Fix: ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue: 7 Ways to Fix it

The Snipping Tool is a built-in tool in Windows that lets you take screenshots. Its look has been updated recently. Even though the updated user interface and new features have made the app easier to use, some users have said that the app doesn’t open or keeps crashing. If you want to know how to Fix ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue.

Even though the Snipping Tool is not a crucial piece of software for the Windows operating system, if you use it often and it stops working, it could slow you down. It could also be a sign of a bigger problem that needs to be dealt with. Since the problem is with the software, it’s good news that you can figure out what’s wrong and fix it without leaving your home. But the problem could have more than one cause, and you may need to try more than one of the solutions in this guide to fix it on your system.

What Are The Main Reasons Behind This Issue Of Snipping Tool Not working?

• Microsoft’s digital certificate ran out on October 31, 2021, which caused a number of problems, such as the Snipping Tool not working.
• Most of the time, an old Windows OS is to blame when the snipping tool won’t work. So, you might be able to fix the problem by updating your OS.

• Third-party apps or software can sometimes make the snipping tool stop working.
• There’s also a chance that the shortcut key for the Snipping Tool on your device is different. If the problem only happens when you use a shortcut key, you may need to look at its properties to figure out what the shortcut is.
• If system files are broken or corrupted, the Snipping Tool might not work.

Fixed: ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue

Use Alternative Shortcuts

1. Win+PrintScreen, which will save the screenshots in the Pictures library. 
2. Alt+ PrintScreen, which will save the screenshots to the clipboard. 
3. Win+G, which will direct you to X-box Game bar from where you can take screenshots. 

Turn off Focus Assist

1. Choose Settings from the Start menu.
2. Click on System in the Settings window, and then click on Focus Assist.
3. From here, you can either turn Focus Assist off completely or choose Priority only and then click on Customize priority list.
4. This will open a new window where you can click on + Add an app and add Snipping Tool to use it while using Focus Assist.

Reinstall Snipping Tool if this app can’t open

1. Choose Settings from the Start menu.
2. Choose Snipping Tool and then click Uninstall.
3. After you’ve taken Snipping Tool off your computer, restart it.
4. After you’ve turned your computer back on, go to the Start menu and choose the Microsoft Store app. Type “Snipping Tool” into the search box at the top.
5. Then, click the blue Get button and do what it says to do to install.

Disable Auto Copy Feature

1. Type “Snipping Tool” into the Windows search box. (Don’t use the Shortcut to open it.)
2. Click on the three dots, then choose Settings.
3. Use the slider to turn off Auto copy to clipboard.
4. Start up the Snipping tool again. This should be useful. If not, open the Snipping tool and add a 3-second delay before you take a snip.

Perform a Clean Boot

1. Pressing Win+R will bring up the Run box. Type msconfig into it, then click OK.
2. Use the Services link.
3. Check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services and click the Disable all button to stop all other programs from running.
4. After turning off third–party services, go to the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
5. Right-click on each unknown third-party program > Turn off
6. Try running the Snipping tool after you restart the computer.

Use Regedit

1. Type Regedit into the Windows search box and choose the best result.
2. Follow the path SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
3. Find the tablet PC. If you can’t find it, right-click on Microsoft, choose New > Key, and name it Tablet PC.
4. Right-click on the new TabletPC key, choose “New,” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Rename it to Double-click on DisableSnippingTool, set the Value data to 0, and choose the Hexadecimal. Exit Registry Editor and try to use the Snipping tool again. It ought to work.

Troubleshoot to Find Other Causes

1. Click on the Windows logo.
2. Click on the gear icon to go to Settings.
3. Go to the System tab.
4. Click on Troubleshoot.
5. Select Additional Troubleshooters.
6. Scroll down and locate Windows Store Apps.

How to Download Snipping Tool?

1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Search for “Snipping Tool“.
3. Click on the “Snipping Tool” app.
4. Click on the “Get” button.
5. Once the app is Download, you can open it by clicking on the “Snipping Tool” icon on your taskbar.

FAQs