10 Easy Solutions to Fix Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working

Lynn Hu Lynn Hu
Mar 21, 2022 (Updated: Oct 31, 2022)Filed to: Solution

Get 10 efficient and 100% workable solutions to fix Windows 11 snipping tool not working:

  • Restart Snipping Tool – Simple way to fix stuck issue
  • Reset Snipping Tool – Repair the app issue in one click
  • Change the Time and Date – Refresh the settings to the right one
  • Update Windows 11 – Avoid expired Microsoft digital certificate
  • Enable the Background Permissions – Remove the restrictions
  • Change Settings – Ensure the screenshot copy-paste works well
  • AnyRec Screen Recorder - Best Alternative to Take Screenshots on Windows 11/10
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Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working

When Windows 11 Snipping Tool is not working after pressing the Windows+Shift+S buttons, you can't use the built-in tool to capture your screen for working or studying as usual. Fortunately, this post has prepared the 10 easy and fast solutions to fix the Snipping Tool that is not working on Windows 11. So, you do not have to worry anymore! All you have to do is rely on the solutions below and see what solution is workable for you.

9 Solutions to Fix Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working

If you're looking for a solution that will not give you a hard time fixing your Snipping Tool, You're in the perfect place! In this section, you will know the six easy and effective solutions to fix the Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11.

Solution #1: Restart the Snipping Tool Application

If the Windows 11 Snipping Tool is not working, you can restart the application to fix it. All you need to do is head to the Task Manager. You can search it or simply press the key combination of "Crtl + Shift + Esc" to open the Task Manager. From there, click the "Snipping Tool" button, then click on the "End Task" button. After that, you can launch the Snipping Tool once again and see if it will work.

Restart Snipping Tool

Solution #2: Reset the Snipping Application

It is normal for some applications to encounter problems or errors. They just need to be reset to run smoothly again most of the time. And for you to fix Snipping Tool that is not working on Windows 11, you may reset the application. Press the key combination of "Windows + I" on your keyboard, then open the "Setting" button. After that, click the "Apps" button and click the "Apps & Features" button. Next, look for the "Snipping Tool" application, click the three dots and click the "Advanced" button to open the application. Finally, tick on the "Reset" button to reset the application.

Reset Snipping Tool

Solution #3: Change the Time and Date

Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes lead to Snipping Tool issues. Temporarily changing these settings manually and then reverting to automatic may resolve the problem. You have to go to "Settings" and change your computer's date to "October 30, 2021". Then, try to use the key combination of "Windows + Shift + S" and see if you can now capture your screen. Then, you can now change the time and date to the latest date.

Change Date Time

Solution #4: Download the Windows 11 KB5008295 Update

Microsoft has fixed the Windows 11 Snipping Tool not working by updating it to KB5008295. There are some issues that the Microsoft digital certificate expired after October 31, 2021; that’s why the Snipping Tool has stopped working. But to fix the problem, install the new update "KB5008295". Head to the "Settings" or press the key combination of "Windows + I" on your keyboard. Then, head to the "Windows Update" section, and click the "Check for updates" button. Then, you will see the "KB5008295" update. You just have to download and run it on your Windows 11 computer.

Update Windows 11

Solution #5: Run Snipping Tool from "Windows.old" Folder

For those who upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10, the "Windows.old" folder may contain the classic Snipping Tool. Running this older version might bypass issues with the latest Snipping Tool. Locate the "Windows.old" folder on your C drive. Search for an application file named "Snipping" in the Windows 11 file and folder search menu. Open it to use the classic Snipping Tool. Optionally, pin the "Snipping Tool" to the "Start" menu or taskbar for easy access.

Windows Old Folder Run Snipping Tool

Solution #6: Allow the Snipping Tool to Run in Background

Lastly, if the Snipping Tool is still not working on Windows 11, it is possible that your app doesn't have the required permits needed to operate in the background. With that, you must go to the "Settings" or press the "Windows + I" to open the Settings. From there, click the "Apps" button and click the "App & Features" button. Then, you can use the search bar to search "Snipping Tool" and click the "Settings" button with the "three dots" icon to click the "Advanced" button. Finally, click the "Background apps permission" dropdown list and click the "Always" button.

Allow Snipping Tool Run in Background

Solution #7: Enable "Automatically Copy Changes" in Snipping Tool Settings

If your Snipping Tool opens but doesn't copy-paste images, adjusting the "Automatically Copy Changes" setting may resolve the issue. This setting ensures changes are saved to the clipboard. Open the Snipping Tool and click on the "More" menu. Select "Settings" and ensure "Automatically copy changes" is turned on. Optionally, toggle on "Multiple windows" button to save multiple screenshots. Verify if the Snipping Tool is now functioning as expected.

Automatically Copy Changes

Solution #8: Set Print Screen Key for Snipping Tool

For users facing issues with faulty updates, a workaround is to set the PrtScr key on the keyboard as the default launch button for the Snipping Tool. Open the Snipping Tool and select the "More" menu. Choose "Print Screen key shortcut" and "Change in Windows settings". Turn on "Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping". Select screenshot grabbing options directly from the "PrtScn" button on the keyboard. Test if the Snipping Tool launches correctly and works well on Windows 11 with the new shortcut.

Prtscn Button Open Snipping Tool

Solution #9: Uninstall and Reinstall Snipping Tool

If the Snipping Tool is aborting on launch, a faulty installation may be the culprit. Uninstalling and reinstalling the tool can address this issue. Select "Add or remove programs" from the "Start" menu search or "Control Panel". Scroll down to find the Snipping Tool app and select "Uninstall" from its "More" menu. After uninstalling, reinstall the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store. Then, you can check if your Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11 problem is solved.

Uninstall Snipping Tool Windows 11

The Best Alternative Way to Take Screenshots on Windows 11/10/8/7

Suppose your Windows 11 Snipping Tool is still not working; you can download a third-party tool as a solution. And there's no other better and perfect solution than having AnyRec Screen Recorder on your Windows 11 computer. This snipping tool will enable you to take a snap on your screen in full screen or custom image size. Moreover, you can add text, drawings, arrows, lines, and shapes to your captured screen if you wish to emphasize something. You can also use it to record screen on your Windows 10/11.

Download Box
Distinctive Features of the Best Windows 11 Snipping Tool:

Capture your screen in full screen, window, or part of the screen.

Add drawings, text, arrows, lines, shapes, and numbers to your snaps.

Support saving snaps in PNG, JPG, TIFF, BMP, or GIF.

With an adjustable screen size to meet the desired part of the screen.

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

Steps to Follow:

Step 1.First and foremost, download the AnyRec Screen Recorder on your Windows device. Then, please launch the program and click the "SnapShot" button. Without the Windows 11 snipping tool, you can also capture your screen easily.

Select Screen Capture

Step 2.After that, you can use the mouse as the cursor to grab the screen that you want to screenshot. Next, you can freely adjust the sides of the captured screen until you meet your desired area.

Taske a Screenshot

Step 3.You can add drawings, texts, lines, shapes, and arrows to your snaps. After all the editing, you can now save your snap. Please click the "Save" button, and you're all done!

Edit Screenshot

FAQs about Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working

Conclusion

Good job! You're now able to fix your Windows 11 Snipping Tool that is not working. Besides the default solutions, you can also rely on AnyRec Screen Recorder to take snapshots easily. Please share this post to help your friends and loved ones fix their Windows 11 Snipping Tool that is not working.

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