Windows 11 running into issues with Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, and other built-in apps

Windows 11 New Apps Snipping Tool Clock (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

An issue on Windows 11 prevents some built-in apps from opening.
The Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Emoji Panel, and several other built-in apps are affected.
An issue with a Microsoft digital certificate causes the problem.
Some of the issues can be fixed with a preview update.

Windows 11 PCs may have an issue opening certain built-in applications. The Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel are among the affected apps. The problem is related to an issue with a Microsoft digital certificate that expired on October 31, 2021. Release preview update KB5006746 can mitigate some of the issues. Microsoft is working on a fix for the Snipping tool and other remaining problems.

Microsoft details the issue:

Starting on November 1, 2021, some users might be unable to open or use certain built-in Windows apps or parts of some built-in apps. This is caused by an issue with a Microsoft digital certificate, which expired October 31, 2021.

The following applications might be affected:
Snipping Tool
Accounts page and landing page in the Settings app (S mode only)
Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel
Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
Getting started and Tips

Windows 11 preview update KB5006746 mitigates the issue for the following apps:

Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing and Emoji Panel
Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
Getting started and Tips

The fixes in the preview update will likely make their way to Windows 11 in the next set of Patch Tuesday updates.

Microsoft is working on a fix for the Snipping tool and S mode-only issues.

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.