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Programs Disappeared on Windows 10: 11 Ways to Restore Them

Get back some of your favorite programs

8 min. read

Updated onApril 1, 2024

updated onApril 1, 2024

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Key notes

No computer user would anticipate a scenario ofprograms disappearing, especially pre-installed programs, because you’re sure they’re here to stay. However, users have said programs disappeared from their Windows 10 PCs.

This issue could happen when the pinned items on your start-up menu ortaskbarget corrupted.

There are several solutions to troubleshoot and fix the issue, and this article covers some of them.

Why do my apps keep disappearing from Windows 10?

There could be several reasons why your apps are disappearing from Windows 10. However, some common reasons include the following:

What can I do if my programs have disappeared on Windows 10?

1. Delete pinned items

If the pinned items on your startup menu ortaskbarare corrupted, you can delete the pinned items, then re-pin each item to thetaskbarand check if the issue of programs disappearing goes away.

2. Create a new user profile

Check whether the issue of programs disappearing goes away when using the newly created account. If it does, you can fixthe old user accountor migrate to the new account.

For more information on fixing a corrupted user profile, follow the instructions inthis troubleshooting guide.

3. Use the App Troubleshooter

4. Perform a System Restore

Restoring doesn’t affect your files. It, however, removes apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.

Use System Restore to create restore points when you install new apps, drivers, or Windows updates or when you create restore points manually.

5. Perform an SFC scan

You can also use one of the followingregistry cleanersto do the job. If the issue of programs disappearing persists, try the next solution.

6. Temporarily disable your antivirus

You can uninstall third-party software on your computer, such as a computer cleaner or antivirus.

Note:for antivirus, temporarily disable it because you need it to prevent your computer from security threats. Immediately after you’re done fixing the connection error, re-enable your antivirus.

7. Run the DISM tool

If programs disappeared from your Windows 10, run the DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.

The DISM tool helps fix Windows corruption errors when Windows Updates and service packs fail to install due to corruption errors, like if you have a damaged system file.

8. Boot in Safe Mode

Safe mode starts your computer with limited files and drivers, but Windows will still run. To know whether you’re on Safe mode, you’ll see the words at the corners of your screen.

If the issue of programs disappearing persists, check whether it occurs while your computer is in Safe mode.

If Safe Mode is unavailable, follow the instructionsin this guideto fix the problem.

9. Perform a clean boot

You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if the issue of programs disappearing is still there.

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces software-related conflicts that can bring up the root causes of the programs disappearing issue.

These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that typically start up and run in the background when you start Windows.

10. Perform a Startup Repair

Here’s how to use Startup Repair to fix the issue of programs disappearing:

11. Use a cleaning software

If a program is not showing up where you left it, you might as well try to reinstall it. But first, you will have to uninstall it.

A regular uninstall will likely leave a trail of unwanted leftovers, and the reinstallation could cause problems or simply clutter.

To ensure you get rid of any remaining files, you can employ a clean-up software likeCCleaner.

This reliable program allows you to analyze your computer to find junk files or unwanted software on your system.

It’s known that your PC collects residual files or outdated software files that can slow down the system and cause potential crashes.

In addition, you can erase browsing history or cookies and free up memory space for your applications.

⇒Get CCleaner

If you are interested in data recovery, you can check out theData Recovery section, but if it’s a case ofapps not showing up in the Control Panel, we have a quick fix guide for that.

For more information about how to fix problems with your Windows 10, visit theWindows 10 Troubleshooting Hub.

If programs disappeared from your Windows 10 device, let us know in the comments section whether any of these solutions worked.

Programs Disappeared on Windows 10: 11 Ways to Restore Them#

Why do my apps keep disappearing from Windows 10?#

What can I do if my programs have disappeared on Windows 10?#

1. Delete pinned items#

2. Create a new user profile#

3. Use the App Troubleshooter#

4. Perform a System Restore#

5. Perform an SFC scan#

6. Temporarily disable your antivirus#

7. Run the DISM tool#

8. Boot in Safe Mode#

9. Perform a clean boot#

10. Perform a Startup Repair#

11. Use a cleaning software#