Alex Ruben
How to Fix Apps and Games Not Opening in Windows 11
Experiencing issues with apps and games not opening on your Windows 11 device can be frustrating. Whether it’s Discord failing to launch, desktop icons unresponsive, or even the Control Panel not opening, this comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve these common issues. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll learn how to check for corrupted files, reset settings, and fix broken associations to get your applications running smoothly again.
Step 1: Check for Corrupted Files
The first step in troubleshooting apps not opening is to check for corrupted files within your Windows system. To do this, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) tool:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- In the terminal, type
sfc /scannowand hit Enter.
This process will scan for and attempt to repair any corrupted files that could be preventing your applications from launching. Once the scan completes, restart your PC and check if the issue persists.
Step 2: Reset System Settings
If the problem continues after checking for corrupted files, you may want to reset certain system settings. This can resolve issues stemming from configuration errors:
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
- Navigate to System > Recovery.
- Look for options to reset your PC, keeping your files or removing everything as per your needs.
Resetting your system settings can often restore normal function to applications and games.
Step 3: Verify Game and Software Cache
If you’re having issues with games not opening, particularly popular titles like CSGO or Steam, verifying the game cache can be beneficial. Here’s how to do this for Steam:
- Open the Steam client.
- Go to your Library, right-click on the game, and select Properties.
- In the properties window, click on the Local Files tab and then click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
This process will check for missing or corrupt game files and replace them as necessary.
Step 4: Repair or Reinstall Applications
If specific apps are still not opening (like Discord or Opera), performing a repair or a clean reinstallation can help:
- From the Settings app, navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
- Locate the app, click on it, and select Modify or Uninstall.
- If uninstalling, you can then reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or the official website.
Reinstallation often helps eliminate any underlying issues causing the application not to launch.
Step 5: Re-enable System Services
If critical system services have been disabled, certain apps may not function correctly. To re-enable these services:
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Scroll down to find relevant services (such as Windows Defender or any application-related services) and check if they are running.
- If any services are not running, right-click on them and select Start.
Restart your computer after making these changes to ensure they take effect.
Step 6: Fix File Association Issues
If you find that EXE files are not opening, you may have broken file associations. Here’s how to fix it:
- Open the Settings app and go to Apps > Default Apps.
- Scroll down and select Choose default apps by file type.
- Locate the
.exeextension and set it to the appropriate application (typically “Windows Explorer”).
Correcting file associations can resolve a range of issues related to opening applications.
Step 7: Update Windows
Lastly, ensuring your Windows installation is up to date can resolve a number of compatibility and performance issues:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
Updating Windows ensures that you have the latest security patches and enhancements which help in keeping applications functioning properly.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to consider:
- Always back up your data before performing significant changes, like system resets or OS updates.
- If the issue appears specific to a browser, try clearing the browser cache or reinstalling the browser.
- Consider disabling any third-party antivirus temporarily to check if it’s interfering with application launches.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix apps and games not opening in Windows 11. Regular maintenance, such as checking for updates and cleaning up your system, will help prevent similar issues in the future. If problems persist despite these efforts, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my desktop icons are not opening?
Start by restarting your computer, then check for corrupted files using the SFC tool. If problems persist, consider resetting your system settings.
How can I fix specific applications like Discord not opening?
Try reinstalling the application, verifying game files if applicable, and ensuring that all services are running properly.
Can I repair Windows without reinstalling it?
Yes, you can use the SFC and DISM tools to repair corrupted files without losing your data. For further issues, the built-in reset function in the Settings app is also a good option.