To fix apps that won’t open in Windows 10, restart your PC and install any Windows updates. Then run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. If one app still won’t open, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the app, and choose Advanced options > Repair or Reset.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 27, 2026.
Try the steps in order and test the app after each one.
1. Close the app and restart your PC
If the app is stuck, close it in Task Manager. See how to force close an app in Windows 10. Then select Start > Power > Restart.
2. Update Windows and Microsoft Store
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. See how to update Windows 10.
- Open Microsoft Store, select See more (…) > Downloads and updates, and select Get updates.
3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Store Apps > Run the troubleshooter.
4. Repair or reset the app
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Select the app, then select Advanced options.
- Select Repair first. If that doesn’t help, select Reset.
Reset signs you out of the app and clears its data. Advanced options is only there for Microsoft Store apps. For other programs, select the program and choose Modify to repair it, if the program offers it.
5. Reinstall the app
Uninstall the app, then install it again. See how to uninstall programs on Windows 10. For Store apps, open Microsoft Store > See more > My Library and select Install.
If no apps open
If many apps won’t open, Windows system files may be damaged. See how to repair Windows 10 without losing files.
Frequently asked questions
Will Reset delete my files?
It deletes the app’s settings and data stored in the app, such as sign-in details. It doesn’t delete your documents or photos.
The app opens and closes right away. What now?
Try Repair or Reset (step 4). If it still closes, reinstall it (step 5).
If one app keeps acting up, you can repair or reset it to clear its data.
If the app that won’t open is Calculator, see how to reinstall or repair Calculator in Windows 10.
An old version can cause problems. See how to update apps in Windows 10.
An out-of-date app can also fail to open. To update a Store app, see how to update Spotify on Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guide is Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.