Windows 11 Snipping Tool Not Working: 12 Possible Fixes - Make Tech Easier

Are you experiencing issues with the Snipping Tool on Windows 11? Microsoft has integrated the features of its classic screenshot tool into Snip & Sketch, but users have reported problems such as the app failing to open or not responding during screen capture. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to resolve these issues and get the Snipping Tool working on your device.

Tip: If you're facing a Blue Screen of Death, it might be due to a "Bad System Config Info" error in Windows. Learn how to fix it by continuing to read.

Table of Contents

• 1. Check for Windows 11 Out-of-Band (OOB) Updates
• 2. Temporarily Disable Automatic Time and Reset Manually
• 3. Launch the Windows 11 Snipping Tool from the “Windows.old” Folder
• 4. Ensure “Automatically Copy Changes” is Enabled in Snipping Tool Settings
• 5. Enable Background App Permissions for Taking Pictures
• 6. Configure the Keyboard Print Screen Key to Open Snipping Tool
• 7. Uninstall and Reinstall Snipping Tool
• 8. Repair and Reset the Snipping Tool App
• 9. Use the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 11 to Enable Snipping Tool
• 10. Use a Registry Hack to Enable Snipping Tool
• 11. Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11
• 12. Perform a Cloud “Reset” of the Windows 11 Operating System
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Resolve Issues with the Windows 11 Snipping Tool

Issues with the Snipping Tool may stem from faulty Windows 11 security updates, expired digital certificates, or missing folders/registry values. Each solution below addresses a different cause of the problem.

1. Check for Windows 11 Out-of-Band (OOB) Updates

The most common fix for the Snipping Tool not working in Windows 11 is to install an “Out-of-band (OOB)” update, which is a non-security Microsoft patch released outside the regular schedule. An example is KB5008295, but always opt for the most recent OOB patches.

1. Search for “Windows Update Settings” from the Start menu and check for updates, even if it indicates “You’re up to date.”

2. Allow the latest updates to install on your Windows 11 PC, which should include fixes related to the Snipping Tool.
3. Restart your device and test the Snipping Tool to see if it's functioning properly.

Tip: The classic Volume Mixer is also missing from Windows 11. Learn how to bring it back.

2. Temporarily Disable Automatic Time and Reset Manually

If the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 isn't capturing screenshots, it might be due to incorrect date/time settings affecting the app’s digital certificates.

Temporarily switch to manual time setting and revert to automatic once the issue is resolved.

1. Navigate to “Settings -> Time & Language -> Date & Time.”
2. Disable “Set time automatically.”

3. Click “Change” under “Set the date and time manually.”

4. Set the date to October 30, 2021, regardless of the current date. Keep the time unchanged.

5. Test the Snipping Tool. If it works, re-enable “Set time automatically” to correct the date on your computer.

6. Launch the Windows 11 Snipping Tool from the “Windows.old” Folder

If you upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you might still have the classic Snipping Tool in the “Windows.old” folder.

While the new Windows 11 Snipping Tool might crash, the classic version should still work for capturing screenshots.

1. Look for the “Windows.old” folder on your C drive. If it's not there, proceed to other solutions.

2. Use the Windows search to find an application file named “Snipping.”
3. Open the file to navigate to the folder containing the older Snipping Tool.

4. Pin the Snipping Tool to the Start menu or save the folder to your Windows 11 taskbar.

New Windows updates should eventually resolve issues with the old folder.

4. Ensure “Automatically Copy Changes” is Enabled in Snipping Tool Settings

The clipboard automatically saves changes when you copy-paste. If the Snipping Tool opens but doesn't copy images, enable “Automatically Copy Changes.”

1. Open the Snipping Tool.
2. Click the three-dot menu to access “Settings.”

3. Ensure the “Automatically copy changes” toggle is on. Other toggles can be adjusted as needed, but keep “Auto copy to clipboard” enabled.

New screenshots will overwrite old ones in the clipboard unless you enable “Multiple windows” to save multiple captures.

5. Enable Background App Permissions for Taking Pictures

Ensure the Snipping Tool has the necessary permissions to capture images as a background app.

1. Go to “Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps -> Snipping Tool -> Advanced Settings” to access the “Apps & features” section.
2. Enable picture permissions and set background app permissions to “Power optimized” or “Always.”

Good to know: You can use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account. Find out how.

6. Configure the Keyboard Print Screen Key to Open Snipping Tool

To bypass faulty update issues with the Snipping Tool, set the PrtScr key to launch it.

1. Open the Snipping Tool and select the three-dot menu to access Settings.
2. Choose “Print Screen key shortcut” and “Change in Windows settings.”

3. Confirm the “Did you mean to switch apps?” prompt to proceed.

4. Enable “Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping” and choose your preferred screenshot options from the PrtScn key.

The PrtScr key has other functions in Windows tools. Temporarily disable its shortcut to use these functions.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall Snipping Tool

If the Snipping Tool crashes on launch, it might be due to a faulty installation. Uninstall and reinstall it.

1. Search for “Add or remove programs” in the Start menu or Control Panel.
2. Locate the Snipping Tool, click its three-dot menu, and select “Uninstall.”

3. Reinstall the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store after uninstalling.

If you're having trouble with the Microsoft Store, refer to our guide on fixing it.

8. Repair and Reset the Snipping Tool App

After uninstalling, you can repair and reset the Snipping Tool to address new issues.

1. Navigate to “Settings -> Apps -> Snipping Tool -> Advanced options” to access the “Apps & features” menu.
2. Click “Repair” in the “Reset” menu and wait for the process to complete.

3. A checkmark will appear next to the Repair button if successful.

4. Repeat the process for the Reset button to ensure all issues are resolved.

5. Use the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 11 to Enable Snipping Tool

If the Snipping Tool isn't working despite no visible errors, check for restrictive policy settings.

1. Open the “Run” menu with Win R and type “gpedit.msc” to launch the “Local Group Policy Editor.”

2. Navigate to “Tablet PC -> Accessories” and check the “Do not allow Snipping Tool to run” setting.

3. If enabled, change it to “Disabled.”

4. Use a Registry Hack to Enable Snipping Tool

If the Snipping Tool is not visible, use a registry tweak to enable it.

1. Open the “Run” menu with Win R and type “regedit” to launch the “Registry Editor.”

2. Navigate to:

<code>Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft</code>

Create a new key named “TabletPC” under Microsoft.

4. Add a new DWORD (32-bit) value named “DisableSnippingTool” under “TabletPC.”

5. Set the value to “0” to enable the Snipping Tool. The default value of “1” disables it.

Note: Only try this if the Snipping Tool is not visible on your system.

11. Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11

If the Snipping Tool encounters issues due to corrupt files in the OS, consider a clean installation.

1. Backup your files, as they will be lost during the process.
2. Download “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” from the provided link.
3. Run the installer and select “USB flash drive” to create a bootable USB.

4. Insert the USB into your device.
5. Restart and enter boot keys (typically F2, F10, F12, or Esc).
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest Windows 11 OS, which should be free of issues.

Refer to our detailed guide on installing Windows 11 for more information.

12. Perform a Cloud “Reset” of the Windows 11 Operating System

If you have a genuine Windows 11 license, use a Cloud Reset to fix issues without a USB drive.

1. Go to “Settings -> System -> Recovery -> Recovery options.”
2. Choose “Reset PC” under “Reset this PC.”

3. Select “Remove everything” for a fresh system.
4. Opt for “Cloud download” to reinstall Windows from the latest cloud version.

5. Start the Reset procedure, which cannot be stopped once begun.
6. Keep your device plugged in and connected to the Internet until the process is complete.

Learn how to check your hard disk health in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer freeze when I use Snipping Tool?

If your PC freezes when using the Snipping Tool, it might be due to corrupt graphics drivers. Use Command Prompt in Administrator mode to run sfc/Scannow and DISM.exe. After identifying outdated drivers via a system scan, update them through Device Management (devmgmt.msc in Run menu).

Why does my Windows Snipping/Snip & Sketch Tool not cover the whole screen?

If the Snipping or Snip & Sketch tools fail to capture the full screen, adjust your display settings. Go to “Settings -> System -> Display -> Scale & Layout” and set the scale to the recommended value.

How do I fix a black screen encountered while using Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

Black screens during screenshot capture indicate graphics driver issues. Update the drivers for “Display adapters” and “Integrated monitors” via “Device Manager” (devmgmt.msc in Run menu).

What are the alternatives to Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, Snip & Sketch has been merged with Snipping Tool. Alternatives include:

• Icecream Screen Recorder
• Cool Screen Recorder
• Lightshot

How do I capture a scrolling screenshot in Windows 11?

Follow the steps in our tutorial to capture scrolling screenshots on Windows, Mac, Linux, and in browser settings.

Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

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