It’s frustrating when you click on a Windows app—whether it’s Microsoft Store apps, Office programs, or built-in utilities—and nothing happens. No error message, no loading screen, just… nothing. This issue can disrupt work, gaming, and daily tasks, but fortunately, it’s usually fixable with simple troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, we’ll explain why Windows apps fail to open and provide step-by-step solutions that actually work.
Common Reasons Windows Apps Don’t Open
Understanding the cause helps you solve the problem efficiently:
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Corrupted App Cache or Files: Damaged installation files prevent apps from launching.
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Outdated Windows Version: Incompatible system files can block app execution.
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Malware or Security Conflicts: Antivirus or malware may prevent apps from opening.
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Microsoft Store Issues: Store apps rely on services that may be broken.
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User Profile Corruption: Damaged user accounts can affect app access.
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System File Corruption: Missing or corrupted system files may cause errors.
Most of these issues are software-related and do not require hardware changes.
Step 1: Restart Your PC
Sometimes the simplest fix works best. Restarting clears temporary files and resets background processes that may be blocking apps.
Steps:
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Click Start → Power → Restart
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Wait for Windows to reload fully
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Try opening the app again
A fresh start often resolves temporary glitches.
Step 2: Check for Windows Updates
Outdated system files can prevent apps from opening. Keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility.
Steps:
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Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for Updates
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Install all pending updates and restart your PC
Updated system files often fix app launch issues automatically.
Step 3: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
For apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store, Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter.
Steps:
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Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Store Apps → Run the troubleshooter
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Follow the prompts and apply fixes
This tool automatically detects and fixes common app-related issues.
Step 4: Reset the Problematic App
Resetting an app clears cache and settings without reinstalling it.
Steps:
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Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Select the app → Advanced options → Reset
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Confirm and try launching the app again
Resetting often resolves issues caused by corrupted data.
Step 5: Reinstall the App
If resetting doesn’t work, reinstalling ensures a fresh, uncorrupted installation.
Steps:
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Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Select the app → Uninstall
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Reinstall from the Microsoft Store or official source
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Restart PC and try launching the app
Reinstallation eliminates corrupted files and configuration conflicts.
Step 6: Check for System File Corruption
Windows apps rely on core system files. If these files are damaged, apps may fail to open.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin)
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Run:
sfc /scannow -
If issues persist, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth -
Restart and test the apps
These commands repair corrupted system files and restore app functionality.
Step 7: Clear Microsoft Store Cache
A corrupted Store cache can affect app launches.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R → wsreset.exe → Enter
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Wait for the Store to reset
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Try launching apps again
This often fixes issues for multiple apps simultaneously.
Step 8: Check User Account Issues
Sometimes the problem is limited to a specific user profile.
Steps:
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Create a new user account: Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add someone else to this PC
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Log in with the new account
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Test if apps open
If apps work in the new account, your old profile may be corrupted. You can migrate files to the new account.
Step 9: Disable Antivirus or Security Software Temporarily
Overly aggressive security software can block apps from launching.
Steps:
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Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall
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Try opening the app
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If it works, adjust settings or whitelist the app
Always re-enable your security software after testing.
Step 10: Check Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date and time can prevent apps from communicating with servers or services.
Steps:
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Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time → Set time automatically
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Restart apps after correcting settings
Accurate system time ensures proper app functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do some Windows apps open slowly while others don’t open at all?
A1: Slow apps may be dealing with large caches or background updates, while apps that don’t open often have corrupted files or missing dependencies.
Q2: Can malware prevent apps from opening?
A2: Yes, malicious software can block app execution. Running a full antivirus scan is essential.
Q3: Is it safe to reset Windows apps?
A3: Yes. Resetting only clears cache and settings; personal files remain unaffected.
Q4: Will reinstalling the app delete my data?
A4: Some apps may delete saved data on uninstall. Back up important files before reinstalling.
Q5: Can outdated Windows updates cause apps to stop opening?
A5: Yes. Keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility with both built-in and Store apps.
Final Thoughts
Windows apps failing to open is a common, often fixable issue. By systematically restarting your PC, updating Windows, resetting or reinstalling apps, running system file repairs, and checking user accounts, you can resolve most app launch problems.
Maintaining updated system files, monitoring security software, and performing regular system maintenance helps prevent future issues, keeping your Windows apps running smoothly and reliably.