This Windows 11 bug is preventing basic system applications from running

Another annoying issue is bothering some Windows 11 users. With this new bug, built-in system apps like the Snipping Tool, which is a common method for taking screenshots, refuse to work.

The good news? Microsoft has already confirmed it is working on a fix.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to Microsoft’s Windows 11 known issues page, a digital certificate in Windows 11 expired on October 31 and became outdated. This caused the Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel to stop working properly or refuse to launch altogether. Also impacted was the Accounts page and landings page in the Settings app in Windows 11 S mode, as well as the Getting Started and Tips app, and Input Method Editor.

Recommended Videos

To fix issues some of these issues, as well as the performance issues with AMD Ryzen processors, Microsoft issued a security update by the name of KB5006746. It was originally released on October 21 and appears as an optional download. You need to manually force the install by going to Settings > Windows Update > Download and install.

The update only resolves problems with the Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel, as well as the Getting Started app and the Input Method Indicator. Microsoft is still trying to fix the Snipping Tool and the S Mode-only issues. It says it will provide an update when more information is available.

As a temporary workaround, it’s being suggested to use the Print Screen key on your keyboard and paste the screenshot into a document or into the Paint app. Microsoft usually issues Windows patches on the second Tuesday of each month, so we’re assuming that an official fix could come around November 9.

Although Windows 11 has been out for around a month now, the rollout has been a bit rough. Users have reported experiencing a lot of bugs in Windows 11. Empty folders in the subsystem, a delay when using the context menus in Windows 11 itself, and a memory leak in the File Explorer are just some examples.

If you’re hesitant about updating to Windows 11 for any of these issues, or if you experience one yourself, we suggest checking out the Feedback Hub app. The app is where Windows users report and file issues relating to the new operating system, as well as Windows 10.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
The best Windows 11 themes we’ve tried so far this year

If you've just upgraded to the latest version of the Windows operating system, Windows 11, you're probably ready to dive in and customize its appearance. A quick way to customize Windows 11 is by adding a theme. Don't know where to start looking for great Windows 11 themes? Below, you will find some of our current favorite themes for the Windows 11 OS and why we enjoy them.
Explore native Windows 11 themes first

Windows 11 itself represents a significant change in design, exchanging the Windows 10 look for more rounded edges, less-crowded menu screens, and a streamlined, friendly appearance. Part of this design includes new themes specifically made for Windows 11, and we suggest starting your theme search here. These themes are expertly designed, don’t require any additional downloads, and look great.

Read more
Windows 11 24H2 or Windows 12? Here’s what’s coming soon

Windows 11 is more than a few years old and it is getting feature drops called "moments" every so often, as well as yearly updates. But what about the whole new Windows release that will come after Windows 11?

Earlier leaks from Intel and Qualcomm made mention of Windows 12, leading some to believe that Windows 12 might be in development at Microsoft and could come in 2024.

Read more
The Windows 11 Android app dream is dead

Microsoft first brought over the option to run Android apps natively in Windows 11 in 2021, but the dream is coming to an end after just a few years. Today, the company quietly updated its documentation for the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) to indicate that it will be ending support for the feature on March 5, 2025. Amazon has also published updated guidance for the same issue about its Amazon App Store on Windows 11, which powers the WSA.

What's causing this change is unknown, as Microsoft did not dive into specific details. Left to speculate, we can assume it's due to either lack of use or licensing issues, but until we hear more, it's left ambiguous.

Read more