Lightshot Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Lightshot is a popular and convenient screenshot tool, but sometimes users encounter issues where it stops working on Windows 11. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem and get Lightshot functioning correctly again.

Why is Lightshot Not Working?

Several factors can prevent Lightshot from working on Windows 11. These include:

  • Compatibility Issues: Older versions of Lightshot might not be fully compatible with Windows 11.
  • Conflicting Software: Other screen capture tools or applications could interfere with Lightshot’s functionality.
  • Incorrect Settings: Misconfigured settings within Lightshot or Windows can cause it to malfunction.
  • Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers might affect screen capture capabilities.
  • System Errors: General Windows system errors or conflicts can also cause unexpected behavior.

Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix Lightshot issues on Windows 11:

1. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches and conflicts. Restart your Windows 11 machine and check if Lightshot starts working.

2. Update Lightshot

Ensure you are using the latest version of Lightshot. An outdated version might have compatibility issues with Windows 11.

  • Check for Updates: Open Lightshot and look for an “About” or “Check for Updates” option. If available, download and install the latest version.
  • Reinstall Lightshot: If updating isn’t possible or doesn’t solve the issue, uninstall Lightshot completely and download the newest version from the official website (https://app.prntscr.com/).

3. Run Lightshot as Administrator

Granting Lightshot administrator privileges can resolve permission-related issues.

  • Locate the Executable: Find the Lightshot executable file (usually in C:\Program Files\Lightshot).
  • Run as Administrator: Right-click on the executable and select “Run as administrator.”

4. Check for Conflicting Software

Other screen capture tools or applications running in the background might conflict with Lightshot. Close any unnecessary programs and see if Lightshot starts working.

  • Disable Overlays: Programs with overlay features (e.g., Discord, MSI Afterburner) can interfere. Disable these overlays temporarily.
  • Close Similar Applications: Close other screenshot or screen recording tools.

5. Review Hotkey Conflicts

Lightshot uses a hotkey (usually the Print Screen key) to activate. Ensure no other programs are using the same hotkey.

  • Change Lightshot Hotkey: Open Lightshot settings (usually by right-clicking the Lightshot icon in the system tray) and change the hotkey to something else (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+P).
  • Identify Conflicting Programs: If changing the hotkey works, identify which program was conflicting and adjust its settings accordingly.

6. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause issues with screen capture functionality. Update your drivers to the latest version.

  • Device Manager: Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar).
  • Display Adapters: Expand “Display adapters.”
  • Update Driver: Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
  • Manual Update: If automatic update doesn’t find a newer driver, visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.

7. Adjust Compatibility Settings

Running Lightshot in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows might resolve compatibility issues.

  • Locate the Executable: Find the Lightshot executable file.
  • Properties: Right-click on the executable and select “Properties.”
  • Compatibility Tab: Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  • Run in Compatibility Mode: Check the box “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select an older version of Windows (e.g., Windows 8 or Windows 7).
  • Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

8. Check Windows Permissions

Ensure that Lightshot has the necessary permissions to access the screen and save files.

  • Security Software: Your antivirus or firewall might be blocking Lightshot. Check your security software settings and ensure Lightshot is allowed.
  • User Account Control (UAC): UAC settings might be preventing Lightshot from running properly. Try temporarily lowering the UAC level (search for “UAC” in the Windows search bar).

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a background program is interfering with Lightshot.

  • System Configuration: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Services Tab: Go to the “Services” tab.
  • Hide All Microsoft Services: Check the box “Hide all Microsoft services.”
  • Disable All: Click “Disable all.”
  • Startup Tab: Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
  • Disable Startup Items: Disable all startup items.
  • Apply and Restart: Close Task Manager, click “Apply” in System Configuration, and restart your computer.
  • Test Lightshot: After the clean boot, check if Lightshot is working. If it is, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

10. Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above steps work, a more drastic solution is to reinstall Windows 11. This should only be considered as a last resort after backing up your important data.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Lightshot not working on Windows 11. Remember to check for updates, resolve software conflicts, and ensure proper permissions. If problems persist, consider updating drivers or performing a clean boot to identify the root cause.