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GitHub Desktop Not Opening? 7 Ways to Quickly Fix it
Check for corrupt app cache or bug in the installation
5 min. read
Updated onMarch 4, 2024
updated onMarch 4, 2024
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GitHub is a popular platform amongst web developers. It allows them tohost files, and store and manage their code seamlessly while also taking help from others on the platform. But for many, GitHub Desktop is not opening.
The problem has been faced by users for a long time, with reports from as long ago as 2018 available on the web. So, it’s not always the program to blame, but it could just as well be an issue at the user’s end. Let’s find out all about it!
Why is GitHub Desktop not opening?
Here are a few reasons GitHub desktop is not opening in Windows 11 and other iterations of the OS:
What can I do if GitHub Desktop is not opening?
1. Open GitHub Desktop from Terminal
When the conventional method doesn’t work and GitHub Desktop is not launching, you can open GitHub Desktop from Terminal within seconds. Remember, this is just a workaround and not an actual fix.
2. Update GitHub Desktop
A few users managed to get things up and running when GitHub Desktop was not opening by simply updating the app.
3. Change the launch parameters
If the problem lies with missing permissions or compatibility, you could fix things by modifying the launch parameters in no time.
4. Clear the app cache
A common solution recommended on all dedicated forums when GitHub Desktop is not opening is to delete the app cache. This will clear any inconsistencies or file corruption that’s triggering the issue.
5. Remove conflicting apps
Often a third-party app conflicts with GitHub Desktop and prevents it from launching. A quick solution here is to remove that program. We often recommend using adedicated uninstaller toolto get rid of any leftover files and registry entries created by the program.
6. Reinstall GitHub Desktop
When the other solutions fail to work, and GitHub Desktop is still not opening, reinstalling the software is often the best way to go. This will eliminate any installation issues and get you a fresh copy of all the critical files.
7. Try the beta version of GitHub
The last solution is to use theBeta version of GitHub Desktop. This build gets features and updates before the regular one, and though slightly unstable, it should receive the much-needed bug patch sooner.
So,download GitHub Desktop Beta, and install the software. But we recommend not sticking with it for long and reverting back to the regular version as soon as things get fixed.
That’s all! GitHub Desktop should now be opening on your PC and working seamlessly. Before you leave, do check some quicktips and tricks to speed up Windows.
You can also:
In case you need help with other GitHub issues, such as thefatal not possible to fast-forward aborting error message; read this guide to learn the solutions.
This isn’t the only issue you can encounter and we have a special guide that will help youresolve issues with updating local ref during Git pull, so you might want to check it out.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
