Continuous Pen Strokes with Snipping Tool Causing DWM Crash in Windows 10 (Not Windows 11)

Continuous Pen Strokes Snipping Tool Causing DWM Crash in Windows 10 (Not Windows 11)

If you've recently upgraded your existing Windows 10 installation to the February 2023 version or later and have been experiencing issues with the Snipping Tool, specifically when using a pen to make continuous strokes, you're not alone. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the problem and potential solutions.

Background

The Snipping Tool is a built-in screenshot utility in Windows 10 that allows users to capture a specific area of their screen. However, some users have reported that the Snipping Tool crashes the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) when using a pen to make continuous strokes. This issue appears to have started around the time of the last Windows 10 upgrade in February 2023, and it does not seem to affect Windows 11 users.

Symptoms

When using the Snipping Tool with a pen to make continuous strokes, the DWM crashes, and the screen goes black for a few seconds. After the screen returns to normal, the Snipping Tool may close, or the captured image may be incomplete or corrupted.

Cause

The root cause of this issue is still under investigation, but it appears to be related to the graphics driver, specifically the AMD graphics driver. Some users have reported that rolling back to a previous version of the driver has resolved the issue, while others have found success by updating to the latest version.

Solutions

Here are some potential solutions to try if you're experiencing this issue:

• Update your graphics driver: Go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest driver for your graphics card. Install the driver and restart your computer.

• Roll back your graphics driver: Go to Device Manager, expand the Display Adapters section, right-click on your graphics card, and select Properties. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver. Restart your computer.

• Run the Windows Display Driver Model Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Run the Windows Display Driver Model Troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

• Use a different screenshot tool: If none of the above solutions work, you may want to consider using a different screenshot tool. There are many free and paid options available, such as Snagit, Lightshot, and Greenshot.

References

• AMD: https://www.amd.com/en/support

• Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/run-the-windows-display-driver-model-troubleshooter-52e17a9a-74e5-8c0a-f567-744d4e175944

• Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/screen-capture.html

• Lightshot: https://app.prntscr.com/en/index.html

• Greenshot: https://getgreenshot.org/

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for any issues related to your computer or software.