Snipping Tool is a popular application that allows you to capture a screenshot of your desktop or any active window. However, at times, it may stop working, and you may not be able to use it effectively. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to capture screenshots for work or personal use. In this article, we will explore some common reasons why Snipping Tool may not be working on Windows and provide solutions to fix the issue.
The Snipping Tool is a simple yet powerful utility program available on all versions of Windows that allows users to capture screenshots in various shapes and sizes. This tool has been around since Windows Vista and is still included in Windows 10.
What is the Snipping Tool?
The Snipping Tool is a built-in utility program that allows users to capture screenshots in various shapes and sizes. It enables users to take screenshots of a specific area of the screen or an entire window. Users can also capture free-form shapes or even the entire screen. Once a screenshot is taken, it can be saved in various file formats like PNG, GIF, JPEG, and HTML.
Also, See:
How to Use the Snipping Tool
Using the Snipping Tool is straightforward. First, you need to launch the Snipping Tool application. You can do this by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Start Menu search bar or by pressing the Windows key + Shift + S. Once the application is launched, select the type of snip you want to take, such as a rectangular snip, free-form snip, or full-screen snip.
After selecting the type of snip, click and drag the cursor over the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the Snipping Tool will save the captured image in a new window. From here, you can save the image in various file formats, annotate it with different tools, or send it to someone via email.
Features of the Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool has several useful features that make it a popular choice for taking screenshots. One of the best features of the Snipping Tool is its ability to capture screenshots in various shapes and sizes. Users can select the type of snip they want to take, such as rectangular, free-form, or full-screen, making it easy to capture exactly what they need.
Another useful feature of the Snipping Tool is its ability to annotate captured images. Once an image is captured, users can use different tools like a pen or highlighter to add annotations or draw attention to specific areas. This feature is especially useful for creating tutorials or sharing information with others.
The Snipping Tool also allows users to save screenshots in various file formats, including PNG, GIF, JPEG, and HTML. This makes it easy to share captured images with others, whether it is via email or social media.
Why the Snipping Tool is So Useful
The Snipping Tool is a powerful utility program that has several advantages over other screenshot tools. One of the biggest advantages is that it is a built-in tool available on all versions of Windows. This means that users do not have to install any third-party software to take screenshots.
Another advantage of the Snipping Tool is its ability to capture screenshots in various shapes and sizes. This makes it easy to capture exactly what you need, whether it is a specific area of the screen or an entire window. Additionally, the ability to annotate captured images makes it a popular choice for creating tutorials or sharing information with others.
Why is Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows?
Before we dive into the solutions, let's first take a look at some of the reasons why Snipping Tool may not be working on Windows.
- Snipping Tool is not enabled: If Snipping Tool is not enabled on your Windows computer, you will not be able to use it. This is a common reason why the tool may not be working.
- Corrupt system files: If the system files that are required for Snipping Tool to work properly are corrupt, you may experience issues when trying to use the tool.
- Outdated Windows version: If you are using an outdated version of Windows, Snipping Tool may not work correctly.
- Third-party software conflict: Sometimes, third-party software installed on your computer may interfere with the operation of Snipping Tool.
How to Fix Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows
Now that we understand some of the reasons why Snipping Tool may not be working on Windows, let's take a look at some solutions to fix the issue.
Solution 1: Enable Snipping Tool
The first step to fixing Snipping Tool not working is to ensure that it is enabled on your computer. Here are the steps to enable Snipping Tool:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type “appwiz.cpl” in the box and press Enter.
- In the Programs and Features window, click on Turn Windows features on or off.
- Scroll down the list and locate Tablet PC Components.
- Click on the + sign next to Tablet PC Components to expand it.
- Locate the checkbox next to Snipping Tool and ensure that it is checked.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Once you have enabled Snipping Tool, restart your computer and try using the tool again to see if the issue is resolved.
Solution 2: Check for Corrupt System Files
If Snipping Tool is still not working, the next step is to check for corrupt system files. Here are the steps to check for corrupt system files:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
- In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
- If any corrupt system files are found, the scan will attempt to repair them automatically.
- Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and try using Snipping Tool again.
Solution 3: Update Windows
If Snipping Tool is still not working, it may be due to an outdated version of Windows. Here are the steps to update Windows:
- Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Check for Updates.
- If updates are available, click on Download and Install.
- Wait for the updates to download and install.
- Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and try using Snipping Tool again.
Solution 4: Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts
If you have recently installed any third-party software on your computer, it may conflict with Snipping Tool. Here are the steps to check for third-party software conflicts:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type ““msconfig” in the box and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, click on the Services tab.
- Check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
- Look for any third-party software services that may conflict with Snipping Tool.
- Once you have identified the software, uncheck the box next to it.
- Click on Apply and then click on OK.
- Restart your computer and try using Snipping Tool again.
If none of the above solutions works, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows or contacting a professional for further assistance.
Conclusion
The Snipping Tool is a simple yet powerful utility program that allows users to capture screenshots in various shapes and sizes. Its ability to annotate captured images and save them in different file formats makes it a popular choice for creating tutorials or sharing information with others. With its built-in functionality, the Snipping Tool is a convenient and easy-to-use tool for taking screenshots on Windows. However, it may stop working for various reasons.
In this article, we explored some of the common reasons why Snipping Tool may not be working on Windows and provided solutions to fix the issue. By following these solutions, you should be able to get Snipping Tool working again and capture screenshots without any issues.
- How to Fix KB5034441 Update Not Installing on Windows 10 - January 18, 2024
- How to Fix 0x80070643 Error on Windows 10 - January 18, 2024
- Comparing Used Car Loans: Finding The Best Rates And Terms - January 18, 2024