Windows 11: How to Fix Apps Not Opening or Launching

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Fix issues with programs failing to run on your Windows 11 PC

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: June 30, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Fixing Multiple Apps Not Opening
|
• Troubleshooting a Specific App
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

Are your Windows 11 apps crashing immediately after you open them, or refusing to open at all? Several issues can cause apps to not open, but luckily, there are quite a few fixes. In this article, we’ll explain what to do if programs won’t open on your Windows PC, whether it’s an individual app or several of them.

What to Do If Apps Won’t Open in Windows

If you're having trouble with multiple apps failing to launch, run a system scan to check for corruption. You can also try refreshing the Microsoft Store cache or re-registering your apps. If an individual app won't open, repair it in Settings or reinstall it. You can also run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Fixing Multiple Apps Not Opening

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1. 
   1
   Restart your computer. This basic fix can sometimes resolve simple glitches that prevent your apps from launching. Before you move on to more complicated troubleshooting steps, try rebooting your computer.
2. 
   2
   Boot into Safe Mode if you can’t open any apps at all. If you’re not able to open any of the apps or utilities you need to complete the troubleshooting steps in this section, starting your computer in Safe Mode might help. Check out our guide for detailed instructions. Once you’re in Safe Mode, proceed to the next steps.
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   Run a System File Checker scan. If there are any missing or corrupted files in your system, the System File Checker (SFC) may be able to identify and repair them. This could fix whatever is preventing your apps from opening. To use this tool:

   • Search for cmd in the Windows taskbar or Start menu search bar.
   • Right-click Command Prompt in the results and select Run as administrator. Click Allow or enter your administrator password if prompted.
   • In the command line, enter the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth. Press Enter. This will prompt Windows to download the resources you’ll need to repair any corrupted files. You may need to wait a few minutes for this command to execute.
   • Once the DISM command is finished running, type in the command sfc /scannow. Press Enter.
   • Once the SFC scan is complete, you should see the results in the command prompt window. Hopefully, if the scan finds any problems, it will fix them automatically. If you get a different result (e.g., if problems are found but the SFC tool fails to fix them), see this guide from Windows for information on what to do next.
4. 
   4
   Clear the Microsoft Store cache. If Windows-specific apps won’t open (like Notepad, Microsoft Edge, Calculator, or the Microsoft Store itself), a corrupt Microsoft Store cache could be the problem. Fortunately, this one is easy to fix:

   • Press Windows key + R.
   • In the Run dialog, type in wsreset.exe. Press Enter or click OK.
   • If this works, you’ll briefly see a blank Command Prompt window, which should close on its own. Then, the Microsoft Store should open automatically.
5. 
   5
   Restart the Application Identity and Windows Update services. These services need to be running correctly in order for your apps to launch the way they’re supposed to. You can easily restart both of them in the Task Manager. Here’s how to do it:

   • Press Windows key + R and enter services.msc. Press Enter or click OK.
   • In the list of services, right-click Application Identity. If it’s not currently running, click Start. If it’s already running, click Restart.
   • Repeat this process with the Windows Update service.
6. 
   6
   Do a malware scan. Viruses and other malware can prevent your apps from running correctly. You can catch most malicious software with the built in Windows Security app. To do a scan:

   • Search for windows security in the taskbar or Start menu search bar. Select the result and click Open.
   • Select Virus & threat protection from the left sidebar.
   • Click Quick scan.
7. 
   7
   Make sure your date and time settings are correct. Some apps may crash or refuse to open if your time and date settings are wrong. To fix this:

   • Open the Start menu and select Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
   • Make sure “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” are toggled on.
   • If you can’t enable automatic date, time, and time zone settings:
     • Click Change next to “Set the date and time.” Set the correct date and time, then click Change to confirm.
     • Select the correct time zone in the dropdown menu next to “Time zone.”
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   8
   Update Windows. An outdated operating system could be causing glitches. Open the Start menu and select Settings > Windows Update > Check for Windows updates. If any updates are available, click Download & Install. You might be prompted to restart when you’re done.

   • You can also check for driver updates by going to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Additional Options > Optional Updates. If you see any driver updates in this section, select them and click Download and install. Restart your computer when you’re finished.
9. 
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   Re-register your apps. This simple PowerShell command may get your malfunctioning apps working again by reinstalling and re-registering them. This works specifically for stock Windows apps and apps that you installed through the Microsoft Store. To do this:

   • Search for windows powershell in the Start menu or taskbar search bar. Right-click the result and select Run as Administrator.
   • Enter the following command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers }. Press Enter.
10. 
    10
    Check your registry settings. If your registry isn’t configured correctly, your apps may fail to open. Before making any changes, always back up the registry in case something goes wrong. Then, take the following steps:

    • Search for regedit in the search bar and open the Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
    • Select the .exe entry in the left menu pane, then double-click Default in the right-hand pane. Make sure the Value data field says exefile. Change it if necessary, then click OK.
    • Next, select exefile in the left menu bar. Double-click Default in the right pane and make sure the Value data field says Application.
    • Expand the exefile entry in the left menu bar and expand the shell subfolder. Select the open folder. Double-click Default in the right pane and make sure the Value data field is empty.
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    11
    Try creating a new user account. If your user account files are corrupted, you might not be able to open apps. You may be able to get around this by creating a new account. To do so:

    • Press Windows key + I and select Accounts > Other users.
    • Click Add account.
    • Follow the prompts to create a new user account. Once it’s set up, log in and see if you can open any apps.
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Section 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting a Specific App

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1. 
   1
   Exit the app completely in Task Manager and try again. If an app isn’t opening correctly, it may help to end any processes associated with it and get a fresh start. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager. Right-click any processes associated with the app and select End Task.

   • This option can be helpful in situations where the app appears to be open in the taskbar, but you can’t see any windows associated with it.
2. 
   2
   Restart your computer. In many cases, an app won’t launch due to a simple glitch with the app itself or with one of the Windows services required to run it. Rebooting your computer may be enough to fix the problem.
3. 
   3
   Update the app. If an app is out of date, it might not run properly. The right way to update an app depends on how you originally installed it.

   • If you installed the app in the Microsoft Store, launch the Microsoft Store and select Library (in the lower left corner). Select Get Updates > Update all.
   • If you downloaded the app from some other source, you may be able to download an update from the developer’s website. In many cases, you can update the app from within the app itself. This option is usually somewhere in the app’s Settings menu.
4. 
   4
   Repair or reset the app. Sometimes an app won’t launch because it has become corrupted in some way. Windows has built-in options to repair apps in these situations. Try the following steps:

   • Open the Start menu and select Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
   • Click ••• next to the app and select Advanced options (if it’s available).
   • Select Repair. If repairing the app doesn’t work, or if you don’t see a Repair option, click Reset.
   • If you don’t see any repair options in Settings, you can also try repairing the app from Control Panel.
     • Search for control panel in the Windows search bar to find and open Control Panel.
     • Select Programs > Programs and Features.
     • Right-click the app that won’t open and select Repair. If you don’t see Repair, click Change. Sometimes you’ll see repair options in the Change menu.
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   5
   Uninstall and reinstall the app. If repairing or resetting an app doesn’t work, sometimes you need to do a clean install. Uninstall the app, then install it fresh and see if it works.
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   Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter can help you determine if the problem app is even compatible with your system. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to run an older app. To run the troubleshooter:

   • Open the Start menu and select Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Scroll down to find the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. Select it and click Run.
   • Follow any on-screen instructions. If the troubleshooter finds any incompatibility issues, it might offer potential solutions to get the app working.
   • You can also try running the app in compatibility mode. Find the app’s executable (.exe) file and right-click it, then select Properties and click the Compatibility tab. Check the box next to “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select an older version of Windows that you know supports the app.
7. 
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   Update your drivers. Driver compatibility issues can sometimes affect specific apps. If you’re not sure which driver(s) might be causing the problem, you can do a general check for available driver updates using Windows Update. To do so:

   • Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
   • Select Optional updates (under the Additional options header).
   • Select any driver updates you want to install and click Download and install.
   • When the process is complete, restart your computer.
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