How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working in Windows 11

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The Problem

Win + Shift + S does nothing, the Snipping Tool opens but capture fails, or screenshots save as a black rectangle. Windows 11 merged the classic Snipping Tool with Snip & Sketch—broken app data, reassigned Print Screen shortcuts, or GPU capture conflicts are the usual causes.

Keyboard shortcuts dead across the board? Fix keyboard not typing. Screen goes black on boot? See black screen on boot—different from black screenshots.

Symptoms

  • Overlay never appears after Win + Shift + S.
  • Snipping Tool opens then closes instantly.
  • Screenshots work in some apps but not fullscreen games or video players.

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Use the Correct Shortcut

  1. Win + Shift + S — region capture (screen dims, crosshair appears).
  2. Win + PrtScn — full-screen save to Pictures\Screenshots (on keyboards with PrtScn).
  3. Open Snipping Tool from Start and click New to test without keyboard shortcuts.

Step 2: Assign Print Screen to Snipping Tool

Windows 11 can remap PrtScn to open Snipping Tool.

  1. Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
  2. Turn on Use the Print screen key to open screen capture (wording may vary by build).
  3. Press PrtScn — the capture bar should appear.

Step 3: Repair or Reset Snipping Tool

  1. Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
  2. Search Snipping Tool → ⋯ → Advanced options.
  3. Click Repair, then test Win + Shift + S.
  4. Still broken? Click Reset (clears app data only—not your saved screenshots).

Step 4: End Stuck Capture Processes

  1. Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Processes.
  2. End Snipping Tool, SnippingTool.exe, and ScreenSketch if listed.
  3. Relaunch Snipping Tool from Start and try New.

Step 5: Allow Snipping Tool Through Privacy Settings

  1. Settings → Privacy & security → Screenshots and apps.
  2. Ensure Let apps take screenshots is On.
  3. Scroll to Snipping Tool and allow access if listed per-app.

Step 6: Update Graphics Drivers (Black Screenshots)

Fullscreen games and HDR displays often need an updated GPU driver for clean capture.

  1. Update NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics from the vendor app or safe driver update guide.
  2. For games, use the game's own screenshot key or Steam overlay (F12) if Win + Shift + S captures black—many titles block the Windows overlay in exclusive fullscreen.

Step 7: Re-register Snipping Tool (PowerShell Admin)

  1. Right-click Start → Terminal (Admin).
  2. Run: 
    Get-AppxPackage *ScreenSketch* | Reset-AppxPackage
  3. Reboot and test Win + Shift + S.

Still Not Working?

  • One monitor works, the other doesn't? Unplug secondary monitors temporarily and capture on the primary display—multi-GPU setups sometimes route the wrong framebuffer.
  • Snipping Tool fine but paste fails? The clipboard may be broken separately—see fix clipboard not working.

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