If your Calendar app keeps crashing on Windows, the fix usually involves repairing or resetting the app, updating Windows, or clearing the app’s cache. This guide walks you through those steps and more, so you can get your schedule back on track quickly.
Why the Calendar App Crashes
The Windows Calendar app (part of the Mail and Calendar suite) can crash for several reasons, including corrupted app data, outdated system files, or conflicts with other software. Common triggers include a recent Windows update, a faulty calendar sync, or an issue with the app’s own cache. Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix, but you can often resolve the problem by trying the solutions below in order.
Before You Start: Quick Checks
- Restart your PC – this clears temporary glitches that can cause the app to crash.
- Make sure your Windows is up to date – go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates�.
- Check if the app crashes only when you open a specific calendar – try removing that account temporarily.
- Close other apps that might conflict, especially those that integrate with calendars (like Outlook or third-party sync tools).
Fix 1: Repair or Reset the Calendar App
Windows includes a built-in repair tool for apps. To use it:
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older builds).
- Find Mail and Calendar in the list. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
- Scroll down to the Reset section. First try Repair – this keeps your data. If the app still crashes, click Reset – this deletes the app’s data, including your accounts, so you’ll need to sign in again.
Resetting is the most effective fix for persistent crashes, as it clears corrupted cache and settings.
Fix 2: Clear the App’s Cache Manually
If the reset option doesn’t work or you want to avoid losing your account settings, you can manually delete the app’s cache folder:
- Press Win + R, type
%LocalAppData%\Packages, and press Enter. - Look for a folder named
microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe(this is the Mail and Calendar package). - Open it, then go to LocalState and delete the contents of the ACache folder (if it exists).
- Restart your PC and open the Calendar app again.
This removes temporary files that might be corrupted, without affecting your accounts.
Fix 3: Re-register the Calendar App
If the app’s registration is broken, re-registering it can help. Open PowerShell as administrator (right-click Start and choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)� or “PowerShell (Admin)�), then run this command:
Get-AppxPackage -Name *windowscommunicationsapps* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
This reinstalls the app’s core files without removing your data. After it finishes, restart your PC.
Fix 4: Check for Sync and Account Issues
Sometimes the crash is triggered by a specific calendar subscription or account. Try these steps:
- Open the Calendar app (if it opens at all) and go to Settings (gear icon) > Manage accounts.
- Remove any suspicious accounts or calendar subscriptions you added recently.
- If you use a work or school account, check with your IT admin – they might have a policy that conflicts with the app.
- Try signing out of all accounts and signing back in.
Fix 5: Use Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows has a dedicated troubleshooter for Store apps:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions – it will detect and fix common issues.
Fix 6: Reinstall the Calendar App
If nothing else works, you can reinstall the entire Mail and Calendar app. Open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Get-AppxPackage -Name *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage
Then go to the Microsoft Store, search for “Mail and Calendar�, and install it again. This is a clean slate – you’ll need to add your accounts again.
When All Else Fails: Use the Web Version
If the app still crashes, you can use Outlook on the web (outlook.com) or the Windows web app version of Outlook. These work in your browser and don’t rely on the local app. You can also pin the website to your taskbar for quick access. This isn’t a permanent fix, but it keeps your schedule accessible while you troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting the Calendar app delete my events?
No. Your events are stored in the cloud (on your email server), not in the app itself. Resetting only removes the app’s local data, like your account settings and cached files. Once you sign back in, your events will reappear.
Why does the Calendar app crash only when I open a specific event?
That usually points to a corrupted event or a sync issue with that particular calendar. Try deleting that event from another device or via the web version, then see if the app works. Also check if the calendar subscription itself is malformed.
Can I use a third-party calendar app instead?
Yes, you can use any calendar app that supports your account type (Google, Outlook, etc.). Popular alternatives include Google Calendar’s web app, Mozilla Thunderbird, or the built-in Windows 11 Outlook app. Just make sure it supports the protocols you need (CalDAV, Exchange, etc.).
Is there a way to prevent crashes from happening again?
Keep Windows and the app updated, avoid using too many calendar subscriptions, and periodically clear the app’s cache. Also, ensure your system has enough free disk space and RAM, as low resources can cause apps to crash.
Does this fix work on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, the steps are the same for both versions, though the Settings menu layout may differ slightly. The PowerShell commands and the app package name are identical.
What if the Calendar app is missing after a Windows update?
Sometimes updates remove or disable the app. Go to the Microsoft Store, search for “Mail and Calendar�, and install it again. If it’s still missing, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter or use the reinstall command above.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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