Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11? 8 Proven Fixes (2026 Guide)

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is the easiest way to take screenshots and now even record your screen. Microsoft has added new features like video recording, Text Actions (copy or redact text from images), shapes and emojis, and Visual Search with Bing. However, some users have reported Snipping Tool sometimes stops working, it won’t open, fails to take screenshots, or crashes unexpectedly. There are several possible reasons, including corrupted system files, incorrect settings, or conflicts with background apps, that are common. Whatever the reason, if the Snipping Tool is not working or refusing to open on your Windows 11 PC, here are several proven solutions to fix and restore its functionality.

Quick Summary: How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11

If you’re in a hurry, here are the most effective fixes:

1. Restart your PC to clear temporary glitches.
2. Update Windows 11 to install the latest bug fixes.
3. Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool app from Settings.
4. Check date and time settings to avoid certificate issues.
5. Run SFC and DISM to repair corrupted system files.
6. Reinstall Snipping Tool from Microsoft Store.
7. Perform a clean boot to rule out third‑party conflicts.
8. Check keyboard shortcuts and notifications if Win + Shift + S doesn’t work.

Why Is Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11?

There could be several reasons why the Snipping Tool stops working or not respond. It could be due to outdated graphics drivers, interference from other applications, corrupt system files, bugs in the app, or other issues.

• Outdated or buggy Windows updates – Some updates temporarily break built-in apps like Snipping Tool.
• Corrupted app files – If the Snipping Tool installation is damaged, it may fail to launch.
• Incorrect date and time settings – After certain updates, mismatched system time can cause the Snipping Tool to malfunction.
• Conflicts with background apps – Third-party screenshot or screen recorder tools may interfere with Snipping Tool.
• Corrupted system files – Damaged Windows components can prevent system apps from working.

Fix 1: Restart Your Computer

Temporary glitches or background processes may prevent Snipping Tool from working properly. Restarting clears system memory and often resolves minor issues.

• Press the Windows key, click on the power icon, then the restart option
• Once the device boots up again, press Win + Shift + S or open Snipping Tool from the Start menu and see if it’s working properly.

Fix 2: Update Windows 11

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates that include the latest bug fixes and improve system stability. If your Snipping Tool isn’t working, updating Windows can often resolve the problem.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Download and install any pending updates, then restart your PC.

Now check if the snipping tool is working as expected. If not, try the next solution.

Fix 3: Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool App

Sometimes, if the Snipping Tool app files become corrupted, it can cause problems, including the app not opening or responding. Repairing or resetting the app usually restores its functionality.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
• Scroll to Snipping Tool and click the three‑dot menu (…).
• Select Advanced options.
• First, click Repair. Windows will try to fix the app without deleting your data.
• If that doesn’t work, click Reset. This restores Snipping Tool to its default settings.

Reboot your computer, now Open Snipping Tool or press Win + Shift + S to check if the problem is resolved.

Fix 4: Check Date and Time Settings

It might sound unrelated, but an incorrect date and time can disrupt app functionality due to certificate validation issues.

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Time & language > Date & time.
3. Turn on Set time automatically.
4. Turn on Set time zone automatically.
5. If they’re already on, turn them off, then back on again to refresh.

Restart your computer and test the Snipping Tool again.

Fix 5: Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

If system files are corrupted, built‑in apps like Snipping Tool may misbehave. Running SFC and DISM command scan and fix such issues.

• Type cmd in the Start menu search. Right‑click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• Type the sfc /scannow command and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete (this can take several minutes).
• After the SFC scan completes, run a DISM scan DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

• It may take a while to scan and repair system files, depending on the corruption level. So don’t close the command prompt until the scans are complete.
• Once done, reboot your computer and check whether this fixes the snipping tool.

Fix 6: Reinstall Snipping Tool in Windows 11

If nothing works, try reinstalling Snipping Tool. Installing a fresh and updated version should get it to work.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Find Snipping Tool in the list. Click the three‑dot menu (…) and choose Uninstall.
• Confirm the uninstall and restart your computer.
• Open the Microsoft Store, search for Snipping Tool, and reinstall it.

After downloading and installing the Snipping Tool, see if it’s working.

Fix 7: Perform a Clean Boot (Check for Conflicting Apps)

Third‑party apps, like other screenshot tools, overlays, or screen recorders, can interfere with Snipping Tool. A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and drivers helps you identify whether third-party software is causing the issue.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
• Check Hide all Microsoft services at the bottom. Click Disable all.
• Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• In Task Manager, disable all startup apps.
• Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration. Restart your PC.

Now try opening Snipping Tool or use Win + Shift + S.

• If it works, one of the disabled apps or services was causing the problem.
• You can re-enable services and startup apps one by one to find the culprit.

Fix 8: Update Graphics Driver

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause Snipping Tool to show a black/blank screen or fail to capture screenshots properly. Updating the display driver often fixes this.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right‑click your graphics card (for example, Intel UHD Graphics, NVIDIA, or AMD Radeon) and select Update driver.
4. Click Search automatically for drivers and follow the on‑screen instructions.
5. If no updates are found, visit your PC or GPU manufacturer’s website and manually download the latest driver for Windows 11.
6. Restart your PC and try using the Snipping Tool again.

If none of the above fixes work, consider using a third-party screenshot utility until a future Windows update resolves your issue

Extra Tips to Avoid Snipping Tool Problems

• Keep Windows 11 updated regularly.
• Avoid installing too many third‑party screenshot tools.
• Don’t use aggressive “system cleaner” apps that may remove important components.
• Restart your PC occasionally instead of always using Sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions