What causes screenshot not working on Windows?

Common causes of screenshot not working include: Print Screen key mapped to different function (Fn key needed), Snipping Tool app corrupted, OneDrive or other app intercepting screenshots, Clipboard history disabled, Game or DRM-protected content blocking capture, Snipping Tool not set as default screenshot tool.

How do I know if I have screenshot not working issues?

Common symptoms of screenshot not working include: Print Screen key does nothing, Win+Shift+S doesn't open snipping overlay, Snipping Tool crashes on launch, Screenshot taken but not saved anywhere, Screenshot captures but is blank/black, Snipping Tool says "Snipping Tool isn't working right now".

Can RescuePC fix screenshot not working automatically?

Yes, RescuePC Toolkit includes automated scripts that can diagnose and fix screenshot not working issues with one click, without requiring technical knowledge.

Fix Screenshot Not Working on Windows

Symptoms

You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:

•Print Screen key does nothing
•Win+Shift+S doesn't open snipping overlay
•Snipping Tool crashes on launch
•Screenshot taken but not saved anywhere
•Screenshot captures but is blank/black
•Snipping Tool says "Snipping Tool isn't working right now"

Common Causes

⚠Print Screen key mapped to different function (Fn key needed)
⚠Snipping Tool app corrupted
⚠OneDrive or other app intercepting screenshots
⚠Clipboard history disabled
⚠Game or DRM-protected content blocking capture
⚠Snipping Tool not set as default screenshot tool

Solutions

Solution 1: Check Print Screen Key Settings

1Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
2Find "Use the Print screen key to open Snipping Tool" — turn ON
3On many laptops, you need to press Fn + Print Screen
4Try Win+Shift+S as an alternative shortcut
5Screenshots go to clipboard — paste with Ctrl+V in any app

Solution 2: Repair Snipping Tool

1Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2Find "Snipping Tool"
3Click three dots > Advanced options
4Click "Repair"
5If still broken, click "Reset"
6Try launching Snipping Tool from Start menu

Solution 3: Fix Screenshot Save Location

1Screenshots with Win+Print Screen save to: Pictures\Screenshots
2If folder is missing: create it manually
3Check OneDrive: it may be capturing screenshots to OneDrive\Pictures\Screenshots
4OneDrive settings > Backup tab > check/uncheck "Screenshots"
5For clipboard screenshots (Win+Shift+S): enable clipboard history with Win+V

FIXES THIS IN 5 MINUTES

Fix Screenshot Not Working Automatically

RescuePC Toolkit includes 109+ automated repairs that fix this problem with one click. No command line knowledge required.

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No credit card required • Works on Windows 10 & 11