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Windows Shift S Not Working-How to fix?

Imagine trying to quickly snap a screenshot of an important webpage, document or image on your PC using the easy-to-use Windows + Shift + S shortcut, only to be greeted with sudden malfunction and frustration. There’s no need to panic, though. Even as the ‘Windows Shift S not working’ issue is worrying, it’s not an insurmountable problem. Several causes might be behind this predicament, and below we’ll guide you through how to identify and fix such issues with easy and practical solutions.

Possible Causes for Windows Shift S Not Working

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand what could possibly cause the Windows Shift S keyboard shortcut malfunction. There are three main potential causes:

1. **Outdated Windows:** Sometimes, the snag lies in the Windows operating system itself. If your Windows version is not up-to-date, certain functions, including the Windows Shift S keyboard shortcut, may not work efficiently.

2. **Outdated or malfunctioning drivers:** If the keyboard drivers on your PC are outdated or not functioning correctly, this could be causing the shortcut to malfunction.

3. **Incompatible third-party software:** Certain third-party software could also interfere with the functioning of Windows features, hence commandeering the shortcut commands.

Solutions to Fix the Windows Shift S Not Working Issue

**Solution 1: Update your Windows**

The first and straightforward step in addressing the ‘Windows Shift S not working’ issue is updating your Windows software. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Click the ‘Start’ menu.
2. Enter ‘Update’ in the search bar.
3. Choose ‘Check for updates’.
4. If an update is available, click ‘Install now’.

After the installation is complete, reboot your PC and try the Windows Shift S key combination.

Solution 2: Update your Keyboard Driver

If your Windows is already up to date, then an outdated keyboard driver might be the culprit. To update it:

1. Press ‘Windows + X’ and select ‘Device Manager.’
2. Expand the ‘Keyboards’ option.
3. Right-click your keyboard and select ‘Update driver.’
4. Follow the prompts to update your keyboard driver.

If an update is available, it will be installed automatically. Upon completion, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

Solution 3: Try a Different Shortcut

Should the ‘Windows Shift S not working’ issue persist, you could opt for an alternative shortcut. Press ‘Windows + PrtScn’, and the screenshot will be automatically saved in your Images library under the Screenshots folder.

Investigating the Conflict with Third-Party Software

If the issue tends to occur when a specific application is open, it is possible that the application is interfering with the Windows screenshot function. To confirm, shut down the application temporarily and test the keyboard shortcut.

A Neat Solution:

Consider using third-party screen capturing tools such as Snagit or Lightshot. These programs offer additional editing and capturing options, and can be a good alternative if the native Windows screenshot function doesn’t work.

Final Words

The ‘Windows Shift S not working’ issue is an annoying but common predicament. However, the troubleshooting solutions outlined above are simple, effective, and should resolve the problem. Remember, keeping your Windows updated can not only fix this issue, but it might also prevent other similar technical glitches in the future. Stay updated, stay technologically competent!

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