How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Saving Screenshots or Not Working on Windows
Snipping Tool crashes, won't save screenshots, shows blank captures, or recording not working? Fix Snipping Tool and screenshot issues on Windows 11.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix Microsoft Store Not Working →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Snipping Tool opens but closes immediately when taking a screenshot
- •Screenshot captured but "Save" produces an error or blank file
- •Snipping Tool shows "This app can't open" error
- •Screen recording in Snipping Tool not working
- •Snipping Tool shortcut (Win+Shift+S) does nothing
- •Screenshots save as 0 KB blank files
Common Causes
- ⚠Snipping Tool app package corrupted after update
- ⚠Focus Assist / Do Not Disturb blocking the snipping overlay
- ⚠Snipping Tool app data cache corrupted
- ⚠Conflicting screenshot software (ShareX, Greenshot, etc.)
- ⚠Graphics driver incompatibility with screen capture API
- ⚠Missing or corrupted app package after Windows Update
Solutions
Solution 1: Reset Snipping Tool
- 1Settings → Apps → Installed apps → search "Snipping Tool"
- 2Click the three dots → Advanced options
- 3Try "Repair" first — if that doesn't work:
- 4Click "Reset" — this clears all app data
- 5Try using Snipping Tool again
- 6If still broken: uninstall and reinstall from Microsoft Store
- 7Search "Snipping Tool" in Store → install
Solution 2: Fix Win+Shift+S Shortcut
- 1If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work:
- 2Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → check "Use the Print screen key to open Snipping Tool"
- 3Check if another app is capturing the shortcut (ShareX, Lightshot, etc.)
- 4Disable or close conflicting screenshot tools
- 5Turn off Focus Assist: Settings → System → Focus → turn it off
- 6Focus Assist can block the snipping overlay from appearing
- 7Try: Win+Shift+S — if a small toolbar appears at the top, it's working
Solution 3: Re-Register Snipping Tool
- 1If Snipping Tool won't open at all:
- 2PowerShell as Admin:
- 3Get-AppxPackage *ScreenSketch* | Remove-AppxPackage
- 4Then reinstall: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *ScreenSketch* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml"}
- 5Or install fresh from Microsoft Store
- 6Alternative: use Print Screen key → image goes to clipboard
- 7Paste into Paint or any image editor to save
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