Fix Microsoft Solitaire Collection Not Working

If Microsoft Solitaire Collection won’t open, crashes, or gets stuck on a loading screen, the fix usually involves resetting the app, checking for updates, or repairing the installation. This guide covers the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to get your daily challenges and card games back on track.

Why Microsoft Solitaire Collection Stops Working

Microsoft Solitaire Collection is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app, which means it lives in a sandboxed environment separate from traditional desktop programs. Because of that, it can fail for reasons that don’t affect older software:

• Corrupted app cache or data – a partial update or an interrupted download can leave the app in a broken state.
• Outdated app version – Microsoft pushes regular updates that add new events and fix bugs; running an old version can cause server-side errors.
• Windows system file corruption – a damaged Windows component can prevent UWP apps from launching at all.
• Date and time settings – the game uses online services for daily challenges; an incorrect system clock can break the connection.
• Conflicting background apps or antivirus – occasionally, security software or overlay tools interfere with the game’s network requests.

Before You Start: Quick Checks

Spend two minutes on these basics before diving into deeper fixes. They resolve a surprising number of cases:

1. Restart your PC – this clears temporary glitches and frees up memory.
2. Check your internet connection – the game needs to reach Microsoft’s servers for daily challenges and leaderboards.
3. Verify the system date, time, and time zone are set correctly (Settings > Time & Language > Date & time).
4. Make sure Windows itself is up to date (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update).

Fix 1: Reset the App from Windows Settings

The most reliable fix is to reset the app’s data. This clears the cache and any corrupted local files without uninstalling the game. Your progress is tied to your Microsoft account, so you won’t lose your stats or achievements.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older builds).
2. Scroll to Microsoft Solitaire Collection and click the three-dot menu (or the app name).
3. Select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm when prompted.
5. Wait for the reset to finish, then launch the game. You’ll need to sign in again.

If the Reset button is grayed out, try the next fix instead.

Fix 2: Repair the App via PowerShell

When the standard reset doesn’t work, you can re-register the app using a PowerShell command. This is safe and only affects the Solitaire Collection.

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Type or paste this command and press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage *solitaire* | Reset-AppxPackage
3. Wait for the command to complete. It may take a minute.
4. Close the window and launch the game.

If you see an error saying the package wasn’t found, the app may be installed for another user. In that case, run the same command from that user’s account, or reinstall the app entirely (see Fix 4).

Fix 3: Check for Updates and Reinstall

An outdated or partially installed version is a common culprit. Updating is easy:

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click Library in the bottom-left, then Get updates.
3. Wait for it to finish, then launch Solitaire.

If that doesn’t help, reinstall the game:

1. In Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Solitaire Collection.
2. Click the three-dot menu and choose Uninstall.
3. Open the Microsoft Store, search for “Microsoft Solitaire Collection,” and install it again.
4. Sign in with your Microsoft account to restore progress.

Fix 4: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common app problems.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
3. Follow the prompts. It may ask you to select the app – choose Microsoft Solitaire Collection.

This tool checks for corrupted files, broken registry entries, and permissions issues. It’s worth trying before more drastic measures.

Fix 5: Create a New Windows User Account

If the game still won’t work, the problem might be tied to your user profile. A corrupted profile can block UWP apps from running. Creating a new local user account is a good test:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC.
3. Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
4. Set a username and password.
5. Log into the new account and try launching Solitaire from the Store.

If it works there, you can migrate your files or just use the new account. If it still fails, the issue is system-wide, and you may need to run sfc /scannow from an admin command prompt to repair Windows system files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my progress if I reset the app?

No. Your game progress, achievements, and stats are stored on Microsoft’s servers and linked to your Microsoft account. Resetting only clears local cache and settings. As long as you sign in with the same account, you’ll get everything back.

Why does the game keep crashing on startup?

Startup crashes are usually caused by corrupted cache or an outdated version. Start with the Reset option in Settings, then check for updates. If it persists, run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Rarely, a third-party antivirus or screen recorder can interfere – try temporarily disabling them to test.

Can I play Microsoft Solitaire Collection offline?

Yes, you can play the classic games (Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, TriPeaks, Pyramid) offline. However, daily challenges, events, and leaderboards require an internet connection. If you’re offline, the game may show an error when trying to load those features, but the core games should still work.

Why is the game stuck on the loading screen?

A stuck loading screen often means the app can’t reach Microsoft’s servers. Check your internet connection, and make sure your system date and time are correct. If those are fine, reset the app or reinstall it. In some cases, a VPN or proxy can block the connection – try disabling it.

Does reinstalling the game delete my purchased coins or cards?

No. Purchases are tied to your Microsoft account, not the local installation. After reinstalling and signing in, your coins, card backs, and other items will be restored. If anything is missing, contact Microsoft Support with your purchase receipt.

What if none of these fixes work?

If you’ve tried all the steps and the game still won’t run, the issue may be deeper Windows corruption. Run the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth) from an admin command prompt. If that doesn’t help, consider a Windows repair install or contact Microsoft Support directly.

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