Snipping Tool Shortcut (Windows + Shift + S) Not Working? 13 Ways to Fix

Get back to making copypasta

Does the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch fail to show up when you press Windows + Shift + S on your PC? This tutorial will show you how to fix that in Windows 11 and 10.

The Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 can stop working for several reasons. For example, it could be a buggy or corruptSnipping Toolinstallation or some conflict with another program on your computer.

Read on to learn how to get Windows 11’s Snipping Tool hotkey functioning as usual again. The fixes below also apply to the older Snip & Sketch app in Windows 10.

1. Run Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in automatic troubleshooter that helps resolve underlying issues with problematic Microsoft Store apps. Try running it if the Win-Shift-S shortcut key doesn’t invoke the Snipping Tool or if the app freezes, crashes, or fails to save screenshots.

  1. Open theStart menuand selectSettings.Or, pressWindows+I.

  2. SelectSystemon the sidebar. If you use Windows 10, select theUpdate & Securitycategory

  3. Select the option labeledTroubleshoot.

  4. SelectOthertroubleshootersorAdditional troubleshooters.

  5. SelectRunorRun the troubleshooternext toWindows Store Apps.

2. Restart Your Computer

Did you try restarting your computer yet? Sometimes, a total system reboot is all it takes to eliminate problems preventing shortcuts and apps from working on your computer. If you haven’t already, do that before continuing with the rest of the fixes.

3. Enable Notifications

If the Windows + Shift + S shortcut appears to work, but the Snipping Tool doesn’t prompt you to save your snips, check if the app is set to display notification alerts.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectSystem>Notifications.

  2. Turn on the switch next toSnipping ToolorSnip & Sketch.

Additionally, make sure thatFocus Assistis not active or reconfigure it to stop blocking Snipping Tool alerts.

4. Activate Clipboard History

The Snipping Tool may also fail to work correctly if the clipboard history feature in Windows is inactive. Try turning it on and check if that makes a difference.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectSystem>Clipboard.

  2. Scroll down and activate theClipboard historyswitch.

5. Repair and Reset Snip & Sketch Tool

Repair the Snipping Tool if you run into issues invoking it even without the Win-Shift-S hotkey. If that doesn’t work, you must reset the app to its defaults.

  1. Right-click theStart buttonand selectApps and Features.

  2. Scroll down the Apps & Features screen and selectSnipping Tool. Then, select theAdvanced optionslink or button.

  3. SelectRepairto reset the app.

If the Win + Shift + S hotkey still won’t work, reset theResetbutton to factory reset the Snipping Tool.

6. Re-register Snip and Sketch

If the problem persists, go through the following steps to re-register the Snipping Tool with Windows. It’s a straightforward process that involves running a specific command via an elevatedWindows PowerShellconsole.

  1. Right-clickStarton the taskbar and selectWindows Terminal (Admin)orWindows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. SelectYeson the User Account Control pop-up.

  3. Paste the following command and pressEnter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Alternatively, use the Command Prompt in Windows to re-register the Snipping Tool. Typecmdinto theStart menu, selectRun as administrator, and execute the following:

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command “& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.ScreenSketch).InstallLocation + ‘\AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}”

7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Snipping Tool

Next, try reinstalling the Snipping Tool on your computer. To do that, openSettingsand selectApps>Snipping ToolorSnip & Sketch. Then, select theUninstallbutton andredownload the Snipping Tool via the Microsoft Store.

8. Check Local Group Policy Editor

If your computer runs thePro edition of Windows 11 or 10, check the Local Group Policy Editor and make sure that a specific policy setting isn’t blocking the Snipping Tool from opening.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open the Run box. Then, typegpedit.mscand pressEnter.

  2. Visit the following directory and double-click theDo not allowSnipping Toolto runpolicy setting:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories

  1. SelectNot ConfiguredorDisabledand save your changes.

9. Bind Snipping Tool to the PrtScn Key

The Windows Key + Shift + S shortcut might conflict with similar features from other apps on your PC—e.g., Screen Clipping in OneNote. Consider binding the Snipping Tool to the Print Screen key instead.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectAccessibilityon the sidebar. If you use Windows 10, select theEase of Accesscategory instead.

  2. SelectKeyboard.

  3. Turn on the switch next toUse thePrint screenbutton to openscreen snippingand restart your PC.

10. Update Windows

Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve any known system-related bugs or glitches preventing the Snipping Tool shortcut from working.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectWindows Update.

  2. SelectCheck for updatesand install any pending updates.

11. Run SFC or DISM Scan

Run theSystem File Checker and the DISM toolto repair possible instances of file corruption in Windows 11 and 10.

  1. Open an elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt console and run the System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

  1. Wait until the System File Checker finisher scanning and repairing corrupt system files. Then, run the DISM tool:

DISM/Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

12. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot allows you to isolate and remove third-party apps and services that interfere with the Snipping Tool or its shortcut.

  1. Open theRun box,typemsconfig,and pressEnter.

  2. Switch to theServicestab, check the box next toHide allMicrosoftservices, and selectDisable all.

  3. Switch to theStartuptab and selectOpen Task Manager.

  4. Disable each third-party startup item.

  5. Restart your computer. If the Windows + Shift + S shortcut starts to work, re-activate groups of the services and startup apps you just disabled until you identify the conflicting item. Keep it turned off or remove the relevant program from your computer.

13. Use an Alternative Tool

If none of the above methods help and you have trouble opening the Snipping Tool or the Snip & Sketch apps directly, considerusing alternative tools for screenshot purposes. In the meantime, continue installing operating system updates as soon as they become available. A future update could end up permanently fixing the issue.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved