The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 allows you to capture screenshots (snips) of your computer screen. Recently, Microsoft updated the Snipping Tool utility with new features like video recording, Text Actions to copy or redact text from images, shapes, and emojis for screenshots, and Visual Search with Bing to search using your screenshots. 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 behind this corrupted system files, incorrect settings, or conflicts with background apps are common. Whatever the reason, if the Snipping Tool not working or refusing to open on your Windows 11 PC here are several proven solutions to fix and restore its functionality.
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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 It could be due to outdated graphics drivers, interference from other applications, corrupt system files, bugs in the app, and more.
- Outdated or buggy Windows updates – Some updates temporarily break built-in apps like Snipping Tool.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.
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, try to take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool to see if it’s working fine.
Update Windows 11
Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates with the latest bug fixes and improves 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.
Repair or Reset Snipping Tool App
Sometimes, if the Snipping Tool app files get corrupted, it can result in different problems, including app won’t open or not responding. Repairing or resetting the app usually restores its functionality.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Snipping Tool in the list and click the three-dot menu.
- Select Advanced options.
- First, click Repair. If that doesn’t work, click Reset.
Note: Repairing fixes minor glitches, while resetting restores the app to default settings.
Check Date and Time Settings
An incorrect system time can disrupt app functionality due to certificate validation issues.
- Open Settings > Time & language.
- Select Date & time.
- Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
Run a DISM and SFC Scan
Sometimes, Corrupted system files prevent Windows apps from working correctly. Running SFC and DISM command scan and fix such issues.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the sfc /scannow command and press Enter.
- 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 if this helps fix the snipping tool.
Reinstall Snipping Tool
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, then Installed apps.
- Scroll down to Locate Snipping Tool, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall.
- Open the Microsoft Store, search for Snipping Tool, and reinstall it.
After downloading and installing the Snipping Tool, see if it’s working.
Perform a Clean Boot
Another reason the Snipping Tool is not working could be due to interference from third-party apps. Performing a clean boot starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, helps you identify whether third-party software is causing the issue.
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup apps listed there.
- Close Task Manager, click OK in the System Configuration window, and restart your computer.
Now try opening Snipping Tool.
- 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.
If none of the above fixes work, consider using a third-party screenshot utility until a future Windows update resolves your issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Snipping Tool keep crashing in Windows 11?
Snipping Tool may crash due to corrupted app files, outdated Windows updates, or conflicts with other screen capture software.
Can I reinstall the Snipping Tool in Windows 11?
Yes, uninstall the tool via Settings, reboot, and reinstall Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store.
Why is Win + Shift + S not working?
This may happen due to system glitches, incorrect keyboard shortcuts, or outdated updates. Restarting your PC or re-registering Snipping Tool with PowerShell usually resolves it.
