If the Snipping Tool is not opening on your computer and you see an error message saying This app can’t open, this article will help you fix the issue. It mainly happens if you haven’t updated your computer for a very long time. However, even if it appears on the latest Windows 11 or Windows 10 build, you can get rid of it with the help of these solutions.
The entire error message says something like this:
This app can’t open
A problem with Windows is preventing Screen Snipping from opening. Refreshing your PC might help fix it.
Even if you refresh your PC, it might not be fixed. Thus, it is recommended to go through these tips and tricks before you refresh or reset your PC.
Fix Snipping Tool This app can’t open error
To fix Snipping Tool This app can’t open error, follow these steps:
- Check Background apps permissions
- Repair or Reset Snipping Tool
- Uninstall the recently installed update
- Download KB5008295 update
- Change date and time
- Check Group Policy setting
- Enable Snipping Tool using Registry
- Use an alternate screenshot tool.
Before you begin, manually check for Windows Updates and see if any are available.
1] Check Background apps permissions
If you are using a Windows 11 laptop, this setting is one of the most important settings you should check. It lets you allow or block a specific app from running in the background. Like most of the other apps, Snipping Tool also needs to be run in the background while you capture the screen. If you have disabled this setting earlier, it is time to re-enable it.
To check background apps permissions, follow these steps:
- Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
- Go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Find the Snipping Tool.
- Click the three-dotted icon and select Advanced options.
- Expand the Background apps permissions.
- Choose Power optimized (recommended) option.
Then, restart your computer and check if the issue remains or not.
Related: Recording Stopped error in Snipping Tool
2] Repair or Reset Snipping Tool
As Windows 11 included an option to repair or reset apps, you can quickly do that. Sometimes, an internal conflict can cause such issues. In such situations, a quick repair can fix the problem within moments.
To repair and reset Snipping Tool, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Settings and go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Click the three-dotted button of the Snipping tool and select Advanced options.
- Click on the Repair button.
- Try to open the Snipping Tool.
- If it doesn’t work, click on the Reset button twice.
Following that, close all windows and check if you can use Snipping Tool or not.
Read: Snipping tool missing in Windows 11
3] Uninstall the recently installed update
At times, a newly installed update can break your system. If that happens, uninstalling the update is probably the wisest solution. Therefore, you can follow this guide to uninstall Windows Updates.
4] Download KB5008295 update
If you are using Windows 11 Beta or Prelease Preview channel, there is a chance of getting the error above while opening or using the Snipping Tool. Even Microsoft recognized the issue and released an update quite a while ago. If you haven’t updated your computer since then, it is recommended to download the KB500829 update and install it immediately. You can head to the Microsoft Update Catalog website to download the update.
Related: The Snipping Tool is not working on your computer right now
5] Change date and time
Some users claimed that changing the date and time has fixed the issue on their computer. Therefore, you can try the same on your PC too. In order to change the date and time, follow this guide.
6] Check Group Policy setting
It is possible to enable or disable the Snipping Tool using the Local Group Policy Editor. To verify that setting, do the following:
- Press Win+R > type gpedit.msc > hit the Enter button.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Tablet PC > Accessories.
- Double-click on the Do not allow Snipping Tool to run setting.
- Choose the Not Configured option.
- Click the OK button.
After that, you will be able to use Snipping Tool without any problem.
Related: A problem with Windows is preventing Screen Snipping from opening
7] Enable Snipping Tool using Registry
It is possible to turn on or off Snipping Tool using Registry Editor as well. For that do the following:
Press Win+R > regedit > press the Enter button.
Click the Yes button.
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\TabletPC
Right-click on the DisableSnippingTool REG_DWORD value.
Select the Delete button and confirm it.
Then, you need to close all windows and restart your computer.
8] Use an alternate screenshot tool
If nothing works for you, you may consider using Microsoft Snip Screen Capture Tool or a third-party free screenshot tool.
Why is my Snipping Tool not opening?
There could be several reasons why the Snipping Tool is not opening on your computer. However, you can fix most of the problems with the help of the tips mentioned above and tricks. However, if you are using Windows 11 Beta or Release Preview channel, it is recommended to install the KB5008295 update first.
Related: Snipping Tool locked, freezes, or crashes in Windows.
How do I fix This app cannot be opened?
To fix This app cannot be opened error on Windows 11/10, you need to repair it first. After the repair and reset, you need to check if the administrator blocks it. In most cases, you can fix the permission issue with the help of the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry Editor.
