How to Repair Windows Snipping Tool: 5 Quick Fixes

Restore Snipping Tool on Windows: Easy Repair Methods

Overview

If the Snipping Tool is missing or not working, these steps restore functionality safely and quickly. Follow them in order; stop when the tool works.

1. Restart and check updates

  1. Restart: Reboot Windows.
  2. Windows Update: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates — install and reboot.

2. Run the Snipping Tool troubleshooter (Quick)

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Run Windows Store Apps and Incoming Connections if present.

3. Repair or reset the app

  1. Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Snipping Tool, click the three dots > Advanced options.
  3. Click Repair. Test. If still broken, click Reset (this may clear settings).

4. Reinstall via Microsoft Store

  1. Open Microsoft Store, search Snipping Tool.
  2. Install or Update. If it says “Installed,” uninstall then reinstall.

5. Re-register the app (PowerShell)

  1. Open Start, type PowerShell, right-click Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Run:

powershell

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.ScreenSketch | Remove-AppxPackage Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.ScreenSketch | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register \(</span><span class="token" style="color: rgb(57, 58, 52);">(</span><span class="token" style="color: rgb(54, 172, 170);">\).InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
  1. Reboot.

6. Check related services and defaults

  • Ensure Windows Explorer is running; restart it via Task Manager.
  • Default screenshot shortcuts: Settings > Accessibility or Keyboard > verify PrtScn behavior.

7. Use System File Checker & DISM

  1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
  2. Run:

cmd

sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  1. Reboot and test.

8. Create a new user profile (if app works for others)

  1. Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add account.
  2. Test Snipping Tool in the new account — if it works, migrate files to the new profile.

9. Temporary alternatives

  • Press Win+Shift+S for Snip & Sketch overlay.
  • Use third-party tools: Greenshot, ShareX.

When to seek more help

  • Persistent failure after these steps: consider rolling back a recent system update, restore from a System Restore point, or contact Microsoft Support.

Quick checklist: Restart → Update → Repair/Reset → Reinstall → Re-register → SFC/DISM → Test in new user.

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