Reinstalling the Settings app on Windows 10 is a straightforward process. First, you’ll need to open the Windows PowerShell with administrative privileges. Then, you will enter a specific command to reinstall the Settings app. By following these steps, you’ll have your Settings app up and running in no time.
How to Reinstall Settings App on Windows 10
Before diving into the steps, let’s get this straight: You’re going to use Windows PowerShell to fix the Settings app. This tool lets you execute commands that can alter system settings, making it quite powerful. Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it.
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
First, you need to access PowerShell with admin rights.
To do this, click on the Start menu and type "PowerShell" in the search bar. Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" from the search results and select "Run as administrator." If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click "Yes" to proceed.
Step 2: Enter the Reinstallation Command
Next, you’ll enter the command to reinstall the Settings app.
In the PowerShell window, type or paste the following command:
Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
Press Enter to execute the command. This action will reinstall the Settings app and can take a few moments to complete.
Step 3: Verify the Reinstallation
Finally, check if the Settings app is working as expected.
After the command finishes, close the PowerShell window. Go back to the Start menu and open the Settings app. If everything worked correctly, the app should open without any issues.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the Settings app should be reinstalled and functioning properly. You can now adjust your system settings just like before.
Tips for Reinstalling Settings App on Windows 10
- Backup Important Data: Always back up your important files before making changes to system settings.
- Administrator Rights: Make sure you have admin rights on your computer; otherwise, you won’t be able to execute these commands.
- Stay Updated: Ensure your Windows is up-to-date to avoid any compatibility issues.
- Double-Check Commands: Always double-check the command for any typos to avoid errors.
- Restart If Needed: Sometimes a restart can resolve lingering issues after the reinstallation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have Administrator rights?
Without administrator rights, you cannot run the necessary PowerShell commands. You’ll need to log in with an admin account or ask someone who has those rights.
Can I reinstall other apps using the same method?
Yes, the same method can be adapted to reinstall other built-in Windows apps by changing the package name in the command.
Is PowerShell safe to use?
PowerShell is safe when used correctly. Always ensure commands are from a trusted source to avoid unwanted changes.
Will this method delete my data?
No, reinstalling the Settings app will not delete your personal data. It only affects the app’s installation files.
What if the issue persists after reinstallation?
If the problem continues, you might need to perform a Windows System Restore or consider a fresh installation of Windows.
Summary
- Open PowerShell as administrator.
- Enter the reinstallation command.
- Verify the reinstallation.
Conclusion
Reinstalling the Settings app on Windows 10 is a simple yet effective solution to regain control over your system settings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly resolve any issues with the Settings app. Remember, using Windows PowerShell with administrative rights is crucial for executing system commands.
If you found this article helpful, consider bookmarking it for future reference. For further reading, you might want to explore other ways to troubleshoot common Windows issues. Always keep your system updated and back up your data regularly to avoid any unexpected mishaps.
Feel free to dive into more advanced topics as you get comfortable with these basic tweaks. Happy computing!
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.