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Windows Shift S Not Working: 7 Ways to Fix & Enable it
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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The Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tools allows users to quickly and easily capture screenshots in Windows with a dedicated keyboard shortcut. But, several users reported that theWindows+Shift+Sis not working in Windows 11.
While there are a bunch ofthird-party snipping toolsavailable, many still rely on Snip & Sketch due to the very fact that it’s easily accessible, offers a bunch of ways to capture screenshots, and provides the option to annotate and edit the screenshot.
However, when hitting the keyboard shortcut does not launch the tool, users are left perplexed due to the lack of available information on the subject. So, read the following sections and find out what to do whenWindows+Shift+Sis not working in Windows 11.
Why is Windows + Shift + S not working in Windows 11?
There could be a few reasons behind the problem, but the most common still are minor issues with the keyboard. It doesn’t require the whole keyboard to malfunction, but if any of the three keys in the shortcut stopped working, you wouldn’t be able to use it.
Other than that, misconfigured settings, issues with the Registry, conflicting external devices, and internal applications too could lead to the issue.
Many users also reported thatWindows+Shift+Sis not working after update, which is likely due to a bug in the latest version.
No matter what the underlying cause is, just follow the methods listed in the next section to get Snip & Sketch/Snipping Tools up and running in no time.
What do I do if Windows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 11?
1. Some basic checks
The very first thing you must check is that the keyboard is properly connected and that there’s nothing stuck under the keys. Press the keys and identify if it feels different than the others. Because, if that’s the case, there’s something stuck under them.
You can blow light air to dislodge the stuck particles or use a can of compressed air for the purpose. Also, verify that theWindowskey has not been disabled unintentionally, since certain manufacturers provide a shortcut for that.
In case these tricks don’t work, connect a different keyboard to the computer and check if theWindows+Shift+Sis now working in Windows 11. If it does, the problem was with the previously connected keyboard and you should get it repaired or replaced.
But, if the issue persists, it’s the system settings to be blamed, and you should try the methods listed next.
2. Restart the Windows Explorer process
While executing these steps, the background and the Taskbar may go black momentarily when the Windows Explorer task is terminated. But don’t worry, that’s a part of the process. Once done, check if theWindows+Shift+Snot opening Snip and Sketch problem is resolved.
3. Turn on notifications for Snip & Sketch
If the notifications for Snipping Tool are disabled, it may appear as ifWindows+Shift+Sis not working in Windows 11, but that’s not the case. The screenshot will still be copied to the clipboard. To avoid any confusion, turn on the notifications for the tool.
4. Update the keyboard driver
Outdated drivers are one of the primary reasons behind issues with devices. Whether it’s a trivial issue or one that prevents the device from working altogether,updating the drivershould do the trick.
If you are unable to find an update using the Device Manager, try the other methods tomanually install the latest driver version in Windows 11. Some manufacturers directly release the driver updates on their official website and you have to manually get them.
If you think that is too much work, you can also use a dedicated driver updater likeOutbyte Driver Updater. The tool keeps track of all new driver updates and automatically installs them to your PC as soon as they become available.
5. Repair and Reset the tool
The reset and repair process can quickly help eliminate issues with any app on the computer. So make sure to run two, and check ifWindows+Shift+Snot working sometimes in Windows 11 error is fixed.
6. Uninstall the recent Windows update
If theWindows+Shift+Sstarted not working after an update, it’s time you uninstall the current version and revert to the previous stable build. Oftentimes, bugs in the latest releases can introduce instability and cause conflict with the apps and programs.
7. Perform a system restore
If none of the methods listed here have worked, you are left with no option but toperform a system restore. It’s an effective way to revert all recent changes on the PC, including app installations and changes in settings, though the stored file won’t be affected.
The process would take 15-60 minutes depending on the files stored, changes to be made, and the system configuration. But, ifSystem Restore is taking a long time, try running an SFC scan or using a different restore point.
These are the seven most effective ways you can fix the problem. Also, remember that these methods would help resolveWindows+Shift+Snot working on Windows 7, as well as on the other later iterations of the OS.
Several users complaining thatWindows + Shift + S is not working in Windows 10found our detailed guide helpful in that regard.
Also, check our article on how tocapture a screenshot in Windows 11, and learn the various ways you can do it.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Snipping tool,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
