What To Do When Your Apps Aren't Opening on Windows 10/11

Experiencing frustration when your apps fail to launch on Windows 10 or 11 can be quite common. Sometimes, apps might crash immediately upon opening, while in other instances, they might not open at all. It's crucial to address these issues promptly to maintain the smooth operation of your system.

In this article, we'll explore the most frequent reasons behind app crashes and malfunctions on Windows 10 and 11, along with troubleshooting tips. We'll also offer solutions for specific scenarios you might encounter. If you're facing issues with apps not opening on Windows 10 or 11, know that you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to resolve these problems.

Table of Contents

• Why Are My Apps Not Launching on Windows 10/11? Potential Reasons
• Resolving Issues with Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 10/11
• How to Resolve Apps Not Launching on Windows 10/11
• Method 1. Utilize the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
• Method 2. Temporarily Deactivate Your Antivirus Software
• Method 3. Update Your Apps
• Method 4. Manually Initiate the Windows Update Service
• Method 5. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache
• Method 6. Repair or Reset the App Causing Issues
• Method 7. Execute the System File Checker
• Method 8. Establish a New Local Account
• Method 9. Reset or Refresh Your Windows 10/11 Installation
• Solved! App Not Launching in Windows 11, 10 - Program Not Launching Fix
• Concluding Remarks

Why Are My Apps Not Launching on Windows 10/11? Potential Reasons

There are several reasons why your apps might not launch on Windows 10 or 11. The issue could be app-specific or related to the Windows operating system itself.

Here are some common causes of app crashes and malfunctions on Windows 10 and 11:

• Recent updates or software installations might have introduced compatibility issues with your apps.
• Corrupted system files, registry errors, or other underlying problems can also affect app performance.
• Malicious software like viruses or malware can corrupt app files and disrupt their normal operation.
• Insufficient memory or system resources might prevent apps from launching properly.
• Hardware or network issues could also contribute to app crashes and malfunctions on Windows 10 and 11.

If you're facing issues with apps not launching on Windows 10/11, it's essential to tackle these problems quickly to minimize any adverse effects on your system.

In the following section, we'll discuss strategies for troubleshooting and resolving common app-related issues on Windows 10/11.

Resolving Issues with Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 10/11

If you're using Windows 10 and encountering problems with Microsoft Store apps, consider these steps:

1. Ensure Windows is up to date: Click the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. If an update is available, click Install now.
2. Verify app compatibility with Windows 10. For more information, see Your app doesn't work with Windows 10.
3. Update the Microsoft Store: Click the Start button, select Microsoft Store from the apps list, then go to See more > Downloads and updates > Get updates. If an update for the Microsoft Store is available, it will install automatically.
4. Troubleshoot game issues: If you're having trouble installing a game, refer to Troubleshoot game installations on Windows 10.
5. Reinstall your apps: In the Microsoft Store, go to See more > My Library. Select the app you wish to reinstall and click Install.
6. Run the troubleshooter: Click the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, and select Windows Store apps > Run the troubleshooter.

How to Resolve Apps Not Launching on Windows 10/11

If you're unable to open programs on Windows, it's time to start troubleshooting. Here are some tips to help you fix common app-related issues on Windows 10/11:

Method 1. Utilize the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

If you're experiencing issues with Windows apps not launching, the first step should be to run the built-in Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. This tool is designed to automatically diagnose and fix common issues with Windows Store apps.

To run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter:

1. Open the Search bar on your taskbar by clicking the magnifying glass icon or using the Windows S keyboard shortcut.
2. Type Control Panel in the search box and click on it to open the application.
   
3. Search for Troubleshoot in the top-right input field, then click on the Troubleshooting header in the search results.
   
4. Click on the View all link in the left-side pane to see all available troubleshooters.
   
5. Scroll down to find the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, click on it, and wait for it to launch in a new window.
   
6. Click Next to start the problem analysis. If the troubleshooter identifies any issues, it will attempt to fix them. You can review a full report at the end of the process.

Method 2. Temporarily Deactivate Your Antivirus Software

Another potential cause of app crashes and malfunctions is a conflict with your antivirus software. Sometimes, your antivirus might mistakenly identify an app as a threat and block it.

If you suspect this is the issue, try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if it resolves the problem. Remember to re-enable it after troubleshooting to protect your system.

1. Right-click on an empty space in your taskbar and select Task Manager from the context menu.
   
2. Switch to the Startup tab at the top of the window. Locate your antivirus application in the list and select it.
3. Click the Disable button at the bottom-right of the window to prevent the antivirus from launching at startup.
   
4. Restart your computer and check if you can open applications without errors.

Method 3. Update Your Apps

If you're having trouble with specific apps, updating them to the latest version can often resolve issues. Many developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and enhance security.

To ensure your apps are up-to-date, manually check for updates on the developer's website. Some apps may automatically update, making it easier to access new versions.

Method 4. Manually Initiate the Windows Update Service

If the Windows Update service isn't running, it might prevent your apps from updating correctly. You can check its status by opening the Services MMC snap-in (services.msc).

If the service isn't running, you can start it manually by following these steps:

1. Press Windows R to open the Run application.
2. Type "services.msc" without quotes and press Enter to launch the Services application.
   
3. Scroll to find the Windows Update service, right-click on it, and select Properties from the context menu.
   
4. Change the Startup type to Enabled using the drop-down menu, click Apply, and then restart your computer.

Method 5. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

If you're still having issues with Microsoft Store apps, try clearing the Store cache. This will remove temporary files and data that might be causing problems.

To clear the Microsoft Store cache:

1. Close any Microsoft Store apps running in the background. Use Task Manager > Details to terminate Microsoft Store processes.
2. Open the search bar on your taskbar by clicking the magnifying glass icon or using Windows S.
3. Type wsreset and click on the first search result to run the command.
   
4. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait about 30 seconds for it to close automatically.
   
5. After the Command Prompt closes, the Microsoft Store will launch, now reset. Check if your app opening issues are resolved.

Method 6. Repair or Reset the App Causing Issues

If you're still having trouble with specific apps, try repairing or resetting them. This will remove temporary files and data, then reinstall the app from scratch.

Many users have found this method effective for fixing apps that won't open. To repair or reset an app:

1. Press Windows X and select Apps and Features from the context menu.
   
2. Find the app you're having trouble with. Click Modify if available, or Uninstall if necessary.
   
3. If the app has a built-in repair function, click Repair.
   
4. Follow any on-screen instructions to repair the installation. You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect before the app can run on Windows.

Method 7. Execute the System File Checker

If multiple apps are affected, there might be corrupt system files on your system. Use the System File Checker tool to scan for and repair these files.

1. Open the search bar on your taskbar by clicking the magnifying glass icon or pressing Windows S.
2. Type Command Prompt in the search box, right-click on it in the results, and choose Run as Administrator.
   
3. When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to run with administrative permissions.
4. Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter to execute it.
   
5. Wait for the System File Checker to finish scanning your computer. If it finds discrepancies, it will restore system files and fix related errors.

Method 8. Establish a New Local Account

A corrupt user account can also cause app-related problems. Try creating a new user account to see if the issue persists. If it doesn't, you can transfer your files and data to the new account.

1. Click the Start menu and choose Settings, or use the Windows I keyboard shortcut.
2. Click on the Accounts tile.
3. Navigate to the Family & other users tab on the left side.
   
4. Click Add someone else to this PC to create a new user offline.
   
5. Click I don't have this person's sign-in information.
   
6. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
   
7. Enter a username and optionally a password with security questions, then click Next.
   

Switch to the new user and see if you still experience issues with apps not opening. If apps open successfully, your current profile might be corrupt.

Method 9. Reset or Refresh Your Windows 10/11 Installation

If all other methods fail and you're still having trouble with apps, consider resetting your Windows 10/11 installation. This will reinstall Windows from scratch but preserve your personal files and data.

To reset your Windows 10/11 installation:

1. Click the Start menu and choose Settings, or use the Windows I keyboard shortcut.
2. Type "reset" into the search bar and click Reset this PC from the results. You can also navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Click Get started under Reset this PC and wait for Windows to begin the reset process.
4. Choose one of the two options:
   • Keep my files to retain personal files but remove all apps and settings.
   • Remove everything to erase all data, including personal files.
5. Wait for Windows to complete the process.

For a fresh Windows installation, refer to our guide on How to Install Windows 11, 10, 8.1, or 7 Using a Bootable USB for detailed instructions.

Did you know? Purchasing Windows from the SoftwareKeep store includes free installation assistance! A fresh OS installation can reduce crashes, blue screen errors, and other issues.

Solved! App Not Launching in Windows 11, 10 - Program Not Launching Fix

Concluding Remarks

If you're facing this issue and unsure how to fix it, we've provided a comprehensive guide to help you get your apps running again. Be sure to visit our blog for more helpful tips and articles.

If you're still experiencing issues with your computer or device, explore more articles on our Blog and Help Center for further assistance. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring you have the best possible experience with your technology.

One More Thing

Sign up for our newsletter to get early access to our blog posts, promotions, and discount codes. You'll be the first to know about our latest guides, deals, and other exciting updates!

Keep Learning

» How to Fix Spotify Application Not Opening on Windows
» How to Fix the “Settings app not opening in Windows 10”
» How To Fix the NVIDIA Control Panel Not Opening on Windows

Feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for topics you'd like us to cover.

The above is the detailed content of What To Do When Your Apps Aren't Opening on Windows 10/11. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!