How to Fix Apps not opening issue on Windows | Quick Guide September 2025

Apps refusing to open on Windows can stop your work cold. You click the icon, maybe see a loading cursor, then nothing happens. Whether it’s Microsoft Store apps, desktop programs, or essential tools like Settings, this frustrating issue affects millions of Windows users daily.

Most apps that won’t open can be fixed by running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, resetting the app cache with wsreset.exe, or repairing the app through Settings. For stubborn cases, you’ll need to re-register apps using PowerShell or check for corrupt system files.

This guide shows you exactly how to fix apps not opening issue on Windows with 10 proven solutions that work for both Windows 10 and 11. We’ll start with simple fixes that take seconds, then move to advanced solutions for complex problems.

Why Windows Apps Won’t Open – Common Causes?

Understanding why apps won’t open on my pc helps you choose the right fix faster. Here are the main culprits:

System File Corruption

Damaged Windows files prevent apps from launching properly. This often happens after failed updates or sudden shutdowns.

Outdated Software

When Windows apps won’t open 10, outdated Windows versions or app updates often cause compatibility issues.

Cache Problems

Corrupted cache files make apps freeze during startup. The Microsoft Store cache particularly causes widespread app failures.

Permission Issues

User Account Control (UAC) settings or administrator permissions can block apps from running.

Background Service Failures

Essential Windows services like Application Identity or Windows Update must run for apps to work.

Quick Fixes for Apps That Can Not Open

Let’s start with solutions that fix most app problems in under 5 minutes.

1. Restart Your Computer

Before trying complex fixes, restart Windows. This clears temporary files and resets stuck processes.

Steps:

1. Save all open work
2. Click Start > Power > Restart
3. Wait for Windows to fully load
4. Try opening the problematic app

2. Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool specifically for when Windows apps are not opening.

How to use it:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot
3. Click “Additional troubleshooters”
4. Select “Windows Store Apps”
5. Click “Run the troubleshooter.”

The tool automatically detects and fixes common app problems.

3. Reset Windows Store Cache

A corrupted Store cache causes many Microsoft Store not opening Reddit complaints. Clearing it takes seconds.

Quick reset method:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter
3. Wait for the blank window to close
4. Microsoft Store opens automatically when done

4. Update Windows

Outdated Windows versions create compatibility problems where app can’t open properly.

Update process:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Click Update & Security
3. Select “Check for updates”
4. Install all available updates
5. Restart when prompted

Advanced Solutions for Stubborn App Problems

When basic fixes fail, these powerful methods solve deeper issues.

5. Re-register All Apps Using PowerShell

This fixes registry problems preventing windows app won’t open errors.

PowerShell fix:

1. Right-click Start button
2. Select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”
3. Copy and paste this command:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

4. Press Enter and wait for completion
5. Restart your computer

6. Repair or Reset Individual Apps

Windows lets you fix specific apps without reinstalling them.

For Windows 11:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2. Find the problematic app
3. Click the three dots > Advanced options
4. Try “Repair” first (keeps your data)
5. If that fails, use “Reset” (removes app data)

For Windows 10:

1. Settings > Apps > Apps & features
2. Select the app
3. Click “Advanced options”
4. Choose Repair or Reset

7. Check and Fix System Files

Corrupted system files create various Windows app error message problems.

Run System File Checker:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type: sfc /scannow
3. Press Enter and wait (takes 10-15 minutes)
4. Restart after completion

If SFC finds problems it can’t fix:

1. Run this command next: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
2. Wait for completion
3. Run SFC again
4. Restart Windows

8. Create a New User Account

Sometimes user profile corruption causes apps to fail.

Test with new account:

1. Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
2. Click “Add someone else to this PC”
3. Follow prompts to create an account
4. Sign in to new account
5. Test if apps open properly

If apps work in the new account, transfer your files there.

9. Check Essential Windows Services

Several services must run for apps to work properly.

Verify critical services:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc and press Enter
3. Check these services are “Running”:
   • Windows Update
   • Application Identity
   • Windows Store Service

To start a service:

1. Double-click the service name
2. Set “Startup type” to Automatic
3. Click “Start” if the status shows Stopped
4. Click OK

10. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party software can interfere with Windows apps.

Clean boot process:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type msconfig and press Enter
3. Check “Hide all Microsoft services”
4. Click “Disable all”
5. Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager
6. Disable all startup items
7. Restart Windows

Test apps in clean boot mode. If they work, enable services one by one to find the culprit.

Fixing Specific App Error Messages

Different error messages need different solutions.

“This App Can’t Open” Error

1. Check if UAC is enabled in Control Panel
2. Run the app as administrator
3. Reset the specific app through Settings

“Class Not Registered” Error

1. Re-register the app using PowerShell
2. Run Windows Update
3. Reset Windows Search

Microsoft Store Error 0x80131500

1. Clear Store cache with wsreset
2. Reset network settings
3. Check date and time settings

Prevention Tips – Stop Apps From Breaking

Avoid future problems with these maintenance steps:

Regular Maintenance

• Install Windows updates monthly
• Update apps through the Microsoft Store weekly
• Run Disk Cleanup monthly
• Restart Windows at least weekly

Best Practices

• Don’t force-close apps regularly
• Avoid third-party “optimizer” tools
• Keep 15% disk space free
• Use antivirus software carefully (can block apps)

Backup Strategies

• Enable System Restore
• Create restore points before major changes
• Backup important app data regularly
• Note which apps you’ve installed

When to Try More Drastic Measures?

If nothing works after trying all solutions:

Reset Windows 10/11

1. Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
2. Click “Get started” under Reset this PC
3. Choose “Keep my files”
4. Follow on-screen instructions

In-Place Upgrade

Repairs Windows without losing programs:

1. Download Windows Media Creation Tool
2. Run it and select “Upgrade this PC now.”
3. Choose to keep files and apps
4. Complete the upgrade process

Professional Help

Contact Microsoft Support when:

• Hardware issues suspected
• Multiple system errors appear
• Blue screen errors occur
• Reset doesn’t fix problems

Quick Reference Troubleshooting Chart

Problem	First Try	If That Fails
All apps won’t open	Restart PC	Run SFC scan
Store apps only	Reset Store cache	Re-register apps
Single app fails	Repair the app	Reset/reinstall
After Windows update	Check for more updates	System restore
Random crashes	Update Windows	Clean boot test

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

When How to Fix Apps not opening issue on Windows, start with simple solutions like restarting and running troubleshooters. Most problems get fixed at this stage. For stubborn issues, PowerShell commands and system file repairs provide deeper fixes.

Remember to maintain Windows regularly to prevent future app problems. Keep everything updated, maintain free disk space, and create restore points before major changes.

If you’ve tried everything and apps still won’t open, don’t hesitate to use Windows Reset or contact Microsoft Support. Sometimes a fresh start saves hours of troubleshooting.

Now you have all the tools to get your Windows apps working again. Start with the quick fixes and work your way through until your apps open normally.