Snipping Tool is a handy utility in Windows 11 for taking screenshots and editing them. Being a native Windows app, Snipping Tool works flawlessly for the most part, save for a few occasional hiccups.
If you've been on the receiving end of those hiccups where the snipping tool stops working or won't even open, you've come to the right place. We'll walk you through some troubleshooting methods that should get Snipping Tool working again. Let's start.
1. Restart the application
The Snipping Tool application may have encountered an error while launching. So you can try restarting the app to see if it helps. To do that, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start Task Manager. On the Process tab, select the Snipping Tool app and click the End Task button at the bottom.
Now go ahead and run the Snipping Tool again to see if it works fine now.
2. Use the keyboard shortcut
If restarting the app doesn't help, you can try using the keyboard shortcut to see if it works. Press Windows Key + Shift + S on your keyboard to open Snipping Tool on your PC.
3. Allow Snipping Tool to Run in Background
If the Snipping Tool is not responding to your shortcut, the app may not have the necessary permission to run in the background. You can visit the Settings menu to change that. That's how.
Step 1: Open the Start menu, click the Settings icon to quickly launch the Settings application on your PC. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows Key + I shortcut to achieve the same.
Step 2: In the Settings app, switch to the Applications tab on your left and go to Applications and Features.
Step 3: Use the search box to quickly locate the Snipping Tool application. Now use the three-dot menu to your right to open the advanced options.
Step 4: Under Background apps permission, use the drop-down menu to choose Always from the list.
That is all. Now close the Settings app and use the shortcut to open the Snipping Tool.
4. Repair or reset the application
Applications in Windows 11 are likely to run into issues from time to time. Fortunately, your Windows PC is also capable of fixing these application problems on its own. Here's how to fix Snipping Tool app in Windows 11.
Step 1: Click the search icon at the bottom, type the snipping tool, right-click the first result to choose the application settings from the menu.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair button.
If repairing the app doesn't help, you can try resetting the app. Please note that resetting the app will delete all app data.
5. Run SFC Scan using the command prompt
Among other reasons, Snipping Tool not working problem can also arise due to corrupted or damaged system files on your PC. In such cases, it may be useful to run an SFC (System File Checker) scan. Here's how to do it.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu icon to choose the Windows Terminal (admin) option from the resulting menu.
Step 2: Type the command mentioned below and press Enter.
SFC / scannow
Wait for the process to complete. Once done, restart your PC and launch the Snipping Tool application to see if it works fine.
6. Deactivate focus assist
Focus Assist is a familiar utility in Windows 11 that logs unwanted notifications on your PC. So if you haven't received notifications after taking a screenshot, try disabling Focus Assist from the Action Center. If that solves the problem, you can add the Snipping Tool app to the priority list to use the Snipping Tool with Focus Assist enabled. That's how.
Step 1: Click the search tool on the taskbar, type focus help, and click the first result that appears.
Step 2: Now click on the Customize your priority list option.
Step 3: Under Applications, click the Add an application button to include the Snipping Tool in your priority list.
7. Windows Applications Troubleshooter
Your Windows 11 PC also has a dedicated application troubleshooter to detect and fix minor application problems in Windows 11. Here's how to run it.
Step 1: Click on the search tool, type in troubleshooting settings, and click on the first result that appears.
Step 2: Now go to Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Windows Store app troubleshooter and click the Run button.
After the troubleshooting process is done, check if the snipping tool is working fine.
Back to Clippings
Snipping Tool is still an important utility for many of us. Any problem with the application can easily affect productivity. But if the problem persists, you can consider switching to third-party apps like ShareX or Snagit to meet your screen capture needs.
The entry The 7 best ways to fix the snipping tool not working in Windows 11 was first published in TecnoTuto.
