Snippet not working

Question

My windows shift S isn't working. Is there a way to fix this?

Answer 1

Hi James,

Please open Settings → Bluetooth Devices → Keyboard. Enable the option "Use the Print screen key to open screen capture".

Press the PrtSc key (or Fn + PrtSc) on your keyboard. Does the Snipping Tool overlay appear?

If that doesn't help, repair the Snipping Tool via Settings.

• Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
• Locate "Snipping Tool" in that list.
• Select the three-dot menu → Advanced options.
• Click Reset, then click Repair.

Close Settings and test Windows + Shift + S or PrtSc functionality now.

Answer 2

Open Snipping Tool from Start first; if it opens normally, test Windows + Shift + S again, but if the app does not open or capture, update and repair it using the steps below.

1. Test Snipping Tool directly

1. Select Start.
2. Type Snipping Tool, then open it.
3. Select New and try taking a screenshot.

Windows + Shift + S is the supported shortcut for opening the screenshot overlay in Windows 11.^1^

If direct capture works but the shortcut does not:

• Test whether the Windows, Shift, and S keys work separately.
• Restart the PC to clear a stuck keyboard or app process.
• If you use keyboard-remapping or macro software, temporarily close it and test again.

2. Install Windows and Snipping Tool updates

1. Go to Start → Settings → Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates, install everything offered, and restart.
3. Open Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates.
4. Allow any Snipping Tool or Store updates to finish, then test the shortcut again.

Microsoft recommends Windows and Store app updates before repairing or reinstalling a malfunctioning Store app.^2^

3. Repair, then reset Snipping Tool

1. Open Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Find Snipping Tool.
3. Select the three-dot menu → Advanced options.
4. Select Repair and test Windows + Shift + S.
5. If it remains unresponsive, return to the same page and select Reset.

Resetting removes the app’s local settings, so try Repair first. Windows officially supports this repair-then-reset sequence for apps that are not running correctly.^3^

4. Reinstall only if repair and reset fail

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Snipping Tool.
2. Select the three-dot menu → Uninstall.
3. Restart Windows.
4. Open Microsoft Store → Library, locate Snipping Tool, and select Install.^2^
5. Launch Snipping Tool once from Start, then retest Windows + Shift + S.

As a temporary alternative, press PrtSc to copy a full-screen screenshot to the clipboard.^1^

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References

1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots)
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/fix-problems-with-apps-from-microsoft-store)
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/repair-apps-and-programs-in-windows#summary)