Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Windows 11 Apps Not Opening: 7 Steps to Fix it
Check expert-verified fixes for quick troubleshooting
8 min. read
Updated onFebruary 14, 2024
updated onFebruary 14, 2024
Share this article
This article is translated in
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
We have all got a bunch of apps installed on the PC for various tasks, and most perform one critical function or the other. However, many users have reported that Windows 11 apps are not opening, no matter how many times they try.
Unsurprisingly, this erratic behavior can be traced back to previous OSs, and it’s still not uncommon to struggle withapps that won’t open in Windows 10.
Why do programs not open when I click on them?
There are a few issues that would lead to apps not opening on the computer after youinstall Windows 11. They include:
Speaking of the error, here are a few possible situations you may find yourself in:
If apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store are not working, it could be a problem with the Microsoft Store, and resetting its cache usually work.
In case of wonderingWhy are all my programs not responding?, note that it points to a critical issue with the hardware. You should check the RAM and CPU.
Also, certain third-party apps are known to trigger conflicts and cause all programs to stop responding. Besides, the presence of malware or virus is just as likely to be the underlying cause here.
What can I do if Windows 11 apps are not opening?
Here are a few quick tricks and workarounds that may work, and it’s recommended that you try these first:
If these don’t work, the following definitely would.
1. Terminate all app-related process
This method has worked for a few users, particularly those who reported thatDiscord is not opening.
2. Update the app
Running an older version may also lead to Windows 11 apps not opening on your PC. Hence, it’s recommended that you update the app as soon as a newer version is launched.
3. Repair/reset the Windows 11 apps that won’t open
Repairing an app is a simple yet effective way of fixing issues affecting its functioning. And the best part, it does not affect the stored data, thereby ensuring that you don’t lose any.
Resetting, however, will delete any stored data and changes you made to the app setting. Thus, it should be your secondary approach in case repairing doesn’t work. After repair/reset, check if the Windows 11 apps finally open if they were not opening earlier.
4. Reinstall the app that won’t open in Windows 11
If none of the methods listed above have fixed the issue, the problem may lie with the app itself, one that could not be resolved by either repairing or resetting it. In which case, you will have to reinstall it. Make sure to do that from the official source.
5. Run the critical services
After starting theApplication Identity andWindows Updateservices, the Windows 11 apps not opening earlier shouldn’t throw any more issues.
6. Modify the Registry
7. Create a new user account
Most of you would have been able to fix the issue with the methods listed earlier. However, if it persists, you are left with no option but to create a new user account.
In some cases, the current user account may corrupt, leading to various issues, including one where the apps are not opening in Windows 11.
For user accounts, you have two options, either log in with a Microsoft account orcreate a new local account. Both have their sets of pros and cons, and choosing one is an individual decision based on your requirements.
The above methods are likely to fix the issue when apps are not opening in Windows 11. If they don’t, you canperform a system restore, and in case nothing else works,reinstall Windows 11.
Also, if you recently upgraded,roll back to the previous iterationwhen facing issues with the OS, though the option is available for a limited period.
Besides, if you were wondering how to force open an app on Windows 11 every time it boots, simplyadd it to the Startup folder. Before you go, don’t forget to check our guide onSettings app not opening on Windows 11for more solutions.
Let’s know which solution worked for you in the comments section below and whether the problem was limited to a single app or all of them.
More about the topics:apps,Microsoft Store Fixes,Windows 11
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.
User forum
1 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
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.
