Apps Not Working on Windows? Here’s How to Fix It

Is your favorite app suddenly refusing to launch? Or perhaps it’s crashing unexpectedly? Dealing with apps not working on Windows can be incredibly frustrating. But don’t worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps to get your apps back up and running.

1. Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s cover the essential first steps:

  • Restart Your Computer: This simple solution often resolves temporary glitches. A restart closes all running processes and clears the system’s memory, giving your apps a fresh start.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Outdated operating systems can lead to compatibility issues. To check for updates:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  • Update the App: Outdated apps may contain bugs that cause them to malfunction. Check the Microsoft Store or the app’s website for updates.
  • Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter: Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix problems with apps from the Microsoft Store. To run it:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
    • Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.

2. Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If the basic steps didn’t work, try these more advanced solutions:

2.1. Repair or Reset the App

Windows provides options to repair or reset apps, which can fix corrupted files or settings:

  • Repair: Attempts to fix the app without deleting your data.
  • Reset: Resets the app to its default settings, deleting your data.

To repair or reset an app:

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Select the app you’re having trouble with.
  • Click Advanced options.
  • Scroll down to find the Repair and Reset buttons. Try Repair first, and if that doesn’t work, try Reset.

2.2. Reinstall the App

If repairing or resetting doesn’t work, reinstalling the app is the next step. This ensures you have a clean installation of the latest version:

  • Uninstall the app: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the app, and click Uninstall.
  • Reinstall the app: Download and install the app from the Microsoft Store or the app’s website.

2.3. Check App Permissions

Sometimes, apps may not work correctly if they don’t have the necessary permissions. To check and modify app permissions:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy.
  • Select the relevant category (e.g., Microphone, Camera, Location).
  • Make sure the app has permission to access the resource.

2.4. Compatibility Mode

Older apps might not be fully compatible with newer versions of Windows. Running the app in compatibility mode can resolve this:

  • Right-click on the app’s executable file or shortcut.
  • Select Properties.
  • Go to the Compatibility tab.
  • Check the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode for.
  • Select an older version of Windows from the dropdown menu.
  • Click Apply and then OK.

2.5. Run as Administrator

Some apps require administrator privileges to function correctly. To run an app as an administrator:

  • Right-click on the app’s executable file or shortcut.
  • Select Run as administrator.

2.6. Check for Conflicting Software

Conflicting software can sometimes cause apps to malfunction. Try temporarily disabling other programs, especially antivirus software or firewalls, to see if that resolves the issue.

2.7. System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can also cause apps to fail. The System File Checker (SFC) scan can help identify and repair corrupted system files:

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
  • Restart your computer.

2.8. Check Event Viewer

The Event Viewer logs system errors and warnings, which can provide clues about why an app is failing:

  • Search for “Event Viewer” and open it.
  • Go to Windows Logs > Application.
  • Look for errors or warnings related to the app.

3. Hardware Acceleration Issues

Sometimes, problems arise due to your graphics card or its drivers. Issues related to hardware acceleration can cause programs to crash or display incorrectly.

  • Update Graphics Drivers: Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers are a common cause of application crashes. Go to your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers.
  • Disable Hardware Acceleration: Some programs allow you to disable hardware acceleration in their settings. If an application is crashing due to graphics issues, disabling hardware acceleration may resolve the problem. This shifts the processing load from the GPU to the CPU.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting apps that aren’t working on Windows can be a process of elimination. By following these steps, from basic fixes to more advanced techniques, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue, getting your apps back to working order. Remember to be patient and methodical, and don’t hesitate to seek further assistance from the app developer or Microsoft support if needed.