.
Running System File Checker
Corrupt system files often cause the Snipping Tool to malfunction. The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
To run the SFC scan, open Command Prompt as administrator. Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
Type sfc /scannow in the command window and press Enter. The scan may take 15-20 minutes to complete as it thoroughly checks all protected system files.
When the scan finishes, it will display one of these messages: no integrity violations found, successfully repaired corrupt files, or couldn’t repair some files. If repairs were made, restart your computer and check if the Snipping Tool works properly now.
The SFC tool is particularly effective when the Snipping Tool app is corrupted but can’t fix issues caused by outdated drivers or system settings.
Deploying DISM Command
When SFC can’t resolve the issue, the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command provides a deeper level of system repair for the Snipping Tool.
DISM fixes Windows component store corruption that SFC might not address. Open Command Prompt as administrator as described earlier.
Type these commands in sequence, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The final command may take 20-30 minutes to complete. It connects to Windows Update to download clean versions of corrupted files.
After DISM completes successfully, run the SFC scan again with sfc /scannow to ensure all system files are repaired. Restart your computer and check if the Snipping Tool works correctly now.
This method is powerful when dealing with system crashes that prevent the Snipping Tool from saving screenshots.
Boot in Clean Boot State
If the Snipping Tool still doesn’t work, conflicts with third-party applications may be the cause. A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs.
To perform a clean boot, press Windows key + R, type msconfig and press Enter to open System Configuration.
On the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all.” Then go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
In Task Manager’s Startup tab, select each item and click “Disable.” Close Task Manager, return to System Configuration, click “OK,” and restart your computer.
After restarting in clean boot state, test the Snipping Tool. If it works now, the problem is caused by one of the disabled programs or services. Re-enable them one by one, restarting each time, until you identify the conflicting program.
Clean boot is especially helpful when display scaling settings or background applications interfere with the Snipping Tool’s functionality.
Reinstallation and Resetting Processes
When the Snipping Tool stops working in Windows 11, reinstalling or resetting the application often solves the problem. These processes help clear corrupted files and restore default settings without losing any system functionality.
Reinstalling Snipping Tool via Command Prompt
The Command Prompt offers a powerful way to reinstall the Snipping Tool when other methods fail. To begin this process, users should open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting the admin option.
Once Command Prompt is open, they can type the following command to reinstall the Snipping Tool:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -Register C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml -DisableDevelopmentMode
If the Microsoft Store is unavailable or not working, this command prompt method becomes especially valuable. The command uses system32 components to register the application properly without requiring the Store.
Resetting the Snipping Tool Application
Resetting the Snipping Tool can fix many issues without the need for a complete reinstallation. Users can access this option through Windows Settings.
To reset Snipping Tool:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps
- Find Snipping Tool in the list
- Click the three dots next to it
- Select Advanced options
- Click the Reset button
This process clears the app’s data while keeping it installed. For less severe issues, users can try the Repair option first, which fixes the app without removing data.
Sometimes simply restarting the device after resetting helps complete the process. This ensures all system services properly recognize the reset application.
Managing Permissions and System Health
System permissions and overall health can significantly impact how well the Snipping Tool functions in Windows 11. These settings control resource allocation and access rights that directly affect performance.
Adjusting Background App Permissions
Background app permissions often cause Snipping Tool issues in Windows 11. When these permissions are restricted, the tool may display error messages or fail to launch completely.
To fix this problem, users should:
- Click the Start menu and select Settings
- Navigate to System > Focus Assist
- Turn off Focus Assist completely or adjust it to allow important apps
Another approach involves modifying background app permissions directly:
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
- Find Snipping Tool in the list
- Click Advanced options
- Ensure that Let this app run in background is enabled
This adjustment allows the Snipping Tool to access necessary system resources even when it’s not the active window.
Using Minitool Partition Wizard
Disk issues can sometimes cause Snipping Tool malfunctions. The Minitool Partition Wizard helps check and repair these problems effectively.
This utility provides several important functions:
- Disk checking – identifies bad sectors that may affect Windows accessories
- Partition management – optimizes disk space for better system performance
- System file verification – ensures Windows registry entries remain intact
To use Minitool Partition Wizard for fixing Snipping Tool issues:
- Download and install the utility from a reputable source
- Launch the program and select the drive where Windows is installed
- Run the Check File System option to scan for errors
If corruption is detected in the Windows registry or system files, the tool can repair these issues automatically. Many users report that addressing disk health problems resolves persistent Snipping Tool errors when other methods fail.
Exploring Snipping Tool Alternatives
Windows 11 users who find the default Snipping Tool limiting have several powerful alternatives to consider. These options offer enhanced features that go beyond basic screenshot capabilities.
ShareX stands out as a top-rated alternative with comprehensive screenshot and screen recording functions. This free and open-source tool provides advanced editing capabilities and various capture methods.
Greenshot offers a more user-friendly approach while maintaining powerful functionality. Many Windows 11 users recommend it as an excellent starting point for those transitioning away from the built-in Snipping Tool.
Lightshot provides simplicity with quick editing features. Some users even prefer to disable the default Snipping Tool completely in favor of Lightshot.
For users seeking professional-grade screenshot software, Snagit delivers premium features including scrolling captures and video recording capabilities.
PicPick balances functionality with ease of use, featuring a built-in image editor and various capture modes suitable for both casual and professional users.
Popular screenshot utilities comparison:
| Tool | Screen Recording | Free Version | Editing Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShareX | Yes | Yes (Full) | Advanced |
| Greenshot | No | Yes | Moderate |
| Lightshot | No | Yes | Basic |
| Snagit | Yes | Trial only | Professional |
| PicPick | No | Personal use | Intermediate |
These alternatives provide robust solutions for users seeking more capabilities than the built-in Windows 11 Snipping Tool offers.
Resolution of Missing Snipping Tool and Related Components
When the Snipping Tool disappears from Windows 11, several factors may be responsible including pending system updates, corrupted program files, or system setting changes. These issues can typically be resolved through systematic troubleshooting.
System Updates and Missing Files
Missing system files often cause the Snipping Tool to disappear. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix bugs affecting the Snipping Tool functionality.
To resolve this issue, first check for pending Windows updates. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” If updates are available, install them immediately as they may contain fixes for the Snipping Tool.
Another common cause is malware affecting system files. Running a full system scan can identify and remove threats that might disable the Snipping Tool.
If the tool still doesn’t appear after updates, restart your computer. This simple step often restores missing system components by completing update installations and refreshing system files.
Restoring Default System Applications
The Snipping Tool can be reset or repaired if it exists but isn’t functioning properly. Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, then locate the Snipping Tool in the list.
Click the three dots beside the Snipping Tool and select “Advanced options.” From here, you can click Reset or Repair to fix most issues without losing your data.
If the Snipping Tool doesn’t appear in the apps list, try using the keyboard shortcut Win + Shift + S to launch it directly. This shortcut is available in Windows 11 and might bypass whatever is preventing the app from appearing normally.
Display scaling settings can also affect the tool. Check if changing display scaling to 100% resolves image capture issues or tool visibility problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users encounter specific issues with the Snipping Tool in Windows 11. Here are solutions to the most common problems people face when using this screen capture utility.
How can I reinstall the Snipping Tool on Windows 11 if it is missing?
To reinstall the Snipping Tool if it’s missing from your Windows 11 system, open the Microsoft Store and search for “Snipping Tool.” Click on the app and select “Install.”
If the app shows as already installed but isn’t visible, you can reset it through Settings. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Snipping Tool, click the three dots, and select “Advanced options.” Then click “Repair” or “Reset” to fix installation issues.
What are the steps to install the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 without using the Microsoft Store?
Installing the Snipping Tool without the Microsoft Store requires using PowerShell with administrator privileges. Open PowerShell as administrator, then type: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.ScreenSketch | Add-AppxPackage -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode
This command reinstalls the Snipping Tool from system files already on your computer. The process may take a few minutes to complete, and you might need to restart your computer afterward.
Why is the Snipping Tool not functioning properly on Windows 11 when using multiple monitors?
The Snipping Tool may behave unexpectedly with multiple monitors due to scaling issues. One common solution is to adjust your display scaling to 100%, especially if you’re currently using a higher percentage like 125%.
Different resolution settings across monitors can also cause problems. Try setting all monitors to the same resolution and refresh rate if possible. Some users have reported success by disconnecting secondary monitors temporarily when using the tool for important captures.
Where can I download the Snipping Tool for Windows 11?
The Snipping Tool comes pre-installed with Windows 11. If you need to reinstall it, the Microsoft Store is the official source. Open the Store app, search for “Snipping Tool,” and click “Install” or “Get.”
For corporate environments where the Microsoft Store is restricted, IT administrators can deploy the app through Windows Deployment Services or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager using the appropriate app packages.
How do I troubleshoot the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 being unusually slow?
When the Snipping Tool runs slowly in Windows 11, first check for Windows updates. Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.
Clearing temporary files can also help. Press Win+R, type “%temp%” and delete all files in the folder that opens. Additionally, try disabling any third-party screen recording or screenshot applications that might be interfering with the Snipping Tool’s performance.
What can be done if the Snipping Tool stops working after updating to Windows 11?
If the Snipping Tool stops working after a Windows 11 update, try repairing the app. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find Snipping Tool, select “Advanced options,” and click “Repair.”
Some users report that rebooting Windows 11 resolves temporary issues with the tool. If the preview shows a blank image or damaged files, this could indicate a deeper system issue that might require running the System File Checker command: open Command Prompt as administrator and type “sfc /scannow”.
