How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows?

When trying to use the Snipping Tool on Windows, many users find themselves facing unexpected glitches such as —a blank screen, an unresponsive interface, or the app just refusing to open.

These problems can be caused by things like software conflicts, outdated drivers, or even corrupted files.

Let’s discuss some practical steps to help you resolve these issues and restore this useful feature to its full glory. After all, we all know that a screenshot is worth a thousand words… unless it’s just a blank page!

Method 1: Relaunch the Snipping Tool

Relaunching the Snipping Tool clears any temporary glitches affecting its performance. This method refreshes the application’s state, allowing it to start anew without lingering issues from previous sessions. By closing and reopening the tool, you can eliminate minor bugs that may have caused it to freeze or display a blank screen.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
   
2. In the Processes tab, find Snipping Tool.
3. Right-click on it and select End task.
   
4. Type Snipping Tool in the Windows search bar and click on it to relaunch.
   

Check if this resolves the issue.

Method 2: Update Your Graphics Driver

Updating your graphics driver ensures compatibility with the latest software updates and features of Windows. A current driver can enhance performance and stability, particularly for applications that rely heavily on graphical rendering, such as screenshot tools. This fix helps prevent graphical glitches that could interfere with capturing images.

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
   
2. Double-click on Display adapters to expand it.
3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
   
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow any prompts to install updates.
   
5. After updating, restart your PC and check if the Snipping Tool works.

Method 3: Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool

Repairing the Snipping Tool restores its default settings without losing user data, while resetting removes any custom configurations that might be causing issues. This method is effective because it addresses potential corruption within the app itself, allowing it to function correctly again by restoring its original state.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Apps > Installed Apps, then scroll down or search to find Snipping Tool.
3. Click on it, then select Advanced options.
   
4. Click on Repair, and if that doesn’t work, click on Reset.
   

Method 4: Checking Snipping Tool Permissions (Windows 10 Only)

By ensuring that the Snipping Tool has the necessary permissions to run in the background, you enable it to function without interruptions from system restrictions. This fix is crucial because applications often require specific permissions to access system resources effectively; without them, they may not operate as intended.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Privacy & security, then click on Background apps.
3. Ensure that background app permissions are enabled for Snipping Tool.

Method 5: Run System File Checker (SFC)

Running SFC scans for corrupted files and attempts to repair them automatically. This method is effective because corrupted system files can disrupt application functionality; by repairing these files, you restore stability and ensure that all components required by the Snipping Tool are intact and functional.

1. Type cmd in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
   
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will scan for and attempt to repair corrupted files.
   
3. Once completed, restart your computer and check if the tool works.

Method 6: Use DISM Tool

The DISM tool repairs Windows images and resolves issues that may not be detected by SFC alone. This method is particularly effective for addressing more complex problems within the operating system that could affect application performance, including the Snipping Tool.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (as described above).
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. This process may take some time; once done, restart your PC.

Method 7: Disable Conflicting Software

Some third-party applications can interfere with the Snipping Tool. By closing these applications in Task Manager, you can eliminate any conflicts. If a specific app is causing problems, uninstalling it temporarily can help you see if that fixes the Snipping Tool.

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Look for any non-essential processes that might conflict with Snipping Tool (like screen recorders) and end them.
3. If you suspect a specific application is causing issues, consider uninstalling it temporarily to see if that resolves the problem.

Method 8: Check Date and Time Settings

The Snipping Tool relies on digital certificates for security and functionality. These certificates validate the app’s authenticity and ensure it operates correctly. If the date and time settings on your computer are incorrect, it can lead to certificate validation failures, causing the Snipping Tool to malfunction.

By manually changing the date and time temporarily, you can reset any problems related to these settings. After a few minutes, switching back to automatic settings can help the Snipping Tool function properly again.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Time & Language > Date & Time.
3. Turn Off Automatic Time Setting Temporarily and set it manually for a moment (e.g., set a date like October 3, 2024).
4. After a few minutes, revert back to automatic settings and check if the Snipping Tool is functioning again.

Method 9: Graphics Settings Adjustment (Windows 11)

Adjusting graphics settings allocates more resources specifically for the Snipping Tool’s operation, which can enhance its performance significantly during use. This method ensures that your system prioritizes resources effectively for applications requiring high graphical fidelity or responsiveness.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Select Display from the left sidebar.
   
4. Scroll down and click on Graphics.
   
5. Change ‘Add an app’ to ‘Microsoft Store app’, this allows you to select apps installed from the Microsoft Store.
   
6. Click Browse to open a file explorer window.
7. In the explorer, select Snipping Tool. After selecting it, the app will appear in the app list—look for it there.
   
8. Next, click Options to open the performance settings window.
   
9. Choose High Performance to ensure your system allocates more resources to the Snipping Tool.
   
10. Finally, click Save to apply your changes.

Method 10: Enable Clipboard History

Enabling clipboard history allows you to manage copied items more effectively, which can sometimes enhance how applications like Snipping Tool interact with your clipboard data.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
2. In Settings, click on System.
3. In the sidebar, select Clipboard.

4. Toggle the switch next to Clipboard history to turn it on.

Method 11: Reinstall Snipping Tool

Reinstalling ensures that you have a fresh version of the application without any lingering issues from previous installations or updates that may have caused problems initially. This method effectively resets everything related to the app itself, providing a clean slate for functionality restoration.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Snipping Tool in the list and click on it.
3. Select Uninstall from the three-dot menu next to it.
   
4. Go to Microsoft Store and reinstall Snipping Tool from there.

If you follow these steps carefully, you should be able to fix any problems with your Snipping Tool not working well on Windows 10 or 11. If one method doesn’t work, feel free to try the next one until you find a solution that works for you!