The Window + Shift + S not working is a major issue of the day because the Window Shift S shortcut is a convenient and efficient tool to capture the entire screen in Windows and copy it to the clipboard. It is a popular feature among users because it can easily capture and share information. However, when this convenient function suddenly becomes unusable, it can be frustrating. This issue can occur for diverse causes, including system updates, driver problems, and conflicts with other software. Fortunately, there are considerable ways to troubleshoot and unravel this situation.
We have explored common causes why Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcuts do not work in Windows and provide practical fixes to solve problems. If the screenshot hotkey does not respond, it indicates that the snipping tool application has a fundamental problem. The program file may be corrupt or have background process problems. Also, some users encountered this problem after installing Windows Update.Let’s have a glance at this article to learn about how to fix Windows+Shift+S not working.
Causes of Windows + Shift + S Not Working
According to several user reports submitted to online forums, we have compiled data and equated the likely causes for such stimulating problems.
Here’s why Windows Shift S doesn’t work on your System:
- Competing shortcuts with other software installed on Windows 10 systems, such as OneNote 2016
- Shortcut critical Windows + Shift + S is not enable globally for snapshot shooting.
- Due to a keyboard failure, Windows + Shift + S shortcut commands may not be registered on the System.
- Snip & Sketch media creation tool does not respond.
- If the game controller is connected to a Windows system, it may conflict with the keyboard shortcut.
Methods to Fix Win + Shift + S Not Working
Enable Clipboard History to fix Windows + Shift + S not working
Another thing you can do is make sure that the Clipboard History feature is enabled. This feature allows you to save multiple snippets of text on the clipboard. It also helps to solve the keyboard shortcut problem.
Read more: How To Fix The “A D3D11-Compatible GPU Is Require To Run The Engine” Error In Windows
To enable clipboard history in Windows:
- Open Settings and select System from the menu.
- Then, scroll down and select the Clipboard option.
- In the System> Clipboard section, switch ON next to the Clipboard History option.
- Close the Settings menu.
- Take an occasional screenshot to see if the Clipboard History component is working. You should know the history of the shot taken to paste it into an app like Documents and Paint.
Scan the Snip And Sketch Tool
On Windows 10 and 11, the default tool “Snip & Sketch” is available. It is an updated cutting tool. You need to check if the switch is turned on or off. Follow the steps below to see the Snip & Sketch Options.
- Go to Settings and select the system category from the left pane.
- Notification tab options are displayed. Click it to see the Snip and Sketch option. If this option is turned off, turn it on.
- Once the Snip and Sketch option is activated, you can capture the image on the screen.
Repair and reset snipping tools
If the problem persists, try repairing and resetting the snipping tool. When restore, the fundamental issue of the app is fixed without affecting the app’s data. You can reset the application if the hotkey still does not work.
- Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Please search for the Snipping tool and click on the three horizontal points next to it.
- Select Advanced Options.
- Click the Repair button. Now, if the application has a problem, it will be repaired.
- Let’s use the screenshot shortcut. If the problem persists, click the Reset button to restore the application to factory default.
Windows update check
Windows updates are one of the most common ways to solve problems you may experience. Check out the system update if you can’t find a problem with the snipping tool. These can continually fix bugs and improve system undertaking.
- Press the Windows + I key simultaneously to start Windows Settings.
- Click the Update and Security icon.
- Choose the Windows Update tab from the left panel.
- Press the Confirm Update button at the top of the window.
- After installing the available updates, restart your PC. Once the PC is restarted, make sure the shortcut works.
Use of Shipping Tools
Windows 10/11 PC has another snipping tool called “Snipping Tool,” which has the same features as Snip and Sketch. This tool lets you capture screenshots and save or copy them directly. To open the snipping tool, click the menu bar – > A new prompt opens. Click on the new button and click on the image. The option to select the area is displayed. Select the location to capture the image. Once the area is set, you can copy and use the image to the clipboard. You can also try the Snip & Sketch app.
Unplug USB device
Connecting a USB device to your PC for games and display-related activities may interfere with the execution of Win + Shift + S capture. To solve this problem, unplugging the USB device and connecting it again is recommended. It will allow your PC to detect and apply default Windows Capture settings and capture screenshots without issues.
Read more: How to Fix Black Lines on Monitor?
Update PC Drivers
If Windows or PC drivers are older, the key is locked and may not work. Such a phenomenon occurs if you try to press one or more keys simultaneously. In this case, you must ensure your PC driver is updated. A straightforward way to check this is to download Driver Restore on your PC. Driver Restore is software that keeps all PC drivers up to date, including keyboards, mice, and other accessory drivers.
Read more: How to Clean Mac Keyboard? Complete Guide
This software detects and updates old system drivers. You can download Driver Restore for free during the 7-day trial period. To download Driver Restore, click the “Download Now” button on www.driverrestore.com. When you download the software, the software starts, detects, and updates the old Driver. When all drivers are updated, you can try window capture using the keyboard option – Win + Shift + S. It may start to work.
Perform System Restore
If everything else fails, you can always restore the System to the last state where the snipping tool works properly. Follow these steps to fix your System:
- Press Windows + R simultaneously to extend the Run command box.
- Type strut in the command search box.
- Press OK.
- In the System Restore window, click Next and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
When the process is complete, restart the computer. It may take some time to continue, so please wait a moment. Once the computer is turned on, you can use the snipping tool again.
Physically Clean Keyboard Keys
The problem “Windows Shift S does not work” may occur because unnecessary sand and food are sandwich under the keyboard key, and the action to press the key is not trigger every time the key is presse. Therefore, keyboards, especially laptops, are more likely to be damaged than desktops and mechanical ones, so maintenance is required.
- To make your keyboard shiny, refer to the following tips:
- Put a thin nozzle on the vacuum cleaner and suck garbage from the keyboard. To avoid damage, set the speed of the vacuum cleaner as low as possible.
- With a soft brush, gently remove the garbage around the button on the keyboard.
- If the keyboard button does not respond, consult a technician and replace the keyboard.
Use Print Screen if Windows key + Shift + S does not work
In the Snipping application, you can open the Snip and Sketch window using your keyboard’s PrtScn/Print Screen/PrintScreen button. The Print Screen method for taking a snapshot of a computer screen is a unique accessibility feature of Windows:
- Open Windows settings from the gear button in the start menu.
- On the primary screen of the locations window, click “Ease of access.”
- Click the keyboard option from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down the keyboard settings on the right page and find the option “Open screen snipping using the PrtScn button.”
- Toggle the box below it and turn on this feature.
- Now, you can capture the screenshot by pressing the PrtScn button.
Final Verdict:
How to fix Windows +Shift +S not working? We have explored all fixes to solve this problem. It is strongly recommend that the keyboard features be check and the Windows driver update. Now, download an automatic driver updater like Driver Restore and use the most efficient solution. After thorough system scanning, Driver Restore provides advanced scanning capabilities to identify outdated and missing drivers. Once the scan is complete, you will see the option to update the Driver.
Read more:
