It looks like Windows 10’s native snipping tool “Snip & Sketch” is suffering from a rather annoying issue where the app simply won’t load when some users try to take a screenshot. However, as long as you don’t rely on the Snip & Sketch tool, the bug doesn’t seem to completely affect the OS’s ability to capture screenshots.
The fact that Microsoft’s own apps don’t run on its own operating system is rare, but it’s not the first time either. Last year, a bug also affected the screenshot app, prompting the company to rush out fixes for those issues later.
The Snip & Sketch tool allows users to capture screenshots on Windows, and it comes with a variety of options, including the ability to edit the screenshot, capture only part of the screen, and modify it later using apps like Paint, so it’s great for many is a pretty useful tool.
On April 28, Microsoft quietly updated its support document, acknowledging a problem with Windows 10’s screenshot tool. The document states that the company is aware of an issue where the Snip & Sketch app may fail to capture screenshots and may not even open when users hold down the Windows key + Shift + S.
The issue originated after the February 2022 Update for Windows 10 was installed, and subsequently affected all cumulative updates released later. Microsoft hasn’t said when the fix for the screenshot tool will arrive, but it has hinted that it’s actively working on what’s wrong.
“We are currently investigating and will provide an update when more information is available,” Microsoft said.
In addition to the buggy Snip & Sketch tool, Windows 10 is plagued by an issue where recovery discs created using the Control Panel’s traditional Backup and Restore (Windows 7) app won’t boot on some devices. Thankfully, no third-party recovery apps have been affected yet, and Microsoft is also working on a workaround.
It’s worth noting that these issues are still present in the latest optional update for Windows 10 (KB5011831). That means the May 2022 Patch Tuesday update won’t address these issues, but the hotfix could still arrive at the end of the month with another optional installable patch.