Snip Sketch Not Working on Windows 11? Fixes

If the Snipping Tool (formerly Snip & Sketch) is not working on Windows 11, the fix is usually to update the app, repair or reset it, or re-register it with a PowerShell command. Below are the exact steps to try, from the quickest to the most thorough, plus why the problem happens in the first place.

Why the Snipping Tool Fails on Windows 11

Windows 11 replaced the old Snip & Sketch app with a new Snipping Tool that combines screen capture, screen recording, and annotation. The app is delivered through the Microsoft Store, which means it updates separately from the operating system. This design makes it easy to get new features, but it also creates a common failure mode: an outdated or corrupted Store app that conflicts with the latest Windows 11 build.

Other frequent culprits include:

• Broken app cache – temporary files that get corrupted after a crash or a failed update.
• Background app permission disabled – the Snipping Tool needs to run in the background to respond to the Win+Shift+S shortcut.
• Conflicting third-party screenshot tools – apps like ShareX, Greenshot, or even some graphics drivers can intercept the same keyboard shortcut.
• Corrupted user profile or system files – less common, but possible after a major Windows update.

Most of the time, the issue is not with your hardware or Windows itself, but with the Snipping Tool app installation.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these simple steps. They take less than a minute and solve a surprising number of cases.

1. Restart the app – Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find “Snipping Tool� under Processes, right-click it, and choose End task. Then reopen it from Start.
2. Check the shortcut – Press Win+Shift+S. If nothing happens, open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu and try the “New� button. If that works, the shortcut is being blocked by another app.
3. Reboot Windows – A full restart clears temporary glitches and stops background processes that might interfere.
4. Run the built-in troubleshooter – Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run “Windows Store Apps�.

If none of these work, move on to the more targeted fixes below.

Update the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store

Microsoft frequently ships bug fixes and compatibility updates for the Snipping Tool through the Store. An outdated version is one of the most common reasons for it to stop working after a Windows feature update.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library in the bottom-left sidebar.
3. Click Get updates – this updates all Store apps, including the Snipping Tool.
4. Wait for the update to finish, then restart the Snipping Tool.

If you see an error when updating, try clearing the Store cache first. Press Win+R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank command prompt opens, which is normal; it closes when the cache is cleared.

Repair or Reset the App

Windows 11 includes a built-in repair tool for Store apps. It re-installs the app’s files without deleting your settings, and it’s the next step if updating didn’t help.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Scroll to Snipping Tool and click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to it.
3. Select Advanced options.
4. Click Repair. Wait for it to finish, then test the tool.
5. If it still fails, click Reset. This deletes the app’s data, including your settings and any unsaved annotations, and reinstalls it fresh.

Resetting is more aggressive than repairing, but it almost always fixes a corrupted installation. You will need to re-enable any custom settings like the “Print Screen� shortcut after a reset.

Re-register the App with PowerShell

If Repair and Reset do not work, the app’s registration in Windows may be broken. Re-registering it with PowerShell forces Windows to rebuild the app’s package registration without reinstalling the whole OS.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ScreenSketch* | Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"

3. Wait for the command to complete. It usually takes a few seconds.
4. Restart your computer and test the Snipping Tool.

This command re-registers the app with the current Windows installation. It does not delete your data, but it’s a good idea to close the Snipping Tool before running it.

Check for Shortcut Conflicts and Background Permissions

If the Snipping Tool opens but the Win+Shift+S shortcut does nothing, the problem is likely a conflict or a permission setting.

Shortcut conflicts

Third-party screenshot tools, some graphics utilities (like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software), and even some keyboard software can assign the same shortcut. To check:

• Open the conflicting app’s settings and look for “hotkeysâ€� or “shortcutsâ€�.
• Disable or change the Win+Shift+S binding there.
• If you cannot find the culprit, temporarily close background apps one by one to isolate it.

Background app permission

Windows 11 may restrict the Snipping Tool from running in the background, which prevents the shortcut from triggering it.

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and find Snipping Tool.
2. Click Advanced options.
3. Under “Background app permissions�, choose Always (or “Power optimized� on battery).

This setting is separate from the Repair/Reset options, so check it even if you already tried those.

Alternatives to the Snipping Tool

If you need a screenshot right now and the Snipping Tool is still not working, you have built-in alternatives:

• Win+Shift+S – this is the Snipping Tool shortcut, but if the app is broken, it may not work. Try the next options.
• PrtScn (Print Screen) – captures the entire screen to the clipboard. You can paste it into Paint or Word.
• Win+PrtScn – saves a full-screen screenshot directly to Pictures > Screenshots.
• Alt+PrtScn – captures only the active window.
• Game Bar (Win+G) – includes a screenshot button and can record your screen.

For more advanced needs, third-party tools like ShareX or Greenshot offer more features, but they can also cause the shortcut conflict mentioned above. If you install one, make sure to disable its global hotkeys or uninstall the Snipping Tool entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Snipping Tool disappear after a Windows update?

Occasionally, a Windows feature update can remove or corrupt a Store app. Reinstall it from the Microsoft Store by searching for “Snipping Tool�. Your settings may be lost, but your screenshots are not affected.

Can I still use Snip & Sketch on Windows 11?

No. Microsoft retired Snip & Sketch and replaced it with the new Snipping Tool. If you see an old version, it will eventually stop working. Update it via the Store to get the current version.

Why does the Snipping Tool open but the screen freezes?

This usually happens when another app is overlaying the screen, such as a game, a remote desktop session, or a screen recorder. Close the other app, or try running the Snipping Tool as administrator (right-click its icon and select “Run as administrator�).

Will resetting the Snipping Tool delete my saved screenshots?

No. Resetting only clears the app’s internal data, like your settings and any unsaved annotations. Screenshots you saved to your hard drive are not touched.

Does the Snipping Tool require an internet connection?

No. Once installed, it works offline. The only time you need internet is to update the app from the Store.

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