Apps

App not opening or keeps crashing

Repair or reset a broken Windows app before reinstalling it.

Risk: MediumAdmin: SometimesRestart: Maybe

Before you start

  • Restart the app and then Windows before resetting anything.
  • Check the app vendor’s status page if the app depends on an online service.
1

Update Windows and the app

Install Windows updates, then update the application from Microsoft Store or the publisher’s own updater.

2

Use Repair first

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Select the three-dot menu beside the app > Advanced options > Repair, if available. Repair is the less destructive option.

3

Use Reset only if Repair fails

On the same Advanced options page choose Reset. Reset can remove the app’s local data and settings, so make sure anything important is synced or backed up first.

4

Traditional desktop program

Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Right-click the program and choose Repair or Change if that option exists.

5

Reinstall as a final app-level fix

Uninstall the app, restart Windows if requested, then install the latest version from Microsoft Store or the official publisher.

Microsoft source

This guide is independently written and condensed from current Microsoft Support guidance. If your Windows build differs or the problem persists, use the official source for the full decision tree.

Open Microsoft Support ↗
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