Top 9 Solutions for Snip and Sketch Not Working in Windows 11

Snip & Sketch, the popular screenshot tool, received a significant update with the release of Windows 11. However, it can be frustrating when the app stops working. In this article, we will explore nine effective solutions to fix Snip & Sketch not working on Windows 11.

1. Update Windows

Windows 11 is still in its early stages, and bugs are expected. Updating your operating system can resolve any compatibility issues that may be causing Snip & Sketch to malfunction. To update Windows, simply go to the Settings menu (Windows + I keys), navigate to Windows Update, and click on Check for updates.

2. Check Date and Time

Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes interfere with default apps like Snip & Sketch. Ensure that your Windows 11 PC is displaying the correct time and date by checking the bottom right corner of the taskbar. You can also make adjustments in the Settings menu:

1. Open Windows Settings and go to the Time & language menu.
2. Select Date & time.
3. Enable Set time automatically and verify that the correct time zone is displayed.

3. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Snip & Sketch is distributed through the Microsoft Store on Windows. Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter can help identify and resolve any issues with the app.

1. Navigate to Windows Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Other Troubleshooters.
3. Scroll down to Windows Store Apps and run the troubleshooter.

After running the troubleshooter, try using Snip & Sketch again.

4. Close Snip & Sketch from Task Manager

If Snip & Sketch becomes unresponsive, you can force close the app using the Task Manager. This method can resolve issues with various unresponsive apps on Windows 11.

1. Right-click on the Windows key and open Task Manager.
2. Find Snipping Tool from the list and click on it.
3. Click the End Task button to close Snip & Sketch.

5. Disable Focus Assist

Focus Assist is Windows 11's version of Do Not Disturb mode. If your PC is in Focus Assist mode, you may not receive notifications from Snip & Sketch. To disable Focus Assist, click on the volume or Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and turn off Focus Assist.

If you still prefer using Snipping Tool in a quiet environment, you can exclude it from Focus Assist. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Windows Settings and open the System menu.
2. Select Focus assist.
3. Click on Priority only to allow Snipping Tool notifications during Focus assist.

6. Repair Snipping Tool

If you continue to experience issues with Snip & Sketch, you can try repairing the app from the Windows Settings menu.

1. Launch Windows 11 Settings app and go to the Apps menu.
2. Select Apps & features.
3. Scroll down to Snipping Tool.
4. Click on the three-dot menu and open Advanced options.
5. Select Repair and let Windows handle the issue.

7. Allow Snipping Tool to Run in Background

Snipping Tool needs to run in the background for Snip & Sketch to function properly. By default, Snipping Tool is power-optimized, but you can set it to always run in the background.

1. Open the Windows Settings menu and go to Apps > Apps & features.
2. Select Advanced options and find Background apps permissions.
3. Click on the drop-down menu and select Always.

8. Reinstall Snipping Tool

If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling Snipping Tool might resolve the issue. Since Snipping Tool is available on the Microsoft Store, you can easily remove and download it again.

1. Navigate to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Snipping Tool and click on the three-dot menu.
3. Choose Uninstall.
4. Confirm the uninstallation and then open Microsoft Store to download Snipping Tool again.

9. Run a System Scan

If you suspect that your PC may have been infected with malicious files, running a System File Checker scan can help repair any corrupted system files.

1. Right-click on the Windows key and open the Windows Terminal menu.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and hit enter.

Once the scan is complete, try using Snipping Tool again.

Consider Snipping Tool Alternatives

If you're looking for alternative screenshot tools, the Windows ecosystem offers several options. One such app is ShareX, a free and open-source tool that offers a wide range of screenshot capabilities, including screen recording, text capture, QR code scanning, and file copying. You can download ShareX from the official website.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can fix Snip & Sketch not working on Windows 11. Remember to keep your Windows 11 updated, check date and time settings, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, and consider alternative screenshot tools if necessary.