How to Fix ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue

This article will show you how to Fix ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue. Have you experienced problems getting your prefered Snipping tool to work or launch on Windows 11, 10, or 7? There is no need for alarm because there are multiple solutions available to restore functionality to the Microsoft Snipping tool. The Windows Snipping Tool is well-known for its ability to capture screen captures, its lightweight nature, and its interface that is free of clutter. However, the bugs and other issues make it less desirable to use than it otherwise would be.

There is absolutely no reason for you to get angry if you are having any problems at all. If you’re using Windows 11, is the Snipping Tool giving you any trouble? Snip & Sketch is the new name for Microsoft’s old screenshot tool, which combines the functions of the older tool. The Snipping Tool is used by a significant number of Windows users to capture and edit screenshots. Because it is a native Windows app, it is very lightweight and can assist you in taking screenshots; however, its functionality is not always reliable.

After the system has been updated, users may discover that certain applications no longer function properly, that they are unable to save images, that an error message has appeared on the screen, or that the screen is blank or black. If you find yourself unable to move forwards with any of these Snipping Tool challenges, you have found the appropriate resource. In this article, we will explain how to Fix ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue.

Causes of the ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue

1. Software or System Updates: Sometimes, updates to the operating system or software can lead to compatibility issues with the Snipping Tool, causing it to malfunction.
2. Corrupted or Missing System Files: If critical system files required for the Snipping Tool are corrupted or missing, it can result in the tool not working correctly.
3. Third-Party Software Interference: Conflict with third-party applications, especially screen capture or image editing software, can cause the Snipping Tool to malfunction.
4. Outdated or Incompatible Graphics Drivers: Graphics drivers play a crucial role in screen capture tools. Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to issues with the Snipping Tool.
5. User Account Control (UAC) Settings: Improper User Account Control settings may restrict the Snipping Tool’s functionality.
6. Security Software and Firewalls: Overly aggressive security software or firewalls can block the Snipping Tool’s operation.
7. Hardware Issues: In some cases, hardware problems, such as issues with the keyboard or mouse, can affect the Snipping Tool’s ability to function correctly.

How to Fix ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open the Settings menu by pressing Win + I.
2. Select Update and Security.
3. From the panel on the left side, head to Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters.
4. Then, select the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Permitting Snipping Tool to Run in the Background

1. Click the Windows icon and select Settings from the context menu.
2. Hit the Privacy button on the Settings page.
3. Scroll down to the panel on the left to locate Background apps.
4. Search for Snip & Sketch from the app list and ensure it’s toggled on.

Update Graphics Drivers

1. Right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager from the pop-up list.
2. Navigate to Display adapters, expand it, and right-click on the available driver.
3. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. The system will quickly scan for any available drivers and install them.
4. Restart your Windows device.

Run the SFC File checker

1. Type cmd on the search bar at the bottom left corner
2. Right click on Command prompt and select Run as administrator, select Yes if it prompts the User account control to launch it with administrative privileges.
3. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter to execute it.
4. Wait for the scan to complete, this will fix the corrupted system files. Restart if needed.

Update Snip and Sketch from the Microsoft Store

1. Click the search bar at the bottom left corner or press Windows + S to highlight it, type in “Microsoft Store” and press enter.
2. Click on the Sign in button found in the upper right corner of the window. Click Sign in again from the context menu
3. Log in with your Microsoft email and password.
4. Type Snip and Sketch on the search bar at the top, then select Snip & Sketch(Now named Snipping tool in the Microsoft store)
5. Click on the update button, then wait for it to download.

Disable Focus Assist

1. Click Start or hit the Windows key to launch the Start menu and select Settings.
2. When Settings opens, click on System > Focus Assist.
3. Select the Priority only option and click the Customize priority list link below it.
4. On the Focus assist page, scroll down to the Apps section and click Add an app.
5. Choose the Snipping Tool from the list of apps that appears, which will display in the Priority list.

Reinstall Snipping Tool

1. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Type snipping tool into the search apps field, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced options from the menu.
3. Scroll down past the Repair and Reset section shown above and click Uninstall twice to verify.
4. After the uninstall is complete, open the Microsoft Store app.
5. Search for snipping tool and click the Get button next to it to reinstall a fresh and updated version of the Snipping Tool.

Best Snipping Tool Alternatives

LightShot

LightShot is my favourite tool for taking screenshots, probably because it’s free and easy to use. After a very easy installation process, it can replace the snipping tool and has some great features. One of the best things about LightShot is that it has a simple interface, but it still has built-in editing tools, one-click uploading, and a way to look for similar images.

LightShot works when you press the Prt Scrn key, but you can set a different hotkey if you want or need to. Also, LightShot lets you change things like the output file format, whether or not you want the cursor in the shot, and so on.

Greenshot

Greenshot is yet another free, full-featured tool for taking screenshots. Although available only for PCs running on Windows, Greenshot is free and open-source and is hosted by SourceForge. Each part of Greenshot—the section for taking screenshots, the image editor, and the export has great features to help you move on.

For example, there are different ways to take screenshots, but the image editor lets you add notes and highlights to a specific screenshot to make it more useful and informative in the end. On the other hand, you can use the export section to save the screenshot for later use.

Screenpresso

Screenpresso is a great solution for Windows devices that is used by many well-known companies (compatible all the versions including Windows 10, 8.1). Also, you can get it as an app for your iPhone or iPad. You’d love Screenpresso’s features, which include different ways to capture, support for hotkeys, and the ability to capture content in scrolling windows, among other things.

It also lets you record screencasts in HD quality, so you can use it for a variety of things. Screenpresso, like the other tools mentioned here, has a built-in image editor that lets you annotate screenshots you’ve taken and then update the screenshot in the way that works best for you.

Conclusion

How to Fix ‘Snipping Tool Not Working’ Issue: All computers that run Microsoft Windows 11 come equipped with the Snipping Tool already installed. In addition to that, it is a straightforward programme that serves a single purpose. Rarely do users experience issues with the Snipping Tool itself, but a wide variety of problems and bugs can make it vanish or prevent it from being launched. Users are able to capture, edit, and save screenshots directly onto their personal computers with the help of the Snipping Tool, which is an essential component of any Windows operating system.

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