It can be extremely frustrating when your Windows 10 apps won’t open or your Windows 11 apps crash unexpectedly. Sometimes, they may close immediately after launching, while in other cases, they might not respond at all.
No matter the issue, it’s crucial to resolve it quickly to restore functionality.
In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why apps won’t open on Windows 10 and 11 and provide effective troubleshooting tips. Additionally, we’ll cover specific solutions for common app malfunctions, ensuring you have the right fixes at your fingertips.
So, if you’re struggling with Windows 10 or 11 apps not opening, you’re not alone—and we’ve got the solutions to help you fix it!
Why Won’t My Apps Open in Windows 10/11? Common Causes & Fixes
There are several reasons why your Windows 10 apps won’t open or why Windows 11 apps keep crashing. Sometimes, the issue is app-specific, while in other cases, it stems from problems within the Windows operating system itself.
Here are some of the most common causes of app crashes and malfunctions on Windows 10 and 11:
- Compatibility Issues: A recent Windows update or software installation may conflict with existing apps.
- Corrupted System Files: Registry errors, damaged system files, or OS issues can prevent apps from launching.
- Malware or Viruses: Malicious software may interfere with app functionality or corrupt essential files.
- Low Memory & System Resources: Insufficient RAM or CPU usage can stop apps from opening properly.
- Hardware & Network Issues: Driver problems, network failures, or hardware conflicts may also cause app malfunctions.
If your Windows 10 or 11 apps aren’t opening, it’s crucial to resolve these issues quickly to prevent further system problems.
In the next section, we’ll cover effective troubleshooting steps to help you fix app-related issues on Windows 10 and 11.
How to Fix Issues with Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 10 & 11
If you’re experiencing problems with Microsoft Store apps on Windows 10 or 11, try these updates and fixes to resolve the issue:
✅ Update Windows:
- Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for Updates and install any available updates.
✅ Check App Compatibility:
- Ensure your app is compatible with Windows 10/11. For details, visit Microsoft’s compatibility guide.
✅ Update Microsoft Store:
- Open Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Click See More (•••) > Downloads and Updates > Get Updates.
- If an update is available, it will install automatically.
✅ Troubleshoot Game Installations:
- If you’re having trouble installing a game, follow Microsoft’s game troubleshooting guide for Windows 10/11.
✅ Reinstall Problematic Apps:
- Open Microsoft Store and go to My Library.
- Find the app, select it, and click Install to reinstall.
✅ Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter:
- Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
How to Fix Apps Not Opening on Windows 10 & 11
If you cannot open programs on Windows 10 or 11, you need to start troubleshooting to identify and fix the issue. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolve common app-related problems.
Method 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
The built-in Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter can automatically diagnose and fix issues with Microsoft Store apps. Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Open the Search Bar
- Click the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar or press Windows + S on your keyboard.
2️⃣ Open Control Panel
- Type Control Panel in the search box and click on it from the results.
3️⃣ Access Troubleshooting Options
- In the Control Panel, search for Troubleshoot in the top-right input field.
- Click on the Troubleshooting header from the results.
4️⃣ Launch the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
- Click View all in the left panel to see all available troubleshooters.
- Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter.
5️⃣ Run the Troubleshooter
- Click Next and wait while Windows analyzes the problem.
- If any issues are found, the troubleshooter will attempt to fix them automatically.
- You’ll see a detailed report at the end of the process.
By following these steps, you can quickly resolve app-related issues and get your Windows 10/11 apps working again. Stay tuned for more troubleshooting methods if the problem persists!
Method 2: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus App
Sometimes, antivirus software conflicts can cause apps to crash or not open in Windows 10 and 11. Your antivirus may mistakenly flag an app as a threat, preventing it from running.
To check if this is the issue, try temporarily disabling your antivirus:
1️⃣ Open Task Manager
- Right-click on an empty space in the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2️⃣ Go to the Startup Tab
- Click on the Startup tab in the header menu.
- Locate your antivirus software in the list.
3️⃣ Disable Your Antivirus App
- Select your antivirus program and click Disable (bottom-right corner).
- This prevents the antivirus from launching when you start your device.
4️⃣ Restart Your Computer
- Reboot your system and check if your apps now open without issues.
⚠ Important: Once troubleshooting is complete, re-enable your antivirus to keep your system protected.
If disabling the antivirus solves the problem, consider adding the affected apps to the antivirus exclusion list or switching to a different security program.
Method 3: Update Your Apps
If certain apps aren’t opening or crashing on Windows 10/11, they may be outdated. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security.
To ensure your apps are up to date, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Check for Updates in Microsoft Store
- Open Microsoft Store and click See More (•••) > Downloads and Updates > Get Updates.
- If an update is available for your app, it will install automatically.
2️⃣ Manually Update Apps from the Manufacturer’s Website
- Visit the official website of the app developer and check for newer versions.
- Download and install the latest update if available.
3️⃣ Enable Automatic Updates (If Supported)
- Some apps update automatically by default, ensuring you always have the latest version.
- Check the app’s settings to verify if auto-updates are enabled.
Keeping your apps updated helps prevent compatibility issues, crashes, and security vulnerabilities, ensuring smooth performance on Windows 10 and 11.
Method 4: Manually Start the Windows Update Service
If your Windows Update service is not running, it can prevent apps from updating properly, leading to crashes or launch failures. You can manually start the Windows Update service using these steps:
1️⃣ Open the Run Dialog
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run application.
2️⃣ Launch the Services Manager
- Type services.msc (without quotes) and hit Enter.
- This will open the Services application.
3️⃣ Find the Windows Update Service
- Scroll down the list and locate Windows Update (services are listed alphabetically).
- Right-click on Windows Update and select Properties.
4️⃣ Enable the Windows Update Service
- In the Startup type drop-down menu, select Enabled.
- Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.
5️⃣ Restart Your Computer
- Reboot your PC and check if your apps are now opening properly.
Ensuring that Windows Update is running helps maintain system stability, security, and compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 apps.
Method 5: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
If your Microsoft Store apps aren’t opening or working properly, clearing the Store cache can help. This process removes temporary files that might be causing the issue.
Steps to Clear the Microsoft Store Cache:
1️⃣ Close Microsoft Store Processes:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Go to the Details tab and end any running Microsoft Store processes.
2️⃣ Open the Windows Search Bar:
- Click the magnifying glass in the taskbar or press Windows + S.
3️⃣ Run the WSReset Command:
- Type wsreset and select the first result to run the command.
4️⃣ Wait for the Process to Complete:
- A blank Command Prompt window will open—do not close it manually.
- Wait about 30 seconds for it to close automatically.
5️⃣ Microsoft Store Will Relaunch Automatically:
- Once the Command Prompt closes, the Microsoft Store will open.
- Try launching your apps to see if the issue is resolved.
Clearing the cache helps fix issues like app crashes, failed downloads, and performance problems in Windows 10 & 11.
Method 6: Repair or Reset the Problematic App
If a specific app is still not opening, you can try repairing or resetting it. This process removes temporary files and reinstalls the app from scratch, which often fixes common issues.
Steps to Repair or Reset an App:
1️⃣ Open Apps & Features:
- Press Windows + X and select Apps and Features from the menu.
2️⃣ Locate the Problematic App:
- Scroll through the list of installed apps and find the app that’s causing issues.
- Click on it, then select Modify (if available). If you don’t see Modify, click Uninstall.
3️⃣ Repair the App (If Available):
- If the app has a built-in Repair function, click Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The repair process will attempt to fix any issues with the app without affecting your data.
4️⃣ Restart Your Computer:
- After the repair is complete, you may need to restart your computer to apply the changes.
By repairing or resetting the app, you can often resolve issues preventing it from opening or functioning correctly on Windows 10/11.
Method 7: Run the System File Checker
If you’re facing issues with multiple apps, there may be corrupt system files on your PC. The System File Checker (SFC) tool can scan for and repair these corrupted files, potentially fixing app-related problems.
Steps to Run the System File Checker:
1️⃣ Open the Search Bar:
- Click the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar or press Windows + S on your keyboard.
2️⃣ Launch Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Type Command Prompt in the search box.
- Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as Administrator.
- If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrative permissions.
3️⃣ Run the SFC Scan:
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
-
sfc /scannow
-
4️⃣ Wait for the Scan to Complete:
- The System File Checker will scan your system for corrupt files. If it finds any, it will automatically repair them.
- Wait for the process to finish and follow any on-screen instructions.
By using the System File Checker, you can repair damaged system files and restore proper functionality to apps on Windows 10 & 11.
Method 8: Create a New Local Account
If you’re facing app-related issues, a corrupt user account may be the cause. You can try creating a new local account to see if the problem persists. If apps work properly on the new account, you can transfer your files to the new profile.
Steps to Create a New Local Account:
1️⃣ Open Settings:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
2️⃣ Navigate to Accounts:
- Click on the Accounts tile.
3️⃣ Go to Family & Other Users:
- From the left panel, click on Family & other users.
4️⃣ Add a New User:
- Scroll down and click on Add someone else to this PC.
- Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Then, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5️⃣ Create the New User Account:
- Enter a username for the new account and optionally set a password with security questions.
- Click Next to create the account.
6️⃣ Switch to the New User:
- Log into the newly created account and check if the apps are now working without issues.
If the apps work correctly on the new user account, it’s likely that your original account is corrupt. You can transfer your data to the new account for a fresh start.
Method 9: Reset or Refresh Your Windows 10/11 Installation
If none of the previous methods worked and your apps are still not functioning properly, you may need to reset your Windows 10/11 installation. This will reinstall Windows from scratch while preserving your personal files and data.
Steps to Reset Your Windows Installation:
1️⃣ Open Settings:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
2️⃣ Search for Reset Option:
- Type reset into the search bar and select Reset this PC from the search results.
- Alternatively, navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
3️⃣ Start the Reset Process:
- Under the Reset this PC section, click on Get started and wait for the reset process to begin.
4️⃣ Choose Your Option:
- Keep my files: This option will preserve your personal files, but it will remove all apps and settings.
- Remove everything: This will erase all data, including personal files, apps, and settings.
5️⃣ Complete the Reset:
- Wait for Windows to finish resetting your PC. It may take some time, and your PC will restart several times.
If you need a fresh Windows installation, check out our guide on installing Windows using a bootable USB for detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Tip: If you purchase Windows from the EcomKeys store, they offer free installation support, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup! A fresh OS can help reduce crashes, blue screen errors, and other system issues.
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