How to Repair Broken Apps and Programs in Windows 10/11

If you’re experiencing issues with apps or programs on your Windows 10 or 11 computer, don’t worry – there are several ways to fix broken apps and get them working again. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to repair and troubleshoot problematic applications on your system.

Identify the Problematic App
The first step is to identify the specific app or program that’s causing issues on your computer. This could be an app that’s crashing, freezing, or not launching correctly. Make a note of the app’s name, as you’ll need this information for the troubleshooting steps.
Try Restarting the App or Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve app-related problems. First, try closing the problematic app and then reopening it. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your entire computer and see if the issue is resolved.
Use the Settings App to Repair Apps
The Settings app in Windows 10 and 11 provides a built-in tool to repair apps and programs. Here’s how to use it:
Click the Start button and choose the Settings icon from the Start menu.
Click the Settings app’s System icon.
Click the malfunctioning app’s name, and when the menu drops down, click the words “Advanced Options.”
When the Advanced Options settings appear, click the “Reset” button.
This will reset the app’s settings and cache, which can often fix issues without deleting your data.
Repair Apps Through the Control Panel
If the Settings app method doesn’t work, you can also try repairing apps through the classic Control Panel:
Open the Start menu and search for “Control Panel.”
Click on the Control Panel app.
Click on “Uninstall a program.”
Locate the problematic app in the list, right-click on it, and select “Change.”
In the program’s repair or uninstall options, choose “Repair” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Troubleshoot Game and Microsoft Store Apps

If you’re having issues with games or apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store, there are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try:
Make sure your Windows 10/11 operating system is up to date.
Update the Microsoft Store app itself by opening it, going to the Library section, and checking for updates.
Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter by pressing Windows I, going to System > Troubleshoot, and selecting “Windows Store Apps.”
Try resetting the Windows Store cache by opening an elevated Command Prompt and typing “wsreset.”

Re-register Apps with PowerShell

Another effective method for repairing broken apps is to re-register them using PowerShell. Here’s how:
Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Run the command “Get-AppXPackage” to list all installed apps.
Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

This will re-register all your installed apps, which can help fix any corrupted files or settings.

Perform a Clean Boot

If the above methods don’t work, you can try performing a clean boot to eliminate any third-party software conflicts that may be causing the app issues.
Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog.
Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
Click “Disable all” to disable all third-party services.
Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
In the Task Manager, disable all startup items.
Restart your computer, and the apps should now launch without any interference from other programs.

Use System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can also lead to app crashes and other issues. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair any damaged system files:
Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
The SFC tool will scan your system and automatically repair any corrupted files.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully repair and troubleshoot any broken apps or programs on your Windows 10 or 11 computer. Remember, if the issue persists, you may need to consider more advanced troubleshooting or even a clean reinstallation of Windows.