Windows 11 Apps Not Opening: Repair, Reset and Reinstall

You click an app and nothing happens, or a window flashes for a second and disappears. Windows 11 apps not opening is usually fixable without reinstalling Windows: most cases come down to a pending update, a damaged app installation, corrupt app data or a Microsoft Store glitch. This guide follows Microsoft’s recommended order: quick checks first, then Repair, Reset and reinstall, and finally fixes for when many apps fail at once.

The steps apply to Windows 11 version 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2, for both Store apps and classic desktop programs.

First, narrow it down

What fails	Likely area	Start with
One app	That app’s installation or data	Repair, then Reset
Several Store apps	Microsoft Store or app framework	Store updates, wsreset
Built-in apps and Settings	Windows system files	SFC and DISM
Everything after an update	The update or a driver	Restart, then uninstall update

Step 1: Restart and update

• Restart the PC (Start > Power > Restart). A pending update or a stuck background process blocks many apps.
• Install Windows updates in Settings > Windows Update.
• Update apps: open Microsoft Store, select Library (or Downloads and updates) and select Get updates. Update desktop programs from their own update option or website.
• Check compatibility: Microsoft’s Store troubleshooting page also suggests making sure the app works with your version of Windows.

Step 2: Repair or Reset the app

For apps from Microsoft Store and many built-in apps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find the app, select the … next to it and choose Advanced options.
3. Select Repair. Microsoft says Repair tries to fix the app without affecting its data.
4. If it still fails, select Reset. This reinstalls the app’s defaults and deletes its data on this PC, such as preferences and sign-ins.

Some apps also have Terminate on the same page, which fully closes a stuck app; try it before Repair.

Step 3: Repair desktop programs

Classic programs installed from the web are repaired differently:

1. Search for Control Panel and open Programs > Programs and Features.
2. Right-click the program and select Repair. If Repair is not available, select Change and follow the prompts.

Microsoft notes that not every app or program has repair, change or modify options. If there is none, uninstall and reinstall it. See uninstall apps in Windows 11.

Step 4: Microsoft Store problems

If several Store apps fail, or the Store itself will not open:

1. Press Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe and select OK. Microsoft says a blank Command Prompt window appears, and after about ten seconds it closes and the Store opens.
2. Make sure you are signed in to the Store. Microsoft notes the Store may not be available with a local account in some cases, and that on work devices an administrator may have turned it off.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (or the Get Help app).

More Store fixes are in Windows 11 Store not working and the Microsoft Store checklist.

Step 5: Security software and permissions

• SmartScreen or Smart App Control may block unknown programs. Windows shows a message when it does; only allow programs you trust. See SmartScreen.
• Third-party antivirus sometimes quarantines program files. Check its history, and Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history.
• Controlled folder access can stop apps writing to Documents and Pictures, which makes some apps fail at start. Check Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection.

Step 6: After System Restore

Microsoft has documented a case where some Store apps show “This app can’t open” after running System Restore. Its suggested fixes are restarting the app, reinstalling it from Microsoft Store or its original source, and running Windows Update.

Step 6b: Check the app’s own requirements

Some apps fail silently when something they depend on is missing:

• Graphics-heavy apps and games need a current graphics driver; see Windows 11 graphics drivers.
• Older desktop programs may need a runtime such as a specific .NET or Visual C++ version. The program’s installer or website lists these; install them from Microsoft or the developer only.
• Very old programs may run with compatibility settings: right-click the program’s shortcut, select Properties > Compatibility, and select Run compatibility troubleshooter.
• Apps that need sign-in may fail if the date and time are wrong; check Settings > Time & language > Date & time and select Sync now.
• Apps tied to a subscription can stop opening when the licence lapses; sign in again inside the app or check the account page.

If an app only fails for one user account on a shared PC, that user’s app data is the problem: Reset the app while signed in as that user.

Write down any error message or code the app shows before you close it. Searching the developer’s support site for that exact text is often the fastest route to a fix, and it is what support will ask for if you contact them.

Step 7: When many apps fail

If Settings, Photos, Calculator and others all fail, Windows itself may be damaged:

1. Open Terminal (Admin) and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow. See SFC scannow and DISM RestoreHealth.
2. Restart.
3. Test with a new user account (Settings > Accounts > Other users). If apps work there, the problem is in your profile.
4. Use Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update > Reinstall now, which reinstalls Windows and keeps apps, files and settings; see in-place upgrade.

If problems started right after an update, see uninstall a Windows 11 update. For Start menu and taskbar problems specifically, see Start menu not working and taskbar not working.