7 Fixes to Stop ‘Recording Stopped’ Errors on Snipping Tool in Windows 10/11
The Snipping Tool in Windows 10/11 is great for capturing screenshots and recording your screen. However, the dreaded ‘Recording Stopped’ error can ruin your experience. If you are facing this issue, don’t worry – there are several ways to fix the Snipping Tool and stop the recording errors for good.
Key Takeaway
- Restart your PC and close background apps to fix temporary glitches causing Snipping Tool errors.
- Update Windows 10/11 and the Snipping Tool app to the latest versions.
- Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter to fix corrupted files.
- Check for conflicts with projection software and disable tablet mode.
- Use the SFC scan and DISM tools to repair system file errors.
Follow these 7 proven methods to stop ‘Recording Stopped’ errors and use the Snipping Tool seamlessly on Windows 10/11.
1. Restart Your Windows 11 Computer
A simple restart can fix many glitches caused by temporary bugs and background processes interfering with the Snipping Tool. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and select the Power button.
- Choose ‘Restart’ from the menu.
- Wait for your PC to switch off and boot up again.
- Now try using the Snipping Tool again. The error may have been resolved.
Restarting clears temporary files and resets all background processes. This quick fix resolves one-off glitches that prevent Snipping Tool from recording screens.
2. Force Quit Snipping Tool from Task Manager
Sometimes the Snipping Tool app may get stuck and continue showing errors. You can force quit the problematic app from Task Manager in this case.
- Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Details tab and locate SnippingTool.exe.
- Right-click on the process and choose ‘End Task’. This will force close it.
- Now restart the Snipping Tool normally and check if the error persists.
Ending the task flushes out bad code and memory leaks that could be interfering with Snipping Tool operations.
3. Turn Off Projection and Tablet Mode
If you use external projection or tablet mode, try turning them off as they can conflict with the Snipping Tool.
- Press Windows + P and select ‘PC Screen Only’ to disable external projection.
- Go to Settings > System > Tablet and turn ‘Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet’ to ‘Off’.
With projection and tablet mode disabled, open the Snipping Tool again and see if the recordings work properly now.
4. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
The Windows Store hosts Snipping Tool and other apps. Running the Store’s troubleshooter can fix corrupted files related to these apps, including the Snipping Tool.
- Type ‘Troubleshoot’ in the Windows search box. Open Troubleshooting Settings.
- Go to ‘Other troubleshooters’ and click on ‘Windows Store Apps’.
- Select ‘Run’ and follow the on-screen directions.
This troubleshooter will diagnose and replace corrupted Windows Store app files as needed. Using the Snipping Tool afterward should resolve any recording errors.
5. Install Pending Windows and Snipping Tool Updates
Outdated Windows 10/11 or Snipping Tool versions could be the culprit behind recording failures. Check for pending updates as follows:
Windows 10/11 Updates
- Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
- Click on ‘Check for updates’. Install any available ones.
Snipping Tool Updates
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- Click on the Library icon.
- Select ‘Get Updates’ on the top right. Install Snipping Tool updates if available.
Updating to the newest Windows 10/11 and Snipping Tool versions fixes bugs and incompatibilities causing ‘Recording Stopped’ errors.
6. Use SFC and DISM Tools to Repair System Files
Corrupted Windows system files can also create problems with the Snipping Tool’s screen recording feature. Use the inbuilt SFC and DISM tools to scan and replace such files.
- Open an admin Command Prompt.
- Type ‘
sfc /scannow
‘ and hit Enter to run System File Checker. - If errors are found, run ‘
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
‘ to fix them.
SFC scans system files while DISM repairs any corruption found. With system files restored, the Snipping Tool should be able to record your screen now.
7. Update Hardware Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers for graphics cards, display adapters, etc. can cause conflicts leading to Snipping Tool recording failures.
- Go to Device Manager using Windows search.
- Expand categories like Display Adapters, Universal Serial Bus controllers, etc.
- Right-click on device entries and select Update driver.
- Restart your PC after updating drivers.
With optimized drivers, your system resources work smoothly eliminating issues like Snipping Tool errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Snipping Tool show a ‘Recording Stopped’ error in Windows 10/11?
This error occurs due to system conflicts, glitches, corrupted files, or outdated apps/drivers. Restarting your PC, updating Windows/Snipping Tool, running troubleshooters, and repairing system files can fix it.
How do I update the Snipping Tool in Windows 10/11?
Open the Microsoft Store app > Click on Library > Select ‘Get Updates’ to install pending Snipping Tool updates. This fixes bugs causing recording errors.
What are SFC and DISM tools in Windows?
SFC scans system files while DISM repairs any errors found. Running them fixes corrupted system resources that could create problems for apps like Snipping Tool.
How can I disable tablet mode in Windows 10/11?
Go to Settings > System > Tablet and turn ‘Make Windows more touch-friendly when using your device as a tablet’ to ‘Off’ to exit tablet mode. This can resolve Snipping Tool conflicts.
My graphics drivers are outdated. How do I update them in Windows?
Open Device Manager > Expand Display adapters > Right-click your graphics card > Select update driver to install the latest drivers. This optimizes performance for apps.
Conclusion
Don’t let the frustrating ‘Recording Stopped’ errors prevent you from harnessing the full power of the Snipping Tool. A few simple troubleshooting steps like restarting your PC, updating Windows and apps, running system file repairs, and disabling conflicting settings can banish the error for good. Follow the fixes outlined above to seamlessly capture screenshots and record your screen with the Snipping Tool in Windows 10/11.