Windows 10 is widely celebrated for its user-friendly interface and an extensive library of applications that enhance productivity and entertainment. However, even the most robust systems are not immune to hiccups. One of the most common frustrations users face is when their Windows apps stop working. Whether it’s a favorite game, a productivity tool, or a system app, when these applications fail to function, it can be a source of significant annoyance. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Windows apps may stop working, steps to troubleshoot the issue, and tips on preventing such problems in the future.
Understanding the Common Causes of Windows Apps Not Working
To effectively resolve issues with Windows apps, it’s essential to understand the potential causes behind these problems. Below are some common reasons why applications may malfunction in Windows 10.
1. Outdated Software
One of the leading causes of problems with Windows apps is outdated software. Regular updates are crucial as they ensure that your system is running the latest patches and improvements. Applications often rely on updates to function correctly, and a missing update can lead to compatibility issues.
2. Corrupted Files
Files can become corrupted due to various reasons, including improper installations, virus attacks, or sudden shutdowns. Corrupted files can prevent applications from launching or operating correctly.
3. Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, certain applications may not be fully compatible with Windows 10, especially if they were initially designed for earlier versions of Windows. This can lead to reduced functionality or complete failure to start.
4. User Account Issues
User profiles can sometimes become corrupted. If the problem lies within your user account, applications may not function as expected. Creating a new user profile can often resolve these issues.
5. Third-Party Software Conflicts
Compatibility issues may also arise from interactions between different software. Anti-virus programs, firewalls, or other security tools can sometimes inhibit the functionality of applications, leading to unexpected behaviors.
Troubleshooting Steps for Windows Apps Not Working
When your Windows apps stop functioning, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem.
Step 1: Check for Updates
The first step in troubleshooting is to ensure that both Windows and the affected applications are up to date.
- To check for Windows updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click on Check for updates.
- For apps, open the Microsoft Store, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and select Downloads and updates. Click on Get updates.
Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows includes a troubleshooting tool specifically for apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot from the sidebar and then click on Additional troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps and click on Run the troubleshooter.
This tool can detect and resolve many common problems with applications.
Step 3: Reset the App
If a specific app is not working, resetting it could restore functionality.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Apps and locate the problematic app in the list.
- Click on the app and then click on Advanced options.
- Click on Reset.
Keep in mind that this process may remove any saved data from the application.
Step 4: Repair the App
If resetting the app does not work, you can try repairing it instead.
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Locate the app, click on it, and choose Modify.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the app.
Step 5: Reinstall the App
If troubleshooting still fails, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the app.
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Click on the application and choose Uninstall.
- After that, download and install it from the Microsoft Store again.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the basic troubleshooting steps did not resolve the issue, consider the following advanced techniques:
Perform a System File Check (SFC)
Corrupted system files can affect application performance. Running an SFC scan can help identify and fix these issues.
- Press Windows + X keys and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
The scan may take some time but will repair any corrupted files discovered during the process.
Run DISM Tool
If SFC doesn’t fix the problem, consider using the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM).
- Open Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Enter the following command: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
This command checks for any corruption in Windows images and repairs them.
Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts
Disabling or uninstalling third-party applications, especially security software, may resolve compatibility issues.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you determine if background programs are interfering with the applications.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items and restart your computer.
If your apps work in a clean boot environment, then a background service or application is likely the cause.
Preventing Future Issues with Windows Apps
Once you’ve fixed the existing problems, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures to avoid similar issues in the future.
1. Regularly Update Your System
Keeping Windows updated is vital. Enable automatic updates to ensure you never miss out on important patches and security updates that can affect application performance.
2. Use Trusted Software
When downloading applications, ensure you use trusted sources such as the Microsoft Store or official websites. Installing applications from unverified sources increases the risk of encountering issues such as malware infections that could disrupt app functionality.
3. Maintain a Healthy Computer
Regularly perform system maintenance tasks, such as disk cleanup, defragmentation, and virus scans. These tasks can enhance overall system performance and application stability.
Conclusion
Experiencing issues with Windows apps can be frustrating, especially when productivity and leisure are at stake. By understanding common causes, applying troubleshooting steps, and considering advanced techniques, you can often restore functionality. Moreover, by keeping your system healthy, you can prevent many potential issues from arising. Windows 10 is a powerful operating system, and with proper care, it can continue to support an array of applications seamlessly. So the next time you encounter problems with your apps, rest assured that help is just a troubleshooting step away!
What should I do if my Windows apps won’t launch?
If your Windows apps fail to launch, the first step is to restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix minor software glitches and free up system resources. After restarting, try launching the apps again. If the problem persists, check for Windows updates, as these often contain fixes for bugs that might be affecting app performance.
If updating Windows does not resolve the issue, try resetting the app. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the problematic app, and click on ‘Advanced options.’ From there, you can find the option to reset the app. This process can solve issues related to corrupted app data while keeping your personal settings intact.
How can I troubleshoot apps that are crashing frequently?
Frequent crashes can be frustrating, but troubleshooting starts with ensuring that your Windows system is up to date. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any available updates to patch known issues that could be causing your app to crash. Additionally, ensure that the app itself is the latest version by checking for updates in the Microsoft Store.
If the app continues to crash after updating, consider running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter. You can find it in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Running it can identify and potentially fix issues related to app performance, allowing you to use the app without interruption.
Why are my Windows apps loading slowly?
Slow loading times for Windows apps can be attributed to various factors, including insufficient system resources. Make sure to close any unnecessary applications running in the background to free up CPU and RAM. You can also check the task manager to see which programs are consuming resources and end those tasks if they are not needed.
Another potential cause for slow app loading is network connectivity, especially for apps that rely on internet access. Check your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection for stability. If necessary, try resetting your router or switching to a different network. Additionally, if the app requires a login, ensure your credentials are correct, as incorrect login attempts can sometimes hinder the loading process.
How do I fix issues with the Microsoft Store not working?
If the Microsoft Store itself isn’t working, start by checking if there are any existing issues with Windows services. Press Windows Key + R, type “services.msc,” and check if the Windows Update and Microsoft Store services are running. If they are not, right-click each service and choose ‘Start.’ Restarting the services may help restore functionality to the Store.
If the Store continues to underperform, consider resetting it. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, locate Microsoft Store, and click ‘Advanced options.’ Within this menu, you will find the option to ‘Reset’ the Store. This process clears the Store’s cache and settings, which can resolve persistent errors or glitches that prevent app downloading and updates.
What steps should I take if my apps keep freezing?
If your apps keep freezing or becoming unresponsive, first investigate if your operating system is experiencing overall performance issues. Open the task manager and review your CPU and memory usage to see if any program is overloading your system resources. If you find a particular app using excessive resources, consider ending its task and checking if that resolves the freezing problem.
Moreover, it might help to run the System File Checker tool. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator, type “sfc /scannow,” and press Enter. This tool will scan for and repair corrupt system files that may be causing instability in apps. Once the scan and repairs are complete, restart your computer and check if the freezing issues remain.
How can I manage conflicting apps or programs?
Conflicts between applications can often result in performance issues. To troubleshoot, start by checking if any recently installed applications could be causing conflicts. You can do this by entering Safe Mode, which runs only essential system programs, and then attempting to launch the problematic app. If the app works in Safe Mode, it indicates a conflict with other software running in normal mode.
Furthermore, consider utilizing the built-in System Configuration tool (msconfig) to disable non-essential startup programs. Access it by searching for “System Configuration” in the Start menu and navigating to the ‘Startup’ tab. Disable any unnecessary applications and restart your computer. Identifying the conflicting app may take time, but this process can lead you to a solution.
What should I do if an app is stuck on the loading screen?
If an app is stuck on the loading screen, the first step is to attempt closing the app completely. You can do this through the task manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locating the app in the ‘Processes’ tab, and selecting ‘End Task.’ After closing the app, try relaunching it to see if this corrects the loading issue.
If the problem persists after relaunching, consider reinstalling the app. Uninstall it by going to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the app, and click ‘Uninstall.’ Once it’s removed, reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or another trusted source. Reinstalling can fix any corrupted files or settings that were preventing the app from loading successfully.