How to Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working in Windows 11

The Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut is used to open the Snipping Tool overlay in Windows 11. It allows users to quickly capture screenshots by selecting a portion of the screen, a window, or the entire display. The screenshot is then copied to the clipboard so it can be pasted into apps such as Paint, Word, or messaging platforms.

However, some users may encounter an issue where Windows + Shift + S stops working, the snipping overlay does not appear, or screenshots fail to copy to the clipboard. This problem can occur due to disabled notifications, Snipping Tool issues, corrupted system files, or temporary Windows glitches.

If Windows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 11, follow the troubleshooting methods below.

How to Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working in Windows 11

Work through the following solutions in order until the screenshot shortcut works again.

1. Restart Your Computer

Temporary system glitches can sometimes prevent keyboard shortcuts from working properly.

1. Close all open applications.
2. Press Windows + X.
3. Select Shut down or sign out > Restart.
4. After the system restarts, try pressing Windows + Shift + S again.

Restarting Windows refreshes system processes that may affect the Snipping Tool.

2. Enable Snipping Tool Notifications

The screenshot overlay may not appear if notifications are disabled.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Notifications.
3. Locate Snipping Tool in the app list.
4. Ensure notifications are enabled.

Notifications allow the screenshot interface to appear properly.

3. Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer can restore system shortcuts.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer in the process list.
3. Right-click Windows Explorer.
4. Select Restart.

The taskbar and desktop will briefly refresh.

4. Reset the Snipping Tool App

Resetting the app may fix configuration issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Locate Snipping Tool.
4. Click the three-dot menu and select Advanced options.
5. Click Reset.

After resetting the app, try using the shortcut again.

5. Update the Snipping Tool

An outdated version of the Snipping Tool may cause problems.

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library.
3. Select Get updates.
4. Install updates for Snipping Tool.

Updating the app ensures compatibility with Windows 11.

6. Check Clipboard History Settings

Screenshots taken with the shortcut are copied to the clipboard.

1. Press Windows + I.
2. Go to System > Clipboard.
3. Turn on Clipboard history.

This ensures screenshots are properly stored.

7. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files may cause shortcut problems.

1. Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Enter the command: sfc /scannow
4. Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.
5. Restart your PC.

Windows will repair damaged system files automatically.

8. Run DISM Repair Tool

If the SFC scan does not resolve the issue:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run the command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for the process to finish.
4. Restart your computer.

This repairs deeper Windows image corruption.

Conclusion

If Windows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 11, the issue is usually caused by Snipping Tool configuration problems, disabled notifications, outdated apps, or corrupted system files. In many cases, restarting Windows Explorer or resetting the Snipping Tool resolves the problem quickly.

By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to restore the screenshot shortcut and continue capturing screenshots easily in Windows 11.