Fix: After Windows 11 Update, Snipping Tool Not Working

Microsoft has been released the next-gen Windows 11 OS in the last month of October 2021 and plenty of Win10 users are already upgraded to Win11 recently. It brings tons of new features, system improvements, a major visual enhancement than the Win10 OS. Now, the Win11 OS looks more dynamic, colorful, and close to macOS in some scenarios. But somehow users are reporting that after Windows 11 update, the Snipping Tool is not working.

It’s quite frustrating for Windows 11 users because the Snipping Tool works as a screenshot tool that can be used on the PC anywhere and anytime. However, Microsoft did mention that affected users can use Print Screen Tool on their keyboard and paste the captured screenshot directly on the document wherever they want. But that didn’t come in handy to most users who want it to use in several ways.

As one of the Microsoft Windows applications or programs (default), the chances are quite high that somehow the Snipping Tool doesn’t load properly or can’t open in some cases. Meanwhile, several reports are also coming out that the Snipping Tool isn’t working for some affected Windows 11 users which is another major issue apart from crashing or glitches. So, if you’re also one of the victims then make sure to follow this troubleshooting guide completely.

Fix: After Windows 11 Update, Snipping Tool Not Working

It seems that an expired digital certificate has been expired recently on Windows 11 that eventually causing such an issue related to the Snipping Tool. It’s worth mentioning that Microsoft is aware of this issue and has already offered an official fix (update) for it. According to the reports on Microsoft’s Community Forums, pressing the Windows + Shift + S keys doesn’t open the Snipping Tool on Windows 11 which is a major issue or bug.

It basically throws out an error notice “This app can’t open. A problem with Windows is preventing Screen Snipping from opening. Refreshing your PC might help fix it.” This particular issue is happening after upgrading to Windows 11, according to plenty of users. Even though the system is up-to-date, apps are up-to-date, tried running the troubleshooter, resetting/repairing/reinstalling the Snipping Tool app didn’t come in handy in most scenarios.

1. Install the Markup Hero App

We found a possible workaround for such an issue on Microsoft’s Community Forum. As per the best answer found on the forum, it seems that manually installing the Markup Hero app on the Windows 11 computer has fixed the Snipping Tool not working issue for some users.

• Just install the Markup Hero app (free version) on the PC.
• Then install its screenshot app > Next, try using the Snipping Tool again to check whether it’s working or not.

2. Check for Windows 11 Updates [KB5008295]

As we’ve mentioned above, Microsoft did quickly update the Windows 11 Health Dashboard website that basically explains the problem with the Microsoft Digital Certificate, which has been expired on October 31, 2021. This issue isn’t only affecting the Snipping Tool app but also some other elements such as Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, Emoji Panel, Input Method Editor User Interface (IME UI), Get started app, Tips app, etc.

According to Microsoft, the particular problem has already been addressed by pushing out the KB5008295-November 5, 2021 patch update to the Windows 11 users. So, if in case, you haven’t updated your Windows 11 OS to its latest build or didn’t install the latest patch update yet, then make sure to follow the steps below:

• Head over to the Windows Settings menu (Win+I keys) > Click on Windows Update.
• Click on the Check for updates button > Click on Download and Install the KB5008295 update.
• Wait for the downloading and installing process to be completed.
• Finally, reboot the PC to apply changes.

However, if updating the system didn’t work for you, then try following some other possible workarounds mentioned below.

3. Allow Background Apps Permissions

Make sure to allow the background running apps permissions on your Windows 11 computer to check whether the Snipping Tool not working issue has been fixed or not. To do this:

• Click on the Start Menu button > Go to Windows Settings (or press Win + I keys).
• Click on the Apps section from the left pane.
• Go to Apps & features > Scroll down and find out Snipping Tool.
• Click on the three-dots icon menu > Click on Advanced options.
• Click on ‘Always’ under the Background App Permissions setting.
• Finally, restart your PC or laptop to apply changes.

4. Restart the Snipping Tool

Try restarting the Snipping Tool on your Windows 11 computer to check if the problem has been fixed or not. To do that:

• Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Windows 11 Task Manager.
• Now, click on the Processes tab > Search for the Snipping Tool task from the list.
• Right-click on the Snipping Tool task > Click on the ‘End task’ option.
• Once the task has been closed, make sure to reboot your PC, and try loading the Snipping Tool app again.

5. Repair or Reset the app

Try repairing or performing a factory reset of the Snipping Tool app directly from the Windows Settings menu. To do this:

• Click on the Windows Start menu > Type Snipping Tool and search for it.
• Next, right-click on the Snipping Tool from the search result.
• Select App settings > Click on Repair and follow the on-screen prompts to check whether the problem has been fixed or not.

Note: Repairing the app won’t gonna delete your personal data or settings.

• If the repairing process doesn’t work for you, then try resetting the Snipping Tool app by clicking on the Reset option on the same page. [Just under the Repair option]
• This process will delete the Snipping Tool data or settings. But that won’t gonna affect you.
• Once done, make sure to reboot the PC to apply changes.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was useful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.