Snipping tool no longer works on full screen games

Question

I just upgraded to windows 11 from windows 10. On windows 10 I could do "Win + Shift + S", and I could get a screen shot of the game using the snipping tool and have it saved to my clip board, but now using the shortcut will only defocus the application, and wont pull up the snipping tool menu in game. Are there any fixes for this?

Answer 1

This is an issue I brought up as the question has been retired. Same issue.

Answer 2

Hello! Christopher. Thanks for reaching out.

Windows 11 tightened how overlays (like Snipping Tool) interact with DirectX fullscreen applications. In Windows 10, the snipping overlay could float on top, but now fullscreen apps block it, so you need either borderless windowed mode or Game Bar.

Or you can try these couple of workarounds:

1. Enable Focus Assist Override for Snipping Tool

Go to Settings → System → Notifications → Focus Assist.

Make sure Priority only isn’t blocking notifications, and test again.

Some users report that Windows 11 suppresses the snipping overlay while fullscreen focus is on.

2. Map Snipping Tool to Print Screen Key

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.

Turn on Use the Print Screen button to open Snipping Tool.

Now pressing PrtScn should work even in some fullscreen apps.

3. Third-Party Alternatives

Best regards,

Kimberly