Fix: Windows+Shift+S Not Working in Windows 10/11

It is incredibly useful to be able to take screenshots in Windows 10 and 11 using the Windows+Shift+S shortcut. This allows users to quickly capture parts of their screens with Snipping Tool and Snipping Tool.

Sometimes, this shortcut may not function properly, leaving users frustrated. That’s the reason why we are here.

In this article, we will help you resolve the Windows+Shift+S not working issue. So, let’s get started with the guide.

What are the common reasons why Windows+Shift+S is not working?

It is possible for the Windows Shift S shortcut to stop working for a number of reasons, including:

1. Disabled Snipping Tool or Snipping Tool: You may have uninstalled or disabled the application.
2. Keyboard Issues: Hardware or software issues with the keyboard.
3. Conflicting Applications: There is a possibility that other applications will interfere with the shortcut.
4. System Updates: Conflicts may have occurred after recent Windows updates.
5. Corrupted System Files: Shortcuts may not function properly if system files are corrupted or missing.

How to Fix if Windows+Shift+S Not Working in Windows?

So, here are some fixes that will help you resolve if Windows+Shift+S is not working on a Windows PC:

Fix 1: Check Keyboard Hardware

The first thing you should do before diving into software solutions is to ensure that your keyboard is functioning properly. There are times when the issue is with the hardware itself, not the operating system.

• Test the Keyboard: Find out if any other shortcuts that use the Shift key work. You may need to replace your keyboard if other shortcuts fail as well.
• Physical Inspection: Ensure that there are no physical damages or debris under the keys.
• Connect a Different Keyboard: To test whether the problem persists, connect another keyboard.

Fix 2: Reset Snipping Tool

Windows 11 introduces the successor to the Snipping Tool, called Snipping Tool. If Win+Shift+S in Windows isn’t working, you can also try resetting the Snipping Tool.

• To access Windows Settings, click Start > Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed Apps. In the right window, click Snipping Tool and then Advanced Options.

• To reset the Snipping Tool, click Reset in the pop-up window.

Fix 3: Turn On Clipboard History

Your clipboard automatically copies screenshots if you capture them. It is possible to view your screenshot by turning on the clipboard history.

1. For the “Windows Settings,” press “Windows + I.”
2. On the left side of the screen, click “System.”
3. On the left panel, click the “Clipboard” tab.

4. For the “Clipboard history” section, enable the slider.

Once the feature has been enabled, press Windows + Shift + S to access it. When you press Windows + V, the screenshot should appear on the clipboard.

Fix 4: Check for Conflicting Applications

It is possible for some applications to override or block the Shift S shortcut on Windows. For the purpose of identifying conflicts between applications and disabling them:

1. To open Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Select the Startup tab.
3. Restart your computer after you have disabled all non-essential applications.
4. You should check if the shortcut works. To identify which application is conflicting, enable them one by one.

Fix 5: Restart the Windows Explorer Process

It is a subset of File Explorer and is used to capture and sketch images. It is possible that the Windows + Shift + S shortcut will malfunction as well if this program malfunctions.

If so, you just need to restart Windows Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Initially, to launch the Task Manager, press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc.”
2. On the “Name” tab, scroll down until you find “Windows Explorer“.
3. For more information, right-click the name of the app, and the pop-up window will appear.
4. From the drop-down menu, select “Restart“.

Fix 6: Update Your Keyboard Driver

Despite the fact that the keyboard itself might not cause the problem, the keyboard’s drivers may. So, follow these steps to update your keyboard driver:

1. Initially, to open the Search bar, press “Windows + S.“
2. At the top of the page, type “Device Manager“.
3. On the search results page, click Device Manager.
4. You will need to double-click the “Keyboard” tab.
5. To update your driver, right-click your keyboard and select “Update driver.”

6. To complete the process, tap “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the instructions.

Fix 7: Turn On Snipping Tool Notifications (Windows 10 Users)

It’s possible that the shortcut is working, but you’re not seeing the results if you’ve turned off notifications for the Snipping Tool tool.

If you turn your notifications back on, you’ll be able to fix this issue quickly. In this case, the Windows + Shift + S shortcut will display a message in the bottom-right corner when you press it.

1. To open “Windows Settings,” press “Windows + I.”
2. Click on “System.”
3. On the left panel, click “Notifications & actions.”
4. Find the section that says, “Get notifications from these senders.”
5. In the list, you’ll find “Snipping Tool.”
6. Click on the slider next to its name to toggle it.

Fix 8: Reinstall the Snipping Tool

If the shortcut problem persists even after resetting the Snipping Tool tool. If this is the case, it’s time to take more drastic measures and eliminate it altogether.

I won’t keep you waiting long; we’ll get it back to you as soon as possible. Here are the steps you need to follow to uninstall the app from your PC:

1. For the Start menu, press the “Windows” key.
2. Go to “Snipping Tool.”
3. Then right-click on it and select “Uninstall.”

4. Confirm the action, and click “Uninstall” once more.

If you wish to reinstall Snipping Tool on your PC, click the download link in the Microsoft Store and follow the on-screen instructions. To verify that the method works, try taking a screenshot using the Windows + Shift + S shortcut.

Fix 9: Check for Windows Updates

It is a good idea to update Windows regularly in order to resolve any problems that you may encounter. If the snipping tool doesn’t seem to be working, check for system updates.

It is common for these to fix bugs and improve the performance of systems.

1. Using the “Windows + I” keys together, launch Windows Settings.
2. On the left panel, click the “Windows Update” tab.
3. Finally, at the top of the window, click “Check for updates.”

After the updates are installed, restart your computer. Verify that the shortcut works when it starts up again.

Fix 10: Perform a System Restore

The snipping tool can always be restored to its previous state if all else fails. To restore your system, follow these steps:

1. Initially, to open the Run command box, press “Windows + R” simultaneously.
2. In the command search box, type “rstrui“.

3. Click “OK.”
4. To complete the “System Restore” process, click “Next” in the “System Restore” window.

Restart your computer after the process has been completed. It might take some time for the restart to complete, so please be patient. It should be possible for you to use the snipping tool again after restarting the computer.

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the Windows+Shift+S not working issue on Windows 11. We hope that this guide has helped you. But, that’s not the end, you can comment below in case you have any doubts or queries.