Are you experiencing issues with the Snipping Tool’s Windows shortcut (Windows + Shift + S) not working properly? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem. First, make sure you have the latest version of Windows 11 installed. Microsoft recently released a new version of the Snipping Tool with built-in screen recording and screenshot capabilities. If you haven’t updated yet, visit the Microsoft Store to see if there are any updates available.
Once you’ve ensured you have the most current version of Windows, there are a few options to try to fix the Snipping Tool shortcut. One option is to update your graphics driver. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause issues with certain features, so it’s always a good idea to have the latest version. You can also check for any available Windows updates, as these often include important bug fixes and performance improvements.
If neither of these options resolves the issue, there are a few other troubleshooting methods you can try, such as resetting the Snipping Tool to its default settings or disabling any third-party apps that may be causing conflicts. With a bit of patience and some basic troubleshooting skills, you should be able to get the Snipping Tool’s Windows shortcut working smoothly in no time.
Reset the Snipping Tool:
- Open the Start menu and type “Apps & Features.“.
- Click on “Apps & Features,” then scroll down to find the Snipping Tool.
- Click on it, then click on the “Advanced Options” button.
- Scroll down and click on the “Reset” button.
- Click on the “Reset” button and confirm your action to reset the Snipping Tool.
- This should resolve any issues you were experiencing.
Alternative: Reset Snipping Tool:
- Quit the Snipping Tool, then open the Windows Run Dialog Box (Windows + R).
- Type “appwiz.cpl” and hit enter. From the list of installed programs, locate the Snipping Tool.
- Select it, then click “Uninstall.”
- Restart your computer. The Snipping Tool will be reinstalled automatically when your computer starts.
- If it is not installed automatically, download the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store.
Disable Game Mode:
- Open Windows Settings (Windows + I) and click on the “Gaming” option on the left-side panel.
- Click on “System” and then “Game Mode.“
- Toggle the “Use Game Mode” option to “Off.”
If you have a keyboard with game mode, you will need to check your keyboard driver or keyboard control panel to locate the settings to enable or disable game mode. These settings may vary depending on the software and the manufacturer of your keyboard.
If you are unable to find the vendor’s software or the software does not have settings to disable game mode, you may want to check the manufacturer’s website for more information. Some manufacturers may have support articles or downloadable utilities that allow you to disable game mode. If you are unable to find this information, please contact the manufacturer or a technical support representative for further assistance.
Enable the Snipping Tool in Notifications and Actions:
- Open Windows Settings (Windows + I) and go to “System.”
- Click on the “Notification & Action” option from the left panel, then select “Quick Action” from the right panel.
- Choose the “Snipping Tool” option and ensure it is enabled.
If you are unable to find the Snipping Tool under Notification Settings, it is possible that the app is disabled or not installed on Windows. To check if the Snipping Tool is installed on your system:
- Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key and typing “Add or Remove Programmes” into the search field. Click on “Add or Remove Programmes” in the search results.
- Scroll down to find the Snipping Tool. If it is not installed, download it from the Microsoft Store.
If the Snipping Tool is installed on your system but the notification still does not appear under the Notification Settings, you can try the following steps to check if the notification settings are enabled:
- Open the “Windows Features” on or off menu by going to the Start menu and typing “Turn Windows Features on or off.“
- Scroll down the list and find the Snipping Tool. If the checkbox is not marked, check it and click “OK.”
- Restart your computer and check the notification settings again. If the Snipping Tool is now appearing, the problem has been resolved.
Alternative keys to capture a screenshot:
- Press the Windows and PrtScn keys on your keyboard. The screen will be saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Use the PRTSCn key to capture a screenshot.
- Open Windows Settings and go to “Accessibility” on Windows 11 or “Ease of Access” on Windows 10.
- From there, look for the “Keyboard” setting and toggle the “Use PrtScn button to open screen snipping” option to enable it.
Now, whenever you use the PrtScn key, it will open the Screen Snipping Tool. You can then take a screenshot of the specific area you have chosen by clicking the “New” button and using your mouse to select the area you want to capture. Save the screenshot as an image file.
Check for overlay, recording, music player, or any software using the Windows key as a shortcut:
- Open the application settings and go to the keyboard binding settings.
- From there, ensure that the Windows key is not bound to any device.
Reinstall the Snipping Tool:
If you are unable to find the Snipping Tool in the Add or Remove Programmes or the uninstallation process is not working properly, you can repair or reset the Snipping Tool with the following steps:
- Press the Windows + X keys, then select “Install Apps.“
- Look for the Snipping Tool and click on the triple-dot menu. Click on the “Advanced Options” button.
- Go to the “Reset” section, click on the “Reset” button, and confirm your action by clicking “Reset” again.
The Snipping Tool has now been reset to its default settings, and your issue may be resolved. If you are still encountering an issue, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store. Search for the Snipping Tool.
- Click on “Install” and wait for it to be installed.
- Once it is finished, click on “Open.”
We believe this guide will help resolve the issue. You should now be able to use Win + Shift + S or the Snipping Tool. If you are still encountering the issue, you may need to restart your computer or check for Windows updates.