Calendar & People Apps Not Working in Windows 10: Fixes

If the Calendar and People apps in Windows 10 are failing to open, crashing, or showing blank screens, the fix usually involves repairing or resetting the apps through Settings or PowerShell. This article explains the common causes and provides step-by-step solutions to restore both apps to working order.

Why Do Calendar and People Apps Fail?

Windows 10’s Calendar and People apps are UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps that rely on system services and a local database. They can break for several reasons:

• Corrupted app cache or data – Temporary files can become corrupted after updates or crashes.
• Outdated app version – The apps may not have received the latest update from the Microsoft Store.
• Sync conflicts – Issues with Microsoft account or Exchange/Google calendar sync can cause the app to hang.
• System file corruption – Underlying Windows system files, like the UWP framework, may be damaged.
• Third-party interference – Antivirus or system optimization tools might block or alter app data.

These issues are not unique to a specific Windows build; they can occur on any supported version of Windows 10.

Quick Fix: Repair or Reset the Apps

The most effective first step is to use the built-in repair and reset options. This preserves your data if possible and reinitializes the app if not.

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Find Calendar in the list. If you don’t see it, use the search box.
4. Click on Calendar, then select Advanced options.
5. Click Repair – this will attempt to fix the app without deleting your data. Wait for it to finish.
6. If Repair doesn’t work, click Reset. This will delete the app’s data (calendars, accounts, settings) and reinstall the app.
7. Repeat the same steps for the People app.

After a reset, reopen the apps and re-add your accounts. This resolves the majority of issues.

Re-register the Apps via PowerShell

If the standard reset fails, you can re-register the apps with Windows using PowerShell. This is a safe, built-in method that doesn’t require third-party tools.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage
   This removes the Calendar and People apps entirely from your user account.
3. Now reinstall them from the Microsoft Store. Open the Store, search for “Calendar and People”, and install the app from Microsoft Corporation.

Alternatively, you can re-register all built-in apps with this command (run as admin):
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This is a broader fix that can resolve deeper UWP issues.

Check for Windows Updates and Store Updates

Outdated system components can break app functionality. Ensure both Windows and the apps themselves are up to date.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install all pending updates.
• Open the Microsoft Store, click the Library icon (bottom left), then click Get updates. This will update all Store apps, including Calendar and People.

After updating, restart your PC and test the apps.

Run System File Checker and DISM

If the apps still misbehave, underlying Windows system files may be corrupt. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can repair them.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start, select Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to complete (may take 10-15 minutes).
3. If SFC finds issues, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then reboot.

These tools are built into Windows and do not require an internet connection for basic repairs, though DISM may download files from Windows Update if needed.

Common Problems and Specific Fixes

Beyond the general steps, some symptoms have targeted solutions.

• Calendar opens but shows “Loading…” forever – This often indicates a sync issue. Remove the problematic account (Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts) and re-add it. Also check that your system date/time is correct.
• People app shows no contacts – Open the People app, click the three dots (…) in the search bar, select Settings, and ensure “Show contacts from all accounts” is on. If contacts are still missing, check that the People app has permission to access contacts (Settings > Privacy > Contacts).
• Apps crash immediately on launch – Try creating a new local user account and see if the apps work there. If they do, the issue is likely a corrupted user profile. You can migrate your data to the new account.
• Apps are missing entirely from Start menu – Re-register them using the PowerShell command above, or use “Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers” to verify they are installed.

When All Else Fails: Create a New User Account

If none of the above works, the problem may be tied to your user profile. Creating a new local administrator account and testing the apps there can isolate the issue.

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC and follow the prompts (choose “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”, then “Add a user without a Microsoft account”).
3. Log into the new account and test Calendar/People.

If they work, you can migrate your files and settings, or simply use the new account as your primary one. This is a last resort because it requires reconfiguring your environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Calendar app delete my events?

Yes, resetting the app deletes all locally stored data, including calendars, appointments, and settings. However, if you sync with a Microsoft account, Google, or Exchange, your events are stored online and will re-sync after you re-add the account. Only local (non-synced) events would be lost.

Why do Calendar and People apps keep crashing after every Windows update?

This can happen if the update leaves behind corrupted app data or if the apps themselves are not compatible with the new build. The repair/reset method usually resolves it. If it recurs, check for a newer app version in the Store, as Microsoft often releases fixes shortly after a major update.

Can I use the web versions of Calendar and People instead?

Yes, you can access Outlook.com Calendar and People through a web browser. They offer nearly all the same features and sync with the same accounts. However, the desktop apps provide offline access and deeper integration with Windows (e.g., notifications, live tiles).

Is it safe to use PowerShell commands to fix these apps?

Yes, the commands shown here are standard Windows management commands. They only affect the UWP apps and do not modify system files. Always run PowerShell as Administrator to avoid permission errors. If you are unsure, you can create a system restore point before running them.

Do I need to reinstall Windows if nothing works?

Rarely. The steps above cover the vast majority of cases. If the problem persists across multiple user accounts and after a full system file check, you can try a “Reset this PC” (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) which reinstalls Windows while keeping your files. This is more comprehensive than a full reinstall and often fixes deep system corruption.

Related

• NFT Listings & Sales Tracker: A Simple Guide
• How to Calculate with Rounded Values in Excel
• iPad Internet Slow? 7 Fixes That Actually Work