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Win+Shift+S combination key doesn't work for taking screenshots

Amin Ab Azarsa 0 Reputation points
2026-06-08T17:51:57.6933333+00:00

Hi. While I have the Snip & Sketch app installed on my PC (Windows 10), the combination key Win+Shift+S does nothing. How do I fix this? I don't want to open the app and choose the new button every time.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Lester Bernard Reyes 81,425 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-08T22:15:53.7533333+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

    Another option, if you do not want to use the Snipping Tool buttons, is to press Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn). This will automatically take a screenshot and save it to the Pictures > Screenshots folder, or just paste it by pressing CTRL + V

    Note: This is a public forum. I may respond shortly, but I apologize in advance for any delays. I am simply a fellow user trying to provide helpful insights and information.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-08T17:52:30.31+00:00

    On Windows 10, Win+Shift+S is the shortcut to start a screen snip via Snip & Sketch / Snipping Tool. If pressing Win+Shift+S does nothing, use these checks and alternatives based on the provided information:

    1. Confirm the shortcut and behavior
      • Win+Shift+S should darken the desktop and show a snipping toolbar where a snip mode can be chosen (rectangular, free-form, window, or full-screen). After selecting an area, the screenshot is copied to the clipboard and a notification appears to open it in the Snip & Sketch/Snipping Tool editor.
      • If this overlay never appears, the shortcut is not being handled correctly.
    2. Use alternative entry points to verify snipping still works
      • Open Snip & Sketch / Snipping Tool from Start:
        • Select Start, type Snipping Tool (or Snip & Sketch), and open it.
        • Select New to create a snip and confirm that capturing and editing works.
      • Use Print Screen as a fallback:
        • Press Print Screen (PrtSc) to capture the entire screen to the clipboard, then paste (Ctrl+V) into another app.
    3. Check for known issues and updates
      • There is a known issue where Snip & Sketch might fail to capture a screenshot and might fail to open using Windows key+Shift+S after certain Windows 10 updates.
      • This issue is addressed in a later cumulative update. Install the latest Windows 10 updates (including the update that resolves the Snip & Sketch shortcut issue) and restart the PC, then test Win+Shift+S again.
    4. Use the Snipping Tool shortcut as an alternative
      • If Win+Shift+S still does not respond, use the Snipping Tool directly:
        • Press Windows logo key + Shift + S from within the Snipping Tool context (or use the Snipping key on supported devices) to capture.
        • Or open Snipping Tool and use its New button to capture, then save or copy the snip.

    Once the underlying Windows update issue is fixed and the system restarted, Win+Shift+S should again darken the screen, show the snipping toolbar, and copy the selected area to the clipboard.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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