search
HomeSystem TutorialWindows SeriesWindows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

If Windows 11 apps won’t open as they should, try these DIY fixes.

You might experience Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps or third-party standalone software not opening on a recently updated Windows 11 PC.

To help you escape this predicament, I’ve reproduced the bug in a test environment and evaluated more than 20 fixes suggested by Microsoft Learn Community moderators, Reddit threads, and YouTube bloggers.

Here are my picks:

Basic Checks

Try these simple fixes first before starting with the more technical ones:

  • If you haven’t done it already, restart the PC.
  • Quickly restart Windows Explorer by pressing Ctrl Shift Esc keys to open Task Manager. Then, right-click on the Windows Explorer app in the Processes tab, and select Restart.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  • Power cycle the device by shutting it down, removing all cables, and pressing the power button for 30 seconds.
  • Download the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool for free. Double-click on the downloaded file, choose Full scan, and wait until it detects and removes malware from your device.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

Reinstall Integrated Graphics

Integrated graphics hardware or driver malfunctions may be the root cause. So, disabling or reinstalling it should fix the issue:

  1. Press the Windows X keys together to launch the Power User menu.
  2. Click on the Device Manager option.
  3. Find and extend the Display adapters driver tree.
  4. Right-click and select Uninstall device.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Restart the PC.
  2. Now, follow the same steps again to go to the Display adapters tree.
  3. Select the display hardware again, right-click, and choose Install device.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions.

If the above steps are too bothersome, you could simply get the PC HelpSoft Driver Updater. This app automatically scans and updates outdated or corrupted device drivers with genuine and secure software.

Uninstall Recent Windows 11 Updates

When the issue arises right after updating the OS, do the following:

  1. Press the Windows I keys to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. On the right-side menu, click on Update history.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Click the Uninstall updates button in the Related settings section.
  2. You should see a table of installed updates along with the Uninstall button on the right edge of each item card.
  3. Click Uninstall for the latest one.
  4. Restart the PC.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

Restart Application Identity Service

The Application Identity service controls the security and trust-level aspects of all UWP and standalone apps. If it malfunctions or stops running, Windows 11 apps won’t open as well. Here’s a quick fix for you:

  1. Press Windows R to launch the Run dialog.
  2. In the Open box, type services.msc and hit Enter.
  3. The Windows Services tool will open.
  4. Find the Application Identity app.
  5. Right-click and select Start, Resume, Refresh, Restart, or any similar options in the context menu.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

Update Your PC

If you haven’t had the chance to update the system lately, it’s the right time to do that:

  1. Press the Windows I keys together to bring up the Settings app.
  2. Click on the Windows Update menu in the left-side navigation panel.
  3. Select Resume updates, Check for updates, or Download and install updates on the right side.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. The PC should reboot itself.
  2. If that doesn’t happen, do it manually.

Update All UWP Apps From Microsoft Store

If you’re only having problems with apps downloaded or delivered through the Microsoft Store, try these steps:

  1. Click on the Start menu button and type Store.
  2. Select Microsoft Store below the Best match section.
  3. Click on the Downloads button in the bottom left corner, near the Library menu.
  4. Hit the Get updates button.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

Launch App With Admin Rights

If you’re an admin account user on your PC, try these steps to allow more access rights to Windows 11 apps that won’t open in normal mode:

  1. Go to the Start menu and type in the name of the problematic app.
  2. Right-click on it.
  3. Select Run as admin from the right-click context menu.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. If you see any authentication dialog from the User Accounts Control, allow or click Yes.

Reset or Repair the Problematic App

You can also clear the cache of the app data by resetting it or you can repair it. However, make sure you back up your data before trying this:

  1. Open the Settings app. You can press the Windows I keys to do that.
  2. Click on the Apps menu.
  3. Now, select the Installed apps menu.
  4. You should see all standalone and UWP apps.
  5. Scroll the list up or down to find the problematic one.
  6. Click on More options or three dots on the right edge.
  7. Select Advanced options.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Scroll down to the Reset section.
  2. First, click on the Reset button and see if the app is now opening.
  3. If that doesn’t work, hit the Repair button.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. You’ll need an internet connection to repair it online from its official sources.

Use the Compatibility Troubleshooter

You can use the Compatibility Troubleshooter tool to fix most standalone apps that won’t launch after a recent Windows 11 update or a system upgrade. Here are the steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu and type the name of the app that’s not opening.
  2. Right-click on its icon and select Open file location.
  3. You should now see the app shortcut or binary file in a directory.
  4. Again, right-click on the icon in the new folder and choose Show more options.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Now, select Troubleshoot compatibility.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Click Yes on the We’re here to help dialog.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Choose the app from the provided list.
  2. Respond with The program doesn’t display correctly on the What is the problem are you having with this app? dialog.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Click Yes to apply the recommended compatibility settings.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Try running it now.

Repair Windows 11 Apps Using PowerShell

You can run a few PowerShell commands to fix all pre-installed and downloaded UWP apps.

  1. Press Windows X to open the Power User menu.
  2. Click on the Terminal (Admin) option.
  3. Now, execute the following commands one after the other:
<code>Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}</code>
<code>Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register "$($_. InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}</code>
<code>Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_. InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}</code>

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

You’ll see some messages in the Terminal in red. You can ignore those errors or warning texts.

Fix Windows Registry Database

You can utilize any third-party Windows Registry cleaners for quick repair. I recommend Fortect and Glarysoft registry fixing tools.

For instance, if you use Fortect, download and install the app from its official source. The software will launch automatically and perform an initial scan. Once it’s over, click Activate & Repair to fix the Windows Registry Database as well as other related issues.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

Restore Your PC

Your PC automatically creates restore points when you make major changes to the device. You can revert it to an earlier configuration to fix Windows 11 apps that won’t open. This method will only work if you haven’t disabled this feature manually.

  1. Use the Windows R keys to launch the Run dialog box.
  2. Type the rstrui command in Open and hit Enter.
  3. Click Next on the System Restore wizard.
  4. Select a restore point from the table you see and click Next.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Click Finish to start restoring the PC.

Reset Your PC

Finally, if none of the above troubleshooting ideas work for you, you must use the Windows 11 Reset tool. Connect the system to a reliable internet network and follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Press the Shift key and keep it pressed.
  3. Now, click on the Power icon and select Restart.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Don’t release the Shift key yet.
  2. The PC will reboot and show the Please Wait splash screen.
  3. You can now let go of the Shift key.
  4. In a few seconds, the device will enter WinRE mode.
  5. Click Troubleshoot.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Select Reset This PC.
  2. Click on the Keep my files option.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Select Cloud download.

Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]

  1. Once the configuring steps like setting server connections and internal systems are ready, you’ll see the system reset button.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Now you what to do when Windows 11 apps won’t open on your PC. Follow these steps in the order they appear to get a fix in the least possible time.

You can also learn how to deal with similar Windows 11 issues like critical error Start menu isn’t working, driver power state failure, and your PC ran into a problem.

The above is the detailed content of Windows 11 Apps Won't Open [Resolved]. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Statement
The content of this article is voluntarily contributed by netizens, and the copyright belongs to the original author. This site does not assume corresponding legal responsibility. If you find any content suspected of plagiarism or infringement, please contact admin@php.cn
PowerToys Is the Ultimate Work From Home Companion AppPowerToys Is the Ultimate Work From Home Companion AppMar 03, 2025 am 10:07 AM

PowerToys: Supercharge Your Windows Work-From-Home Experience Working from home presents unique productivity challenges. Distractions abound, demanding a focused workspace. PowerToys helps optimize your home office, whether it's a dedicated space or

How to Find the Product Key for Windows 10How to Find the Product Key for Windows 10Mar 04, 2025 am 01:46 AM

Retrieve lost Windows 10 product key: Two ways Have you lost your product key after installing genuine Windows 10? Don't worry, this article will introduce two ways to retrieve your keys so that you can reinstall the system in the future. Case 1: Windows 10 is installed but the key is lost Even if you get Windows 10 through a free upgrade or genuine installation, you can easily find the product key using the iSumsoft Product Key Finder as long as your computer works properly. Method 1: Use iSumsoft Product Key Finder Download and install: Download and install iSumsoft Product Key Finder to your computer. Find the product key: Start

How to Install Windows 11 23H2 on Unsupported PCHow to Install Windows 11 23H2 on Unsupported PCMar 03, 2025 pm 12:55 PM

In the second half of 2023, Microsoft released the Windows 11 23H2 system. Many users can't wait to upgrade their computer to the latest version, but some users encountered the error message "This computer does not meet the minimum requirements..." when trying to install Windows 11 23H2 on an unsupported computer. don’t worry! This article will provide a step-by-step guide to how to install Windows 11 23H2 on an unsupported computer. Let's get started! Note: Microsoft said, "Installing Windows 11 on unsupported computers is not recommended. If you choose to install Windows 11 on hardware that does not qualify, you should risk compatibility issues." allow

The Best Ergonomic Keyboards of 2025The Best Ergonomic Keyboards of 2025Mar 03, 2025 am 10:02 AM

Recommended Best Ergonomic Keyboards in 2025 Ergonomic keyboards function the same as regular keyboards, but add support to reduce stress on wrists, hands and fingers. These keyboards are designed to keep your hands and wrists in a more natural position, helping to minimize muscle strain and prevent potential damage from prolonged typing. There are a wide variety of ergonomic keyboards available on the market, so be sure to consider which features are most important to you before purchasing. From layout to design, each type offers unique benefits based on your preferences and needs. Most ergonomic keyboards fall into two categories. The first category is the split keyboard, which, as the name suggests, divides the key layout into two parts for a more natural wrist posture. There are two types of split keyboards:

How to Change the Font and Layout of PowerShell WindowHow to Change the Font and Layout of PowerShell WindowMar 03, 2025 pm 01:03 PM

Enhance your Windows 10 PowerShell experience with these simple customization steps! This guide shows you how to adjust PowerShell fonts and enable automatic text wrapping for improved readability and optimal window fitting. Let's get started: Step 1

Acer PD163Q Dual Portable Monitor Review: I Really Wanted to Love ThisAcer PD163Q Dual Portable Monitor Review: I Really Wanted to Love ThisMar 18, 2025 am 03:04 AM

The Acer PD163Q Dual Portable Monitor: A Connectivity Nightmare I had high hopes for the Acer PD163Q. The concept of dual portable displays, conveniently connecting via a single cable, was incredibly appealing. Unfortunately, this alluring idea quic

Top 3 Windows 11 Gaming Features That Outshine Windows 10Top 3 Windows 11 Gaming Features That Outshine Windows 10Mar 16, 2025 am 12:17 AM

Upgrade to Windows 11: Enhance Your PC Gaming Experience Windows 11 offers exciting new gaming features that significantly improve your PC gaming experience. This upgrade is worth considering for any PC gamer moving from Windows 10. Auto HDR: Eleva

How to Open File Explorer Option in Windows 10How to Open File Explorer Option in Windows 10Mar 03, 2025 pm 12:57 PM

Access File Explorer Options in Windows 10: Three Easy Ways This guide provides three simple methods to open File Explorer Options in Windows 10, allowing you to customize settings for file and folder views, opening items, and search functionality. M

See all articles

Hot AI Tools

Undresser.AI Undress

Undresser.AI Undress

AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover

AI Clothes Remover

Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Undress AI Tool

Undress AI Tool

Undress images for free

Clothoff.io

Clothoff.io

AI clothes remover

AI Hentai Generator

AI Hentai Generator

Generate AI Hentai for free.

Hot Article

R.E.P.O. Energy Crystals Explained and What They Do (Yellow Crystal)
2 weeks agoBy尊渡假赌尊渡假赌尊渡假赌
Repo: How To Revive Teammates
4 weeks agoBy尊渡假赌尊渡假赌尊渡假赌
Hello Kitty Island Adventure: How To Get Giant Seeds
4 weeks agoBy尊渡假赌尊渡假赌尊渡假赌

Hot Tools

SublimeText3 Mac version

SublimeText3 Mac version

God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Dreamweaver CS6

Dreamweaver CS6

Visual web development tools

ZendStudio 13.5.1 Mac

ZendStudio 13.5.1 Mac

Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Safe Exam Browser

Safe Exam Browser

Safe Exam Browser is a secure browser environment for taking online exams securely. This software turns any computer into a secure workstation. It controls access to any utility and prevents students from using unauthorized resources.

PhpStorm Mac version

PhpStorm Mac version

The latest (2018.2.1) professional PHP integrated development tool