Resolving Windows App Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the most frustrating experiences for Windows users is when an app won’t open or is corrupted. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue and get your apps up and running smoothly again. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying and fixing corrupted Windows apps, ensuring that you can get back to work or play with minimal disruption.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
To begin, you’ll need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type cmd into the Search bar, right-click on the result, and select “Run as administrator.” This will give you the necessary permissions to perform the troubleshooting steps.
Next, type FSC /SCANNOW at the command prompt and press Enter. This command will initiate a system scan, which will identify and fix any corruption or issues within the operating system. This step is crucial in ensuring that your Windows installation is healthy and stable.
Pinpointing App-Specific Issues
If the system scan doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to investigate the problematic app further. To do this, go to Settings and click on Apps > Installed Apps. Locate the app that’s not working, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options.
Scroll down to the Repair option and click on it to repair the app. Alternatively, you can reset the app by clicking the Reset button underneath the repair option. This will restore the app to its default settings, which may resolve any configuration-related issues.
Dominic Bayley / Foundry
Resetting the Windows Store Cache
If repairing or resetting the app doesn’t work, you may need to reset the Windows Store cache. To do this, right-click the Windows symbol on the taskbar and select Run. Type wsreset and press Enter. This will reset the Windows Store cache, which may resolve any issues related to app installation or updates.
Advanced Troubleshooting
As a last resort, you can try using the DISM command to repair and replace corrupted Windows system files. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator (as described earlier) and type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This command will scan your system for corrupted files and replace them with healthy versions, which may resolve any underlying issues causing the app to malfunction.
Once you’ve completed these steps, restart your computer and try to open the problematic app again. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may want to consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional technician.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix corrupted Windows apps, ensuring that your system runs smoothly and efficiently. For more tips and tricks on troubleshooting and optimizing your Windows experience, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
