If GreenShot is malfunctioning on your Windows 11, throwing too many unexpected tantrums, the issue might be due to several reasons. While some of the usual suspects include conflicting apps, misconfigured settings, and too many restrictions, there are other hidden culprits as well, which you need to altogether get rid of or turn off. In this extensive guide, I’m going to discuss the 20 most reliable ways to fix Greenshot not working on Windows 11. Keep reading…
Fix Greenshot Not Working on Windows 11
More often than not, you can bring the noted screenshot tool back on track by checking off the basic tips and removing the concealed roadblocks. However, should the problem persist and the tool refuses to mend its ways, you will need to opt for the relatively radical solutions.
1. Restart Greenshot
If GreenShot has run into a temporary glitch, a quick restart may help you resolve the issue. Since it has clicked for a good many users in bringing the malfunctioning screenshot tool back on track, I’m going to count on it to get the job done for you as well.
- First off, close Greenshot completely. To do so, right-click the GreenShot icon in the system tray and Exit to close it.
- After that, restart GreenShot. To do so, press Windows + S and type GreenShot. Then, select Run as administrator to relaunch it.
2. Check if GreenShot is Running in the Background
Note that if GreenShot is already running in the background on your Windows device, the screenshot tool might not open.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager on your PC.
- After that, scroll down to locate GreenShot.exe under the Processes tab.
- After that, right-click it and select End Task.
- Then, restart the application to check whether or not it has begun to work properly.
3. Check Screenshot Hotkey Settings
Bear in mind that another application may be using the same shortcut keys as GreenShot, causing the screenshot program to malfunction.
- Right-click the GreenShot icon in the system tray and choose Preferences in the menu.
- Now, choose Hotkeys.
- Next, make sure to change the hotkey settings as they may be conflicting with another app (e.g., change from Print Screen to Alt + Print Screen).
4. Disable Background Apps Using the Print Screen Key
Be warned that apps like Snipping Tool, OneDrive, and ShareX have the habit of interfering with GreenShot. Therefore, I would recommend you turn off the background apps using the print screen key.
- Disable Windows Snipping Tool:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Toggle off Use the Print Screen key to open screen snipping.
- Disable OneDrive Screenshot Capture:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
- Select Settings > Sync and backup.
- Turn off Automatically save screenshots.
- Close ShareX or Other Screenshot Apps:
- Find them in Task Manager, right-click, and select End Task.
5. Restart Your Computer
Should Greenshot continue to misbehave, restart your PC. If the tool is ill-functioning due to a temporary glitch, a system restart could resolve the issue.
- Click the Start menu and select Power. Then, choose Restart in the menu.
6. Run GreenShot as Administrator
Ensure that GreenShot has all the required permissions to capture the screen on your Windows device. Try running the software as an administrator.
- To get it done, right-click the GreenShot shortcut on the desktop and choose Run as administrator.
7. Reinstall GreenShot
It’s important to mention that the corrupted installation may also be causing the app to ill-function. Hence, try reinstalling the app.
- To do so, press Windows + X > Apps and Features.
- Now, locate GreenShot, click it, and select Uninstall.
- Download the latest version from GreenShot’s official website.
- Follow the usual instructions to install the tool and restart your PC.
8. Install GreenShot Updates
An outdated version of the Greenshot might be struggling to cope with the latest Windows version.
- Open GreenShot and dive into the Help section > Check for Updates and install the update if it’s readily available.
9. Check Screenshot Save Location
Double-check if Greenshot is set to save the screenshots in the desired location.
- Open GreenShot on your device and head over to Preferences > Output.
- Now, check the Default save location and change it if needed.
10. Check Antivirus or Firewall Settings
No solution yet? Make sure your security software is not blocking Greenshot from running or saving screenshots.
- Launch your antivirus software and check if GreenShot is blocked.
- If necessary, be sure to add Greenshot to the exclusions list.
- Additionally, open Windows Defender Firewall on your device and select Allow an app through Firewall. Next up, be sure GreenShot is allowed.
11. Change Greenshot Capture Mode
At times, all you need to do to bring the screenshot tool back on track is just change the capture mode.
- Navigate to the GreenShot Preferences.
- Under Capture Mode, switch between Region, Window, and Full Screen.
- Make sure to restart your PC once you have changed the ca
12. Enable Notifications for GreenShot
If notifications have been turned off on your device, the confirmation alert might not show up when you snap a screenshot.
- Open Settings app on your PC > System > Notifications.
- Scroll to GreenShot and enable notifications.
13. Clear Greenshot Config Files
Now is the right time to flush out the entire cluster of the corrupted configuration file as it may be preventing Greenshot from working properly.
- First off, close Greenshot.
- Now, launch File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\GreenShot - Delete the config.ini file > reboot your PC and then relaunch GreenShot.
14. Run GreenShot in Compatibility Mode
If Greenshot is not fully compatible with Windows 11, running it in the compatibility mode will let you circumvent the hurdle.
- Right-click the GreenShot shortcut.
- Select Properties > Compatibility.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:
- Choose Windows 10 or Windows 8.
- Click Apply > OK.
15. Ensure GreenShot Starts with Windows
Note that if GreenShot isn’t starting with Windows, allowing it to launch may help get rid of the problem.
- Open GreenShot Preferences > activate Start GreenShot with Windows and reboot your PC.
16. Disable the Windows Game Bar
Game Bar might be in direct conflict with GreenShot.
- Open Settings on your Windows 11 device > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
- Turn off Enable Xbox Game Bar for things like recording game clips.
17. Check if GreenShot is Blocked by Windows Defender SmartScreen
Be sure Windows Defender is not set to block the path of GreenShot on your PC.
- Open Windows Security > App & browser control.
- Click Reputation-based protection settings.
- Temporarily disable Check apps and files.
18. Check Disk Space
If your drive is cluttered for space, GreenShot will fail to save screenshots.
- Launch File Explorer on your device and check available storage under This PC.
- Free up space if needed.
19. Reset GreenShot Settings
If the misconfigured settings are making life difficult for Greenshot, resetting the settings can be the right answer to this issue.
- Uninstall GreenShot on your PC/
- Then, delete the GreenShot folder in:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\GreenShot - Now, go ahead to reinstall GreenShot.
20. Check for Windows Updates
Windows update is often the right remedy for a number of unexpected and miscellaneous issues.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows device > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
Wrapping up…
There you go! I hope your Greenshot has begun to weave magic all over again and so has the top-notch screenshot-snapping experience. Still faced with any roadblocks? If yes, use the comments section below to share your feedback with us.
