How to fix Windows 10 apps that won't open ​

⚡ Fast fix

• App won’t launch at all? Restart your PC first—stuck background processes are a common cause.
• Microsoft Store apps acting weird? A corrupted Store cache can stop apps from opening properly.
• Windows update pending? Outdated system files can break app compatibility and permissions.
• Security software blocking apps? Antivirus or firewall settings can sometimes prevent apps from launching.

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​Your favorite true crime podcast just released a new episode, but when you click on the Spotify® app, it won't open. Later, you try to cue up your go-to playlist, but the program still won't respond. If you're a PC user, you know how frustrating it can be when one of your Windows™ 10 apps won't open on your laptop. So, what do you do?

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers resolve issues like this every day. When tech breaks, we fix it—from frozen laptop screens to computer viruses. Here's our step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot an app you can't open in Windows 10, so you can get back to Serial® and Crime Junkie®.

Why won't my apps open?

There are several reasons your apps may not open correctly, including:

• Corrupted app files
• Outdated Windows software
• Microsoft Store issues
• Low storage space
• Antivirus or firewall conflicts
• Background permission problems

What to do when your Windows 10 programs won't open

Restart your laptop

Restarting Windows can clear temporary software glitches that stop apps from launching properly.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select Power > Restart.
3. Try opening the app again after rebooting.

Update Windows

Outdated Windows software can cause compatibility and app-launch issues.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates.

Pending updates can also interfere with Microsoft Store permissions and app verification.

Reset the Microsoft Store cache

A corrupted Microsoft Store cache can stop apps from opening properly.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type wsreset.exe 
3. Press Enter.
4. Wait for the process to finish.

This clears temporary Microsoft Store cache files without deleting installed apps.

Repair or reset the app

Windows allows you to repair or reset apps that aren’t working correctly.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select the affected app.
3. Choose Advanced options.
4. Select Repair first.
5. If that doesn’t work, select Reset.

Reinstall the app

If repairing the app doesn’t help, reinstalling it may fix corrupted installation files.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Select the affected app.
3. Choose Uninstall.
4. Reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store.

Check antivirus or firewall settings

Security software can occasionally block apps from opening.

• Temporarily disable antivirus software for testing.
• Check firewall permissions.
• Try launching the app again.

If the app works after disabling security software, add it as an allowed app before re-enabling protection.

Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for Microsoft Store apps.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps.
3. Select Run.

Check available storage space

Low storage space can prevent apps from launching or updating correctly.

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Review available space.
3. Delete unnecessary files or apps if storage is nearly full.

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FAQ

What does resetting the Microsoft Store cache do?

Resetting the cache clears temporary Microsoft Store files that may prevent apps from opening or updating correctly.

Can antivirus software block apps from opening?

Yes. Some antivirus or firewall settings can accidentally block legitimate apps from launching.

Why do Microsoft Store apps keep crashing?

Crashing apps are often caused by corrupted cache files, outdated software, permission conflicts, or incomplete app updates.

Will reinstalling an app fix launch problems?

Often, yes. Reinstalling replaces damaged or corrupted files that may stop the app from opening correctly.

Why won’t built-in Windows apps open?

Built-in apps can stop working because of corrupted system files, Microsoft Store issues, or incomplete Windows updates.