How to Resolve Snip and Sketch Issues in Windows 11

With the Windows 11 release, Snip & Sketch received a major makeover. The programme now features a redesigned user interface and improved image annotation functionality. But it's all for naught if the software doesn't work in the first place. Here's how to get Snip & Sketch working again in Windows 11.

Snip & Sketch Doesn't Work on Windows 11?

The Skip & Sketch software was launched using the keyboard shortcut Windows + Shift + S, but the OS did not open the tool to take a screenshot. So, what's next? Follow the steps in the troubleshooting guide below.

1. Make a Windows update

Windows 11 is still in its early stages, and Microsoft is still working out the kinks. Perhaps a Windows problem is stopping the OS from correctly opening Snip & Sketch.

Go to Windows Update from the Windows 11 Settings menu (Windows + I keys - remember this keyboard shortcut, we'll use it a lot throughout the post). Check for updates and install the most recent operating system on your PC by clicking Check for updates.

2. Verify the date and time.

On your Windows 11 PC, incorrect time and date settings can cause problems with default apps. Examine the task manager's bottom right corner to determine if it's showing the correct time and date. Changes can also be made from the Settings menu.

1. Go to the Time & Language menu in Windows Settings.

2. Choose a date and time.

3. Enable Set time automatically and double-check that the Time Zone is set correctly.

3. Use the Troubleshooter for Windows Store Apps.

The Snip & Sketch app is available for Windows through the Microsoft Store. To resolve the Snip & Sketch issue, use the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

1. Go to the Troubleshoot menu in Windows Settings > System.

2. Select Other Troubleshooters from the drop-down menu.

3. Go to Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter from there.

You can use the Snip & Sketch tool after Microsoft has finished running the troubleshooter tool.

4. Exit Task Manager and close Snip & Sketch.

On Windows 11, this approach works with the majority of unresponsive programmes. You can try again by using the Task Manager to totally close all Snip & Sketch processes.

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on the Windows key.

2. Select Snipping Tool from the drop-down menu and click it.

3. Click the Finish Task button, and you're ready to use Snip & Sketch once more.

5. Turn off Focus Assist

Windows 11's version of Do Not Disturb is called Focus Assist. Snip & Sketch is already running on your PC, but due to Focus Assist, you won't receive a notification about the screenshot.

Disable Focus Assist by clicking the volume or Wi-Fi icon in the Windows 11 taskbar.

You can exclude the Snipping Tool app from Focus Assist if you insist on using it in a quiet setting. Here's how to do it.

1. Open the System menu in Windows Settings.

2. Select the Focus Assist option.

3. Select Priority only, and Snipping Tool will deliver messages during Focus assist.

6. Snipping Tool Repair

If the Snip & Sketch software is still giving you problems, you can try fixing it from the Windows Settings menu. Here's how to do it.

1. Go to the Apps menu in the Windows 11 Settings app.

2. Choose your apps and features.

3. Select Snipping Tool from the drop-down menu.

4. Select Advanced settings from the three-dot menu.

5. Choose Repair and let Windows take care of the problem.

7. Make the Snipping Tool run in the background.

When you press the Windows + Shift + S keys, Snipping Tool runs in the background, allowing Snip & Sketch to function. Snipping Tool is Power optimised by default, but you may change that to Always to keep it running in the background.

Go to the Apps > Apps & Features menu in the Windows Settings menu. Select Advanced settings and look for Permissions for Background Apps.

Always should be selected from the drop-down option. Although the motion consumes more power, Snip & Sketch is no longer an issue.

8.Snipping Tool should be reinstalled.

Because the Snipping Tool is available on the Microsoft Store, you can uninstall it and reinstall it to resolve issues.

Snipping Tool may be found in Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. Uninstall can be found in the three-dot menu.

Confirm your choice and delete it from your computer. To integrate Snipping Tool with the OS, go to the Microsoft Store and download it.

9. Perform a system scan

Do you have a bad habit of downloading apps and files from untrustworthy websites? You may have infected your computer with fraudulent and malicious files, which can cause problems with basic OS features like Snip & Sketch.

Run a System File Checker scan on your computer.

1. Open the Windows Terminal menu by right-clicking on the Windows key.

2. Enter sfc /scannow into the command prompt.

After the scan is finished, try using the Snipping tool once more.

Alternative to Snipping Tool

In several aspects, the Snipping tool is restricted. To record areas of the screen, the Windows ecosystem is brimming with capable screenshot tools. ShareX is one such software. It's a free and open-source alternative to Windows 11's Snipping Tool.

You may transfer files to the clipboard, capture screen, record screen, capture text, scan QR codes, and even capture screen. Take a look at the download link below and give it a shot.

Install Snip & Sketch on Windows 11 and get it up and running.

To fix issues with Snip & Sketch on Windows 11, you may also use the Group Policy Editor. However, for the average user, we don't recommend tinkering with Group Policy Editor settings because a single incorrect modification might cause problems with essential OS functionality. The procedures outlined above should suffice to resolve the Snip & Sketch not working issue on Windows 11.