Alex Ruben
Resolving Apps and Games Not Opening in Windows 11
If you’re experiencing issues with apps and games not opening on Windows 11, you’re not alone. Many users face this frustrating problem. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to identify and fix the root causes, ensuring your applications and games run smoothly once again.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
The first step in troubleshooting any software issue is to restart your computer. This action helps clear temporary files and resets running processes. To do this:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select the Power icon.
- Choose Restart.
After your computer restarts, check if your apps or games open correctly.
Step 2: Check for Windows Updates
Outdated system files can lead to software incompatibilities. Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date by following these steps:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Hit the Check for updates button and install any available updates.
Updating your system can resolve many app-related issues.
Step 3: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
If particular applications are not opening, using the built-in troubleshooter can help identify the issue:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select System, then click on Troubleshoot.
- Go to Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps and click on the Run button.
Follow any prompts the troubleshooter gives you to fix the issues detected.
Step 4: Reset or Repair the App
If a specific app or game continues to fail to open, you can try resetting or repairing it. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings and select Apps.
- Scroll down to find the troublesome app and click on it.
- Select Advanced options.
- Here, you can choose either Repair or Reset.
Repairing maintains your data, while resetting will restore the app to its default state – use this as a last resort if the repair fails.
Step 5: Check for Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can cause apps to misbehave. To check your system integrity, run a System File Checker (SFC) scan:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
cmdand press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as an administrator. - In the Command Prompt, type
sfc /scannowand hit Enter.
This scan will identify and attempt to fix corrupted files on your system.
Additional Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to experience issues with specific programs like Discord or Steam, consider the following suggestions:
- For applications like Discord, ensure they are not blocked by your firewall. Check under Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
- If games such as CS:GO are not launching, verify the integrity of the game files using the game client (e.g., Steam).
- If browsers like Opera are failing to load, try resetting the browser to default settings.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to apps and games not opening in Windows 11. Regular maintenance, such as updating your system and checking for corrupted files, can prevent these issues from reoccurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my app open even after I have reset it?
If an app won’t open after resetting, it might have deeper issues, like needing a reinstallation, or system files may still be corrupted. Consider reinstalling the application or following additional troubleshooting steps.
How do I know if my Windows 11 is up to date?
You can check your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About, where you can see not only the version but also other important system specifications.
What should I do if Control Panel is not opening?
Try accessing it through the run command (use Windows + R and type control) or check if there are issues with your system services that need to be re-enabled.