The Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 can stop working for several reasons. For example, it could be a buggy or corrupt Snipping Tool installation 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
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.
2. Restart Your Computer
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
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.
4. Activate Clipboard History
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.
5. Repair and Reset Snip & Sketch Tool
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.
6. Re-register Snip and Sketch
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 elevated Windows PowerShell console.
7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Snipping Tool
7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Snipping Tool
Next, try reinstalling the Snipping Tool on your computer. To do that, open Settings and select Apps > Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch. Then, select the Uninstall button and redownload the Snipping Tool via the Microsoft Store.
8. Check Local Group Policy Editor
8. Check Local Group Policy Editor
If your computer runs the Pro 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.
9. Bind Snipping Tool to the PrtScn Key
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.
10. Update Windows
10. Update Windows
Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve any known system-related bugs or glitches preventing the Snipping Tool shortcut from working.
11. Run SFC or DISM Scan
11. Run SFC or DISM Scan
Run the System File Checker and the DISM tool to repair possible instances of file corruption in Windows 11 and 10.
12. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot
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.
13. Use an Alternative Tool
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, consider using 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.
