Skip to content

Windows Shift+S not working: Quick Fix

  • by
  • 5 min read

Windows has a number of in-built tools to help you with common day to day tasks. One such tool is the Snip and Sketch tool which can be rather helpful when taking screenshots. 

Now the default Windows shortcut for Snip and Sketch is Windows Key + Shift + S, but starting the tool might not be as simple as just hitting the key combination due to occasional bugs and glitches in Windows. In this article, we’re taking look at what you can do when the Windows Shift+S shortcut isn’t working. 


Enable Clipboard history

Although not directly related to Snip and Sketch, enabling Clipboard history can get the shortcut running again. 

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings. Scroll down and select Clipboard under the System tab. 

Windows shift+s not working: 8 fixes

Step 2: Make sure the Clipboard history slider is enabled. 

Windows shift+s not working: 8 fixes

Now restart your PC and try again. 

Also read: Snip and Sketch not working: 7 Fixes


Reset the program

Try resetting the Snip and Sketch program to check if it’s working. 

Step 1: Press Windows key + X and click on Apps and Features. 

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Step 2: Find Snip and Sketch in the list and click on Advanced Features. 

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Step 3: Click on the Reset button to reset the program. 

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Check if the Windows Shift+S not working issue is resolved and Snip and Sketch is working again.


Reinstall the program

If resetting didn’t help, try removing the program and installing it again to see if that resolves your issue. 

Step 1: Press Windows key + X and click on Apps and Features. 

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Step 2: Find Snip and Sketch in the list and click Uninstall. 

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Now reinstall the program from the Microsoft Store and check if that resolves your issue. 


Run the Windows App troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a bunch of really useful troubleshooters that can fix several issues with your PC. If the problem is with Snip and Sketch itself, this is sure to fix the error. 

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Troubleshooters. Click the corresponding search result. 

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Step 2: Click on Additional Troubleshooters.

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Step 3: Scroll down and run the Windows Apps Troubleshooter.

Snip and sketch not working: 7 fixes | candid. Technology

Restart and try again. The Windows Shift+S not working issue should be fixed,

Also read: How to fix isdone.dll error?


Use the Print Screen key instead

If the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut isn’t working for you, you can switch to the Print Screen key to see if you have any luck with that. 

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Toggle keys. Click the corresponding search result. 

Windows shift+s not working: 8 fixes

Step 2: Enable the Use the PrtScn button to open screen snipping slider. 

Windows shift+s not working: 8 fixes

Now Snip and Sketch should launch when you press the Print Screen key instead of the old shortcut. 


Change the shortcut using Regedit

Alternatively, you can also change the default shortcut using the Windows Registry Editor. 

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type regedit and hit enter. 

Windows shift+s not working: 8 fixes

Step 2: Navigate to the following directory. 

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office.0\OneNote\Options\Other

Step 3: Right-click the blank space on the right to create a new 32-bit DWORD.

Step 4: Set the name as ScreenClippingShortcutKey and the value to 5A.

Now you should be able to trigger Snip and Sketch using Windows key + Shift + Z instead. 


Restore your system

You can also try to restore your system to a point in time where everything was fine. It’s a bit of an inconvenience, but it’ll fix most if not all issues you’re facing with your PC.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Reset this PC. Launch the Recovery setting from the search results. 

What is elara app? What it does and should you remove the app?

Step 2: Click on Open System Restore. 

What is elara app? What it does and should you remove the app?

Step 3: Select the recommended restore point and click the Next button to proceed. 

What is elara app? What it does and should you remove the app?

Repair your system

If nothing else works, the best way to get rid of the error is by simply reinstalling or repairing your OS. 

The Windows Media Creation tool is a great way to install Windows and repair the OS. Using this, you can perform a clean installation or repair your OS without affecting your data.

You can download the Media Creation Tool here

Also read: What is Windows audio device graph isolation? Everything you need to know

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

>