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pelaird
pelaird
Inspiring
May 14, 2026
Answered

Define Source Point for Clone Tool not working

  • May 14, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 30 views

This is on a Windows 11 PC; Windows 11 Pro 26200.8457; Adobe Elements (19.0) 2021

Recently, the Alt key does not initiate the Define Source Point cursor for the Clone tool. If I press and hold the Alt key and then tap any other key (example: Ctrl, Shift) the Define Source Point cursor appears correctly.

I have tried resetting the tool, resetting the preferences, and uninstall removing all the associated folders including App Data/Roaming, and removed all the registry settings. Following reinstall of the PS Elements app and setting all the preferences, the issue still persists.

As I said, this just started happening recently. It could be related to a recent Windows update.

Any help would be appreciated.

      Correct answer pelaird

      FYI. It was Microsoft PowerToys, Grab and Move module. It was using the Alt key as a modifier which affected PSE Clone tool. I changed the modifier to the Win key, and all is well with PSE.

      I’m actually glad this all happened, because it got me to upgrade to the 2026 version.

      2 replies

      pelaird
      pelairdAuthorCorrect answer
      Inspiring
      May 14, 2026

      FYI. It was Microsoft PowerToys, Grab and Move module. It was using the Alt key as a modifier which affected PSE Clone tool. I changed the modifier to the Win key, and all is well with PSE.

      I’m actually glad this all happened, because it got me to upgrade to the 2026 version.

      Phinny
      Phinny
      Legend
      May 14, 2026

      Well done sir and thanks for the follow up.  

      Last thought, maybe reinstall 2021 then ‘sign out’ before uninstalling it.  Hold on to the installer and S/N for future use just in case.  You can’t buy perpetual licenses any more.      

      Phinny
      Phinny
      Legend
      May 14, 2026

      Make sure sticky keys are turned off plus other Win 11 related suggestions for this exact condition using your fave AI search engine.  Since you’ve already reset the tool, reset preferences, reinstalled the app, etc it’s very likely not PSE 2021 or any sort of bug.

      pelaird
      pelairdAuthor
      Inspiring
      May 14, 2026

      Thanks for you reply.

      Well, I uninstalled Elements 2021, purchased Elements 2026, and installed.

      Same issue, so it has to be a Windows thing.

      I can live with it, just have to press Alt and then tap the Win key, which is adjacent to the left on my keyboard.

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