The Win + Shift + S key combination in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is a powerful tool for taking screenshots. With it, you can quickly take a screenshot of the entire screen, a separate window, or a selected area. You will learn how to enable and configure this function from our material.
What is the Win + Shift + S function for?
The Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcut launches the built-in Snip & Sketch app, also called the Snipping Tool. When you press this combination, the screen dims and the cursor turns into a crosshair, allowing you to select the desired area for a screenshot. Once selected, the area is copied to the clipboard, and a notification appears with the option to edit the image.
Key features:
- Rectangular Region: Allows you to select a rectangular area of the screen;
- Freeform: select an area of freeform shape;
- Window: a snapshot of a single window;
- Full Screen: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.
How to enable Win + Shift + S function
In most cases, the Snipping Tool is enabled by default. However, if nothing happens when you press the combination, you should follow these steps:
Checking your notification settings
- Press Win + I to open Windows Settings;
- Go to System → Notifications;
- Make sure the “Receive notifications from apps and other senders” option is enabled;
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- In the list of apps, find Snip & Sketch or Snipping Tool and make sure notifications for it are turned on.
Updating the application
You can also update Snip & Sketch (aka Snipping Tool) to make sure you have the latest version.
- Open Microsoft Store;
- In the search box at the very top, type “Fragment and Sketch”;
- If you have an update available, download it.
Checking the keyboard shortcut in settings
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard;
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- Move the Use Print Screen key to open screen capture slider to the On position.
How to customize the Win + Shift + S function
The application allows you to customize the settings.
- Launch the Snipping Tool application from the Start menu.
- Click on the Settings button (gear icon) in the upper right corner.
Here you can configure the following options:
- Automatic copy: enable or disable automatic copying of photos to the clipboard;
- Cutout Outline: Add a border around the photo in the selected color;
- Autosave: select a folder to automatically save screenshots.
Possible errors and their solutions
Win + Shift + S combination does not work
If you encounter problems, try resetting the app settings.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps;
- Find Snipping Tool, click Advanced Options;
The photo is not saved to the clipboard
This error may occur if automatic copying is disabled or there are problems with the clipboard.
Enable automatic copying:
- Open Snipping Tool → Options;
- Activate the option “Copy clipping to clipboard”;
Enable/Restart the Clipboard Service:
- Press the key combination Win + V
- Click “Enable”.
Unable to save screenshot
The problem may occur if there are insufficient access rights to the save folder or there are file system errors.
- Change the save folder in the application settings to writable;
- Check the disk for errors. Right-click on it → “Service” → “Check”