Snipping Tool Not Working | Step-By-Step Fix

If your Snipping Tool (or Win + Shift + S) is not working, it is usually due to the app crashing in the background or “Do Not Disturb” mode blocking the notification.

Here is the step-by-step guide to fixing it, ordered from the most likely solution to the “nuclear” option.

1. The “Reset” Fix (Works 90% of the time)

The app often gets stuck in a suspended state. You need to force a reset.

1. Press the Windows Key and type “Installed Apps”.

2. Search for Snipping Tool.

3. Click the three dots (…) on the right > Advanced Options.

4. Scroll down and click Repair.

5. Test it. If it still doesn’t work, go back and click Reset.

2. Check “Do Not Disturb” (Focus Assist)

If the screen dims when you snip, but no notification pops up to let you save it, your notifications are likely blocked.

• The Fix: Click the clock in the bottom right corner. Ensure “Do Not Disturb” (the bell icon with a ‘z’ or line through it) is OFF.

• Verify: Go to Settings > System > Notifications and ensure Snipping Tool is toggled ON.

3. The “Grey Screen” Glitch

If your screen turns grey but you can’t select anything, or the tool freezes, it is likely a conflict with HDR or your graphics driver.

• The Fix: Go to Settings > System > Display > HDR and turn it OFF.

4. Reinstall the App

If the app refuses to open entirely:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

2. Find Snipping Tool, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.

3. Restart your computer.

4. Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Snipping Tool,” and Install it again.

5. Keyboard Shortcut Not Working?

If Win + Shift + S does nothing, but opening the app manually works:

• Check “Game Mode” on your keyboard: Many gaming keyboards (Logitech, Razer, Corsair) have a “Win Lock” key that disables the Windows key. Look for a key with a “Lock” icon or a switch on the keyboard frame.

• Check Accessibility Override:

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.

  2. Find “Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping”.

  3. Toggle it ON. Now you can just press PrtSc instead of the 3-key combo.

Alternative: The Old “Run Command”

If you need a screenshot right now and can’t fix it:

• Press Win + R, type snippingtool.exe, and hit Enter. This forces the older legacy version to open if it still exists on your system.