How to Fix Screen Recording in Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows 11

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 includes a built-in screen recording feature that allows users to capture video clips without installing third-party software. This feature is useful for creating tutorials, recording app demonstrations, or capturing on-screen activity quickly. However, some users encounter issues where screen recording does not start, crashes midway, fails to save, or the record button is missing entirely.

Screen recording in Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11 is typically caused by outdated app versions, disabled permissions, graphics driver issues, corrupted app data, or system-level conflicts. Since the feature relies on both the Snipping Tool app and system graphics components, resolving the issue requires checking both areas.

This guide explains how to fix screen recording in Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11 using structured troubleshooting steps.

How to Fix Screen Recording in Snipping Tool Not Working on Windows 11

Follow the solutions below in order until the screen recording feature works properly.

1. Update Snipping Tool from Microsoft Store

Outdated versions may not support screen recording properly.

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library in the bottom-left corner.
3. Select Get updates.
4. Update Snipping Tool if an update is available.
5. Restart your computer after updating.

Using the latest version ensures full feature support.

2. Check Windows Version

Screen recording in Snipping Tool requires a recent Windows 11 build.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type winver and press Enter.
3. Verify that your system is running a supported Windows 11 version.
4. If outdated, press Windows + I, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates.

Install all available updates and restart your PC.

3. Repair or Reset Snipping Tool

Corrupted app data may prevent recording.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Apps, then select Installed apps.
3. Locate Snipping Tool.
4. Click the three-dot menu and select Advanced options.
5. Click Repair first.
6. If the issue persists, click Reset.
7. Restart your computer and test screen recording again.

Resetting restores default configuration.

4. Check Microphone Permissions (If Audio Fails)

If video records but audio does not:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Privacy & security.
3. Select Microphone.
4. Ensure Microphone access is turned On.
5. Enable access for desktop apps if required.

Microphone permissions are necessary for audio capture.

5. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated GPU drivers may prevent recording from starting.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your graphics card.
4. Select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
6. Restart your PC after updating.

Updated drivers improve compatibility with screen recording features.

6. Close Conflicting Screen Recording Applications

Other recording software may interfere with Snipping Tool.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for apps such as OBS Studio or other screen capture tools.
3. Select them and click End task.
4. Relaunch Snipping Tool and test recording again.

Only one screen capture tool should run at a time.

7. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files may affect built-in apps.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. Restart your computer.

SFC repairs damaged Windows components.

8. Run DISM to Repair System Image

If SFC does not resolve the issue:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for completion.
4. Restart your PC.

DISM repairs deeper system corruption.

9. Reinstall Snipping Tool

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling may fix missing components.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Apps, then select Installed apps.
3. Locate Snipping Tool and click Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Open Microsoft Store and reinstall Snipping Tool.

Reinstallation replaces corrupted files.

Conclusion

Screen recording in Snipping Tool not working on Windows 11 is typically caused by outdated app versions, unsupported Windows builds, corrupted app data, graphics driver issues, conflicting screen recording software, or system file corruption. By updating the app, repairing or resetting it, updating drivers, running system diagnostics, and reinstalling if necessary, you can restore the screen recording feature.