Windows Snipping Tool Not Working: 9 Troubleshooting Tips

Solve Windows Snipping Tool issues with this easy guide

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

Is Windows not letting you screenshot with the Snipping Tool app? This can be due to software bugs, outdated drivers, or incorrect display settings. If you can't get the Snipping Tool shortcut to work, there are plenty of quick fixes you can try. Here's what to do if the Snipping Tool is not working on Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Why Is the Snipping Tool Not Working?

If the Windows Snipping Tool isn't working properly, make sure to update Windows and your display drivers. Repair and reset the Snipping Tool in Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced Options. Restart the Windows Explorer process in the Task Manager.

1

Try a different keyboard shortcut.

On older versions of Windows, the Snipping Tool may have used a different keyboard shortcut than what you're used to.^{[1]
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Go to source} If the current shortcut you're using isn't working, try any of the following to use the Snipping Tool:
- Windows key + Shift + S
- Windows key + Shift + R
- Print Screen (PrtSc)
- Open the Start menu, type "snipping tool", and click Snipping Tool to open it manually.

2

Update Windows.

The Snipping Tool had issues in the past, and Microsoft has issued fixes for it in a subsequent update. Make sure your Windows is updated to the latest available version so your apps continue to work properly. To update Windows, do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Click Check for Windows updates.
- Restart your computer.

3

Update your display drivers.

Outdated display drivers can affect many different aspects of your computer. Make sure it's running the latest update available.^{[2]
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Microsoft Support
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Go to source} To check, do the following:
- Open the Start menu and type "device manager". Click Device Manager.
- Find the display you want to update.
- Right-click the display and select Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for updated driver software.

4

Check your screenshot permissions.

Make sure you have screenshots and screen recording access enabled in your settings. If this privacy setting is disabled, the Snipping Tool will not function properly. To check, do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Click Privacy & security in the left panel.
- Scroll down and click Screenshots and screen recording.
- Toggle on the following:
  - Screenshots and screen recording access
  - Let apps take screenshots and record the screen
  - Let desktop apps take screenshots and record the screen

5

Restart Windows Explorer.

If the Snipping Tool won't let you use the keyboard shortcut (Win+Shift+S), you can try restarting Windows Explorer. This is what controls the taskbar, Start menu, desktop, and File Explorer windows. To restart Windows Explorer, do the following:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Under Windows processes, select Windows Explorer.
- Click Restart task at the top.

6

Repair the Snipping Tool.

If the Snipping Tool isn't working properly, you can repair it. With the repair option, the Snipping Tool app data won't be affected. You should try this option before resetting it entirely, since that option will delete the app's data. To repair the Snipping Tool, do the following:^{[3]
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Go to source}
- Open the Start menu and type "installed apps".
- Click Installed apps.
- Click the three-dots icon next to the Snipping Tool.
- Click Advanced Options.
- Scroll down to the Reset header and click Repair.

7

Reset the Snipping Tool.

If repairing the Snipping Tool didn't work, you can then reset it. This will delete the app's data, so be sure to back up any old screenshots just in case. To reset the Snipping Tool, do the following:
- Open the Start menu and type "installed apps".
- Click Installed apps.
- Click the three-dots icon next to the Snipping Tool.
- Click Advanced Options.
- Scroll down to the Reset header and click Reset.

8

Uninstall and reinstall the Snipping Tool.

If repairing or resetting the Snipping Tool doesn't work, you can uninstall the app and reinstall it. This can be found in the Microsoft Store. To uninstall, do the following:
- Open the Start menu and type "installed apps".
- Click Installed apps.
- Click the three-dots icon next to the Snipping Tool.
- Click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer or download the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store.
  - Some users reported that restarting their computer immediately after uninstalling the Snipping Tool (without reinstalling) has allowed them to use the Win+Shift+S shortcut again. If this doesn't work for you, reinstall the Snipping Tool app from the Microsoft Store.

9

Check your primary display.

If you use more than one monitor for your setup, the Snipping Tool may not work depending on which monitor is set as your primary. For example, if you use an external monitor with your laptop, make sure your laptop is still set as the primary monitor. If you use two monitors for your PC, you can try swapping the primary. To change it, do the following:
- Right-click an empty spot on your desktop and select Display settings.
- Click your laptop display or alternate display to select it.
- Check the box for Make this my main display.
- Try the Snipping Tool again.