Windows 10: What to Do if Apps Won't Open

Windows OS is notorious for running into annoying issues that could ruin your user experience, with the “This app can’t open” error being one of the most irritating one.

While there is no universal solution to the “This app can’t open” error, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your OS runs with optimal settings.

Update Windows

Outdated versions of Windows hide many issues that are fixed in the latest updates. There is no need to suffer through these bugs when you can install the fixes with ease.

Furthermore, it is essential that you keep your OS and apps updated because their latest versions are more stable and secure. Bear in mind that software vulnerabilities are often exploited by criminals for malicious operations.

1. Click the Start menu, type “update” and select the “Check for updates” suggestion.
2. In the Windows Update window, click the “Check for updates” button.
3. Windows will download and install the latest Windows updates. Restart your computer if prompted.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows troubleshooter is a feature that is designed to diagnose and fix various OS and app-related issues. While this program is not flawless, it could be very helpful when dealing with unknown issues and odd errors.

1. Open the Start menu and select the setting icon (⚙).
2. In the Windows Settings window, type “troubleshoot” and select the “Troubleshoot settings” from the drop-down suggestions.
3. In the new window, under the “Find and fix other problem” section, select “Microsoft Store Apps” and click the “Run the troubleshooter” button.
4. Wait for Windows Troubleshooter to diagnose your system.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix any detected problem. 

You can also use Windows Troubleshooter to scan your app for compatibility-related issues.

1. In the Troubleshoot window, under the “Find and fix other problem” section, select the “Program Compatibility Troubleshooter” option and click the “Run the troubleshooter” button.
2. In the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter window, select the problematic app.
   1. NOTE: If your app is not listed in the window, select the “Not listed” option and navigate to the app installation folder to select it. 
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix any detected issues.

Reset Microsoft Store Cache

Issues with Microsoft Store could cause various apps to malfunction. Reset the Store cache to rest Microsoft Store without having to reinstall apps.

1. Open the Start menu, type “cmd” without quotes, and press Enter.
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt app and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type “wsreset.exe” without quotes and press Enter on your keyboard.
4. Wait for the command to be executed.
5. Relaunch the Microsoft Store app and the problematic app.

Reinstall App

Corrupted or missing program files could be causing your app to malfunction. A simple solution to this issue is the reinstallation of the app.

1. Open the Start menu and find the problematic app.
2. Right-click on the app and select “Uninstall” from the drop-down menu.
3. Wait for Windows to uninstall your app.
4. Go to Microsoft Store or the app's official website and download the app.
5. Double-click on the downloaded installation file and follow the instructions to install the app anew.

Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus App

Anti-virus apps often trigger errors because they interfere with essential Windows processes and services. You can temporarily disable your anti-virus software to check if this fixes the problem.

If you don’t run into the “This app can’t open” error when your anti-virus app is disabled, you are dealing with software conflict. You can install an alternative app or anti-virus software to prevent this issue.