Calculator Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Windows 11 calculator refusing to cooperate? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users have experienced this frustrating issue. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to get your calculator back up and running.

Why is My Calculator Not Working?

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand potential causes. These can include:

  • Corrupted system files: Damaged system files can interfere with the calculator’s functionality.
  • Software glitches: Temporary software bugs can cause the app to malfunction.
  • Outdated Windows version: An outdated operating system might lack necessary updates for app compatibility.
  • App conflicts: Other installed applications might be conflicting with the calculator.
  • Permissions issues: Incorrect permissions can prevent the calculator from accessing necessary resources.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving the “calculator not working” issue:

1. Restart Your Computer

This simple step can often resolve temporary software glitches. A restart closes all running programs and clears the system’s memory, potentially fixing the problem.

2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters to automatically diagnose and fix common issues. The Windows Store Apps troubleshooter is specifically designed for problems with apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

  • Steps:
    1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
    2. Click on System, then Troubleshoot.
    3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
    4. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
    5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Reset or Repair the Calculator App

Resetting or repairing the calculator app can resolve issues caused by corrupted data or incorrect settings.

  • Steps:

    1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
    2. Click on Apps, then Apps & features.
    3. Search for “Calculator” in the app list.
    4. Click the three vertical dots (menu) next to “Calculator” and select Advanced options.
    5. Scroll down and click Repair. If repairing doesn’t work, try Reset.
    • Warning: Resetting will delete the app’s data, so use it as a last resort.

4. Re-register the Calculator App

Re-registering the app using PowerShell can sometimes fix more persistent issues.

  • Steps:
    1. Press Windows Key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
    2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsCalculator | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
    3. Restart your computer.

5. Update Windows

An outdated Windows version can cause compatibility issues. Updating to the latest version ensures you have the newest bug fixes and improvements.

  • Steps:
    1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
    2. Click on Windows Update.
    3. Click Check for updates.
    4. Install any available updates.

6. Check for Conflicting Applications

Sometimes, other installed applications can interfere with the calculator. Try closing recently installed or updated applications to see if that resolves the issue.

7. Run System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker is a built-in tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files.

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

8. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

If SFC doesn’t fix the problem, you can try DISM to repair the Windows image.

  • Steps:
    1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
    2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
      • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
      • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
      • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    3. Restart your computer.

9. Reinstall the Calculator App

If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the calculator app.

  • Steps:
    1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
    2. Click on Apps, then Apps & features.
    3. Search for “Calculator” in the app list.
    4. Click the three vertical dots (menu) next to “Calculator” and select Uninstall.
    5. Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Windows Calculator”, and reinstall it.

Conclusion

The “calculator not working” issue on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the problem and get your calculator functioning again. Remember to start with the simplest solutions first and work your way through the more complex ones. Good luck!