Fix screen annotation problems in a safe, predictable order
Start with the smallest reversible check, preserve your work, and isolate whether the issue belongs to Windows, the input device, capture software, or the annotation overlay.
How the OS Pen overlay sits on your screen
OS Pen (On-Screen Pen) draws on a transparent layer above your other Windows apps. Most annotation problems come from that layer meeting something else, such as display scaling, a second monitor, a pen driver, or capture software, so the checks below test each of those one at a time.
For a refresher on how the tools work, see the Windows screen annotation overview.
Before changing settings
Save any screenshot, recording, or session you need. Note which monitor and application were active, whether the problem began after a Windows, graphics, or app update, and whether it happens in every application. A short reproducible test is more useful than changing several settings at once.
Do not install unofficial driver packages or disable Windows security controls to fix an overlay. Use the signed OS Pen installer and updates from the official download page.
Problem-to-check map
| Problem | Check next |
|---|---|
| Pen mark is offset | Test Windows pointer alignment; verify display scaling, orientation, and selected monitor. |
| Overlay appears on wrong display | Choose the target monitor, then reopen the overlay after the display layout is stable. |
| Annotation is not visible in capture | Run a short capture test; check whether the recorder captures the full display, a window, or a protected surface. |
| Input feels delayed | Close heavy background work, reduce unnecessary capture load, and test on one monitor. |
| Hotkey does not respond | Check for a conflicting shortcut in the active app and confirm OS Pen is running. |
| Toolbar is off screen | Restore the previous monitor layout or restart after returning Windows scaling to a supported value. |
Escalate with useful evidence
If the issue remains, record the Windows version, OS Pen version, CPU and graphics model, monitor layout, scaling percentage, exact steps, and the smallest screenshot that shows the problem. Do not include private documents, passwords, licence keys, or unrelated files.
For capture or performance problems, report whether the same behavior occurs after a restart and in a basic application such as a blank browser tab. That separates a system-wide issue from a conflict with one application.
Frequently asked questions
Should I reinstall immediately?
No. First save your work, restart the affected app, and test a simple one-monitor workflow. Reinstall only when the issue points to missing or damaged application files.
Should I disable antivirus or Windows security?
No. Use the signed official installer and keep Windows security protections enabled.
What information helps diagnose a display issue?
Include the monitor count, resolution, scaling, orientation, selected primary display, graphics hardware, and exact reproduction steps.
Still stuck? Start fresh with the official installer
Download the signed OS Pen installer from this site, then test Pen, Eraser, and Screenshot on a single monitor before restoring your usual setup. If the problem continues, contact Snowfairy support with the details listed above.