Fix “This App Can’t Open” in Windows

The “This app can’t open” message usually means Windows cannot launch or properly register a Microsoft Store app, or that a setting or damaged app component is blocking it. Start by restarting Windows and checking for updates; if that does not work, repair the app, reset the Store cache, or reinstall the affected app using the steps below.

What the message means

This message is most often associated with apps installed through Microsoft Store, including built-in Windows apps. The cause may be temporary—for example, a Store service or app process has stalled—or specific to one app, such as corrupted local data. A Windows update, account issue, incorrect date and time, or damaged system files can also interfere.

First note whether the message appears for one app or several. If only one app fails, focus on that app’s repair or reinstall options. If multiple Store apps fail, check Windows and Store updates, the Store cache, your account, and system components.

Try these fixes in order

1. Restart the PC. Save your work, select Start > Power > Restart, then try the app again. Restarting clears some temporary processes that a sign-out or shutdown may leave in place.
2. Check date, time, and internet access. Open Settings > Time & language > Date & time and enable automatic time settings if appropriate. Confirm that the computer is online and that ordinary websites load. Incorrect time or a broken connection can disrupt Store services.
3. Install Windows updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install available updates and restart if prompted. Menu wording or placement can vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
4. Update the app. Open Microsoft Store, select Library (or Downloads in some layouts), then check for app updates. If Store itself will not open, continue to the cache and Windows repair steps.
5. Repair the app. In Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, select its three-dot menu, then Advanced options. In Windows 10, look under Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the app, and choose Advanced options if available. Select Repair first. This is designed to fix the app without removing its data.
6. Reset the app if repair fails. In the same advanced-options page, select Reset. Resetting removes the app’s local data and settings, so check whether the app stores unsynced work on the device before proceeding. It may require you to sign in again.
7. Clear the Store cache. Press Windows key + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. A blank command window may appear briefly; wait for it to close and for Store to open, then test the app. This clears cached Store data, not your personal files.
8. Reinstall the app. If it is still broken, uninstall it from Settings > Apps, restart, and install it again from Microsoft Store. Confirm first that important app data is synced or backed up; uninstalling may remove local data.

Check the Store account and app availability

If the app is installed but its Store page shows an update or installation problem, make sure Microsoft Store is signed in with the account that obtained the app. Select the profile icon in Store to review the account. If the device is managed by an employer or school, an administrator may control which apps can be installed or launched; contact that administrator rather than trying to bypass the restriction.

Also verify that the app is available for your Windows device and account. Store listings can change, and some apps have device, region, or system requirements. If the listing says the app is unavailable or incompatible, resetting Windows is unlikely to solve that limitation.

Repair Windows components if several apps fail

When multiple built-in or Store apps fail, Windows itself may have damaged system files. Use the built-in System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management tools from an administrator Command Prompt or Terminal. Open Start, search for Command Prompt or Terminal, choose Run as administrator, and run these commands one at a time:

1. DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
2. sfc /scannow

Let each command finish; the process can take some time. Restart Windows afterward and try the affected apps. DISM repairs the Windows image used for servicing, while System File Checker checks and repairs protected system files. These tools do not guarantee that every app problem will be fixed, and they should not be interrupted while running.

What to avoid and when to get help

Do not download replacement app packages or system files from unofficial sites, and do not change permissions or disable security protections just to make an app launch. Such steps can introduce malware or create further Windows problems. Avoid repeatedly resetting an app if it contains data that is not backed up.

If the message began after a particular update, record the update date and the app name before seeking help. If only a third-party Store app is affected after reinstalling, contact its publisher through the Store listing. If several Windows apps remain broken after the repair commands, use Windows support options or a qualified technician. Back up important files before attempting a Windows reset or other major recovery action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows say “This app can’t open”?
The app may have corrupted data, be out of date, or be unable to reach a required Store or Windows component. If several apps show the message, a Windows-level issue is more likely than a problem with just one app.

Will resetting the app delete my files?
Resetting removes the app’s local data and settings. Data saved to an online account may sync back, but unsynced files or preferences may not. Check the app’s backup or sync options before resetting.

Is wsreset.exe safe to run?
Yes. It is a Windows command that clears the Microsoft Store cache. It does not uninstall apps or intentionally delete personal documents.

What if Microsoft Store will not open either?
Restart Windows, install available Windows updates, run wsreset.exe, and check date, time, and internet access. If Store and other built-in apps still fail, try DISM and System File Checker.

Should I reinstall Windows to fix this error?
Usually not as a first step. Try app repair, reset, Store cache clearing, and Windows component checks first. Consider a Windows recovery option only after backing up important files and understanding what that option removes.

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