One of the simplest ways to capture a screenshot on a Windows 10 or 11 computer is to use the Windows Key + Shift + S keyboard shortcut. The Snipping Tool can be used to capture screenshots using this shortcut. When this keyboard shortcut stops working, you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue or implement a workaround. Other keys and key combinations are available. Additionally, it’s possible that the Snipping Tool itself needs to be fixed. Fortunately, by following the steps below, you can fix Windows + Shift + S not working on your Windows Computer.
How to Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working Easily?
Keyboard Check
It’s possible that the keyboard itself is to blame if the shortcut isn’t working. First, ensure that it is plugged in correctly and that your computer can see it. You’re having trouble with your laptop’s keyboard. Plug in a spare keyboard to see if it works. If so, the problem is probably coming from the keyboard itself. Utilizing a wireless keyboard While performing the repair, abide by the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, check any wires for damage, ensure the keys are clean, and press down as needed.
Press the Print Screen key.
If you need a screenshot right away and don’t have time to troubleshoot, you can use a workaround. Press the Print Screen key to capture your whole desktop.
1 – It’s in the upper right corner of your keyboard and is usually called PrtSc, PrntScrn, or something similar.
2 – The image of your entire desktop is copied to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into an image editor like Paint or a word processor like Word. After that, you can change it however you like, send it by email, or save it for later.
How to Reset or Fix a Snipping Tool Easily?
If the Snipping tool isn’t working properly, you can reset or repair the app. This will assist in resolving problems with keyboard shortcuts similar to those described above. Well, on Windows 11, you can reset or repair the Snipping Tool.
1 – Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2 – Select Apps from the drop-down menu in the Settings window.
3 – Choose Installed apps on the right.
4 – Type “snipping tool” into the search bar at the top of the app.
5 – Click the icon with the three dots next to the Snipping Tool to access the Advanced options menu.
6 – Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair option.
7 – Check that Windows key + Shift + S works after the repair.
8 – Press the Reset button, then check to see if it works.
How To Quickly Enable Clipboard History To Fix Windows + Shift + S Not Working
Another thing you can do is make sure the clipboard history feature is turned on. You can save several text fragments to your clipboard using this function. It can also assist in resolving issues with keyboard shortcuts. To turn on Windows’ clipboard history.
1 – Go to Settings and select System from the menu.
2 – Select Clipboard from the drop-down menu.
3 – In the System > Clipboard section, switch the switch next to the Clipboard history option to the “On” position.
4 – Exit the Settings menu.
5 – If the clipboard history feature is working, take a few screenshots. To paste into a document or app like Paint, it should show a history of the images you capture.
Clean Boot PC
If the steps above don’t work, another thing to try is a clean computer boot. The Snipping tool on your computer may be hampered by other apps. A clean boot, for instance, will only load the bare minimum of starting apps and drivers. However, it gives users more control over services and apps than Windows in safe mode. If you’re running Windows 10, the clean boot procedure is the same.
Scan with DISM and SFC
Your keyboard shortcut may not be working because of a broken system file. The issue can be fixed and your keyboard will start working again by running an SFC and DISM check. These scans ensure that your Windows system files are safe. SFC and DISM scans should be run on Windows.
1 – Use the Windows key to launch PowerShell.
2 – Select Run as Administrator from the search results on the right.
3 – Type the following command into the terminal:
4 – When SFC is complete, you must run a DISM scan if some system files cannot be replaced.
5 – Run the following command while PowerShell is still running as an administrator:
Keep in mind that these scans may take some time to complete, and the time will vary. If the Windows key + Shift + S keyboard shortcut still works, restart your computer after the scans are complete.
Conclusion:
If the Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut stops working, one of the above solutions should get it back in working order so you can take the screenshots you need.