The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 lets you take screenshots quickly and edit them. Recently, Microsoft updated the tool with AI-powered Perfect Screenshot, Text Actions, quick redaction, and screen recording. You can press the Windows logo key + Shift + S to start a snip on Windows 11. However, sometimes you may notice the Snipping Tool Not Working, opening, or crash unexpectedly. Users report Snipping Tool not responding or it just closes out unexpectedly when doing the snip. Well, Several things could cause this issue, including corrupted system files, conflicts with background apps or Snipping Tool application files may be corrupted. Whatever the reason, here is a list of possible fixes to make Snipping Tool work on your device.
Why Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working?
Several factors can cause the Snipping Tool to malfunction. Software conflicts, corrupted files, or outdated system components are common.
- Corrupted App Files: The Snipping Tool app itself might have become corrupted, preventing it from running properly.
- Conflicting Applications: Other apps, especially third-party screenshot or security tools, can interfere with Snipping Tool’s functionality.
- Corrupted system files: Again, damaged Windows components can prevent system apps from working.
- System and Driver Issues: Outdated graphics drivers or corrupted system files can lead to instability and cause the app to crash or freeze.
- Incorrect date and time settings: After certain updates, mismatched system time can cause Snipping Tool to malfunction.
Restart Your Computer
Temporary glitches or background processes can block the Snipping Tool from running. Restarting Windows clears system memory and reloads essential services, which often fixes minor app-related issues.
- Click the Start menu.
- Select the Power icon.
- Choose Restart.
After restarting, try launching Snipping Tool again.
Repair or Reset Snipping Tool App
Over time, app data can become corrupted and result app not responding or won’t open. Windows 11 allows you to repair or reset the app. Repairing the app keeps your data, while resetting restores it to factory settings.
- Press the Windows key + I to open the settings app,
- Go to Apps, then click on the ‘Installed Apps’
- Scroll down to locate the ‘Snipping Tool’ app
- Click on the ‘ellipsis’ icon (three horizontal dots), then select ‘Advanced Options‘ on the context menu.
- The new window opens with options to repair or reset the app default settings.
- First, try to repair the option and launch the Snipping Tool app on your PC.
- If it’s still not working or keeps crashing, try the Reset option. This clears all app data and restores it fresh.
After this, check if Snipping Tool opens properly.
Update Windows 11
Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix bugs and improve system stability. If your Snipping Tool stopped working after an update, chances are the next update may fix it.
You may also update the snipping tool by visiting the Microsoft Store.
- Press Windows key + I to open the settings app on your PC,
- Select “Windows Update” in the left pane, and hit the Check for updates button.
- If there are pending updates, allow them to download and install from the Microsoft server.
- Once done, select “Advanced options”, then select “Optional updates” under Additional options.
- If there are any pending updates here, download and install them.
- Now open the Microsoft Store, select Downloads, and click the Get Updates button. Install the updates, if any.
- Scroll down to locate Snipping Tool and install any available updates.
- Finally, reboot your computer to apply the changes.
Perform a Clean Boot
Third-party apps, such as screen capture or overlay tools, can interfere with Snipping Tool. A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, helping isolate the cause.
- Press Windows key + R, type “msconfig” and click ok to open the system configuration
- Select the services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services”, and click the Disable all button.
- Now move to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
- Right-click on every third-party application and select “Disable.”
- Close Task Manager, click “OK” in the System Configuration dialog box and restart your computer.
Now open the Snipping Tool to see if the problem has been resolved. If it works, re-enable apps one by one to find the conflicting software.
Reinstall Snipping Tool from Microsoft Store
If nothing else works, reinstalling ensures you get a fresh copy of Snipping Tool.
- Press Windows key + S, and type snipping tool. When the tool appears, right-click and select “App settings.”
- Scroll down and click the Uninstall button, confirm your action and restart the PC.
- Now open the Microsoft Store and search for the Snipping Tool to get it replaced with a new version.
- Then, click the Get button to get the Snipping Tool and install it.
Run SFC and DISM commands
Corrupted system files may prevent Snipping Tool and other apps from working. Run the DISM and SFC commands to scan and repair system files on your computer.
- Press Windows key + S, type cmd, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- First, run the DISM restore health command, DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Next, run the system file checker utility command sfc /scannow
- The above command scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache
- Once the scanning completes 100%, reboot your PC and check if the app is working without any problems.
Check Date and Time Settings
Sometimes this tool may not work properly if there is an issue related to the date and time of the application’s digital certificates. Ensuring the system clock is correct helps avoid app authentication errors.
- Press the Windows key + x and select Settings
- Go to Time & Language then the Date & Time section
- Toggle on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
- If they’re already on, toggle them off and back on again.
Now test Snipping Tool again.
Update The Graphics Driver
If the above solutions didn’t fix the problem, the snipping tool is not responding or crashes, you should try updating the Graphics driver on your PC.
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- Double-click on Display adapters to expand it, right-click on the graphics card, and select “Update driver.”
- In the next window, select “Automatically search for drivers.”
- Install the graphics driver update if available and restart your computer.
You may also go to the manufacturer’s website and get the latest driver to install. Finally, check if the Snipping Tool is working well after the driver update.
FAQ – Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11
Q1. Why does Snipping Tool keep crashing?
It usually crashes due to corrupted app files or conflicts with third-party apps. Resetting or reinstalling often resolves the issue.
Q2. How do I reset Snipping Tool?
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options → click Reset.
Q3. Can I reinstall Snipping Tool?
Yes, uninstall it from Settings and reinstall it via the Microsoft Store.
Q4. Why isn’t Win + Shift + S working?
This could be due to keyboard shortcut glitches, background conflicts, or outdated updates. Restart or re-register the app to fix it.
Q5. Do I need to disable Focus Assist?
This was required in older Windows 11 builds, but Microsoft has fixed the issue. It’s no longer needed in current versions.
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