This is causing trouble for many Windows 11 users, and they are continuously looking for ways to fix the issue. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed with some troubleshooting methods. Here in this guide, we have mentioned some tried and tested solutions to help you overcome the Windows + Shift + S not working issue on your Windows 11 PC.
What Causes Windows + Shift + S Not Working in Windows 11
What Causes Windows + Shift + S Not Working in Windows 11
One of the most common reasons for this issue could be the defective keyboard keys. Besides, there could be more reasons behind the Windows + Shift + S not working issue.
Outdated Keyboard DriversImproper Functioning of File ExplorerIssues With Registry EditorFaulty USB PortsIssues With Keyboard or its KeysMisconfigured SettingsRestricted App PermissionDisabled Snip & SketchConflict Between the Snipping Tool and the Onenote Shortcut
Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working in Windows 11
Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working in Windows 11
We have mentioned more than twelve tried and tested solutions in this section to help you resolve the issue.
1. Restart the PC
One of the most common solutions to mend this issue is to reboot the system. In most situations, rebooting the system resolves the issue immediately. You can try rebooting your Windows 11 PC to see if the issues have been resolved.
2. Clean the Keyboard Keys
We suggest cleaning the keyboard to ensure all the keys are pressing and functioning correctly. Sometimes dust particles occupy the space beneath the keyboard keys and stop them from pressing properly. Hence, wiping the keyboard can resolve the issue.
3. Check USB Ports
Possibly, some of your PC’s USB ports are malfunctioning and causing this issue. You need to ensure that all your USB ports are functioning correctly. To check this, you can try connecting your USB keyboard with another device and see if it’s working properly. If the keyboard works perfectly with other devices, there are surely some issues with your system’s USB ports. You can get them repaired to overcome this issue.
4. Modify System’s Date & Time
One of the most recommended solutions to resolve this issue is to change your system’s date and time settings. Interestingly, this solution is guided by one of Microsoft’s Independent advisors. Therefore, there are high chances that this solution will resolve the issue. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to modify your system’s date and time settings.
5. Update Keyboard Drivers
Outdated keyboard drivers could also be one of the culprits of this issue. Thus, you need to ensure that all your keyboard drivers are up-to-date, not leading to this issue. You can follow the mentioned steps to update your keyboard drivers from the Device Manager.
6. Turn on Notifications For Snipping Tool
When we press the Windows + Shift + S on our keyboard, a rectangle notification appears on the screen with some options to capture the snapshot. If you aren’t getting the notification, it is possible that you might have disabled the notification for the Snipping Tool. It’s pretty easy to enable the Snipping Tool’s notification, and the below-mentioned steps demonstrate the same.
7. Restart Windows Explorer
Some Windows features function with the help of Windows Explorer. Snipping Tool is one of the tools that use Windows Explorer to act properly. Many Windows 11 users reported that incorrect functioning of the Windows Explorer app could also be responsible for this issue. They also added that restarting Windows Explorer can resolve this issue. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to do the same.
8. Repair & Reset the Snipping Tool
Windows also allows you to repair and reset the system programs, like Snipping Tool. If restarting the Windows Explorer program doesn’t resolve the issue, you can then try repairing and resetting the Snipping Tool. Follow the below-mentioned steps to repair and reset the Snipping Tool.
Repair the Snipping Tool
Reset the Snipping Tool
9. Enable Clipboard History
One of the causes of this issue could be the disabled Clipboard history feature. If the Clipboard history option is turned off on your system, you won’t be able to save copied images and texts in the clipboard. You can’t paste screenshots that you have copied with the help of the Snipping Tool. You need to enable the Clipboard History option following the below-mentioned steps.
10. Use Alternate Shortcut Keys to Take a Screenshot
Windows + Shift + S is the most used key combination to launch the Snipping Tool. Besides this, you can also use the Fn + PrtSc shortcut to open the Snipping Tool to capture snapshots.
11. Disable Global Shortcut Key
One of the solutions to eliminate this issue is to disable the Windows + Shift + S shortcut completely. Many Windows 11 users said this solution helped them solve the issue. You can try the same by following the below-mentioned steps.
12. Change the OneNote Hotkey with Regedit
Many users reported disabling the global shortcut key methods worked for them. In case it doesn’t work for you, you can try changing the OneNote Hotkey from the Registry Editor. Follow the below-mentioned steps to modify the OneNote Hotkey.
13. Reset the PC
The last solution that can indeed solve the Windows + Shift + S not working issue is resetting the PC. You can try resetting your Windows 11 PC to eliminate this problem from the roots. Resetting the PC is pretty easy, and the below-mentioned steps explain the same.
Why Isn’t Windows Shift S Not Working?
One of the most causes of this problem is the fault in the keyboard. As a result, you are unable to capture screenshots on your Windows 11 PC.
How Do I Use Shift S in Windows 11?
You can use the Windows + Shift + S shortcut key to launch the Snipping Tool and capture a snapshot of your preferred portion or window.
How Do I Get Windows Shift S To Work?
You can try cleaning your keyboard keys ensuring there are no dust particles beneath the keys preventing them from pressing completely. We also suggest enabling the Clipboard History option on your system.
How Do I Enable Clipboard History?
Open the Settings app on your system. Type Clipboard Settings in the Search Bar and open it. Enable the Clipboard History option in the Clipboard Settings, and you’re done.
Did Windows 11 Get Rid of Snipping Tool?
Windows 11 comes with the Snipping Tool to capture snapshots with ease. You can simply open the Snipping Tool by pressing Windows + Shift + S or Fn + PrtScr to take screenshots.
Final Words
Final Words
Using the Windows + Shift + S shortcut key to open the Snipping Tool saves a lot of time and effort. However, its sudden breakdown sometimes ruins the entire user experience. Fortunately, you can simply resolve the Windows + Shift + S not working issue by implementing the above-mentioned solutions. Try all of them patiently and carefully one by one and escape this deteriorating situation. Also, let us know which method resolved the problem for you.
