If the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is crashing, not opening, or not responding, it can be frustrating since this tool is commonly used for taking screenshots. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix the issue.
Below is a detailed guide on how to resolve Snipping Tool crashes or failure to open:
🔧 Step-by-Step Fix: Snipping Tool Not Opening or Crashing in Windows 11
✅ 1. Restart Snipping Tool and Your PC
Sometimes, a simple restart of the app or your computer can resolve temporary glitches.
- Close Snipping Tool completely (via Task Manager if necessary).
- Restart your PC and try opening Snipping Tool again.
✅ 2. Run Snipping Tool as Administrator
Running with elevated permissions can help avoid permission-related issues.
- Press
Win + S, type Snipping Tool, right-click it, and select Run as administrator. - If it works now, consider creating a shortcut that always runs it as admin.
✅ 3. Reinstall Snipping Tool via Microsoft Store
The Snipping Tool was replaced by Snip & Sketch in recent Windows versions but has returned in Windows 11 as a Microsoft Store app. If it’s broken, reinstalling may help.
Steps:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Scroll down and search for Snipping Tool.
- Click the three dots (⋯) next to it > Uninstall.
- After uninstalling, go to the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Snipping Tool, then click Get to reinstall it.
💡 Tip: You can also use PowerShell to reinstall:
Add-AppxPackage -Register $Env:SystemRoot\SystemApps\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AppxManifest.xml✅ 4. Reset Snipping Tool via Settings
Resetting the app often resolves internal errors.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Snipping Tool.
- Click on it, then go to Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset under the “Reset” section.
✅ 5. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases bug fixes through updates.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any pending updates and restart your PC.
✅ 6. Use PowerShell to Repair System Files
Corrupted system files might cause Snipping Tool to crash.
Run these commands in an Administrator PowerShell window:
sfc /scannowDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthThese commands will scan and repair corrupted system files that could affect Snipping Tool.
✅ 7. Clear App Cache
Cached data might be corrupting the Snipping Tool behavior.
- Press
Win + R, type:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.ScreenSketch_8wekyb3d8bbwe- Delete everything inside the folder (you can move files to Recycle Bin just in case).
✅ 8. Use Alternative Tools Temporarily
If Snipping Tool still doesn’t work, try using alternatives until you fix the issue:
- Keyboard Shortcut:
Win + Shift + Sopens Snip & Sketch. - Use Print Screen Key (
PrtScn) and paste into Paint or Word. - Try third-party tools like Greenshot, Lightshot, or ShareX.
✅ 9. Check for Conflicting Software
Third-party screenshot tools or screen recorders may interfere with Snipping Tool.
- Temporarily disable or uninstall other screenshot/screen recording software.
- Test Snipping Tool again after disabling/removing them.
✅ 10. Create a New User Profile
User profile corruption can sometimes cause apps to crash.
- Create a new user account in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Log in to the new account and test Snipping Tool there.
🧪 Summary Table: Fixes for Snipping Tool Not Working
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Restart PC/App | Fixes temporary glitches |
| Run as Admin | Bypasses permission issues |
| Reinstall via Store | Replaces corrupted installation |
| Reset App | Clears local app data |
| Windows Update | Installs bug fixes |
| SFC/DISM | Repairs system file corruption |
| Clear App Cache | Removes corrupt cached data |
| Disable Conflicting Software | Eliminates interference |
| New User Profile | Tests with a fresh environment |
📝 Final Notes
- The new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is actually based on Snip & Sketch, so some bugs may still exist in early builds.
- If you’re on a Windows Insider build, consider reporting the issue via Feedback Hub.
- Always ensure your Windows version is up to date to get the latest improvements.
If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting Windows 11 (as a last resort) or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
Let me know if you’d like a script to automate any of these repairs!