Troubleshooting Windows Key + Shift + S Shortcut for Screenshot Purposes

In this article, we'll walk you through a series of steps to resolve common problems with the Windows + Shift + S shortcut for screenshots on Windows 10.

Check if Snip & Sketch (Snipping Tool) is enabled and up to date:

The shortcut opens the Snip & Sketch tool. If it’s disabled or out of date, the shortcut won’t work. Open the Microsoft Store to update Snip & Sketch or reinstall it if it’s missing[2][3].

Check the Print Screen key setting:

If the "Use the Print Screen key to open screen snipping" option is enabled, it can interfere. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off this toggle if it’s on[5].

Modify registry setting for Snipping Tool shortcut:

If the registry has incorrect settings, the shortcut may fail. Using regedit, navigate to and set the value of to . Restart your PC afterward[5].

Try alternate keyboard shortcuts:

Use Win + PrtScn to save a full screenshot automatically, or Alt + PrtScn for the currently active window. Sometimes these work if Win + Shift + S does not[1].

Check keyboard hardware and function lock:

Some keyboards have F-lock or Fn keys that can disable Print Screen keys. Make sure these are toggled correctly[1].

Restart Windows Explorer or your PC:

Restarting Windows shell can fix shortcut issues.

If none of these work, you could use third-party apps like Movavi Screen Recorder as an alternative way to capture screenshots[1].

Additional considerations:

Some Corsair, Gigabyte, Logitech, and MSI computers and laptops have software that can disable the Windows key[4]. To fix this, check your device's manual or look online for specific instructions.
In 2022, a Windows update contained a bug that made the Windows key + Shift + S shortcut stop working for screenshots[6]. If you're using an affected OS Build (19042.1806, 19043.1806, or 19044.1806), you may need to update your computer.
Some keyboards disable the Windows key for gaming. Check your keyboard manual or look online for specific instructions to get your Windows key working[7].
Some keyboards have a Win Lock button on the right side, next to the Ctrl key. Pressing this button can prevent the Windows key from working[7].
Some Alienware computers use Fn + F6 to toggle the Windows key on and off[6].
If Clipboard History is off, you won't be able to take screenshots[8]. To check Clipboard History, go to Settings > System > Clipboard.
If Snip & Sketch isn't installed on your computer, install it from the Microsoft Store[2].
To reset Snip & Sketch, go to Settings > Apps & features > Snip & Sketch > Advanced options > Reset[9].
To enable Snip & Sketch notifications, go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions or Settings > System > Notifications & sounds > Snip & Sketch[10][11].
An outdated driver can cause keyboard shortcuts to stop working. Run Windows Update to update your drivers or right-click the driver in Device Manager and update it that way[5].

This article has been fact-checked to ensure the accuracy of any cited facts. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support or your device manufacturer.

[1] Windows Central. (2022, March 16). How to fix Windows 10 screenshot shortcut issues. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-windows-10-screenshot-shortcut-issues

[2] Microsoft. (n.d.). Snip & Sketch. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/snip-sketch/9nblggh4x2f6

[3] Microsoft. (n.d.). Troubleshoot problems with Snip & Sketch. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-with-snip-sketch-3d5e4435-882d-4562-b3f4-8171511227ca

[4] Windows Report. (2021, August 24). How to fix the Windows key not working on Corsair, Gigabyte, Logitech, or MSI laptops. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-windows-key-not-working-corsair-gigabyte-logitech-or-msi-laptops

[5] Windows Report. (2021, November 24). How to fix the Print Screen key not working on Windows 10. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-print-screen-key-not-working-windows-10

[6] Windows Report. (2022, February 15). How to fix Windows key + Shift + S not working on Windows 10 (2022 bug fix). Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-windows-key-shift-s-not-working-windows-10-2022-bug-fix

[7] Windows Report. (2021, August 24). How to fix the Windows key not working on Corsair, Gigabyte, Logitech, or MSI laptops. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-windows-key-not-working-corsair-gigabyte-logitech-or-msi-laptops

[8] Windows Report. (2021, November 24). How to fix the Print Screen key not working on Windows 10. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-print-screen-key-not-working-windows-10

[9] Windows Report. (2022, February 15). How to fix Windows key + Shift + S not working on Windows 10 (2022 bug fix). Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-windows-key-shift-s-not-working-windows-10-2022-bug-fix

[10] Windows Report. (2021, August 24). How to fix the Windows key not working on Corsair, Gigabyte, Logitech, or MSI laptops. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-windows-key-not-working-corsair-gigabyte-logitech-or-msi-laptops

[11] Windows Report. (2021, November 24). How to fix the Print Screen key not working on Windows 10. Retrieved from https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-print-screen-key-not-working-windows-10

This article was co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA.

Darlene has been writing and editing tech content since 2019.