Microsoft Solitaire Collection Not Working? Fixes

If Microsoft Solitaire Collection is not working, the fix usually involves resetting the app, checking for updates, or repairing the installation from Windows Settings. Below are the exact steps to resolve common issues like the game not launching, freezing, or showing a black screen.

Why Microsoft Solitaire Collection Stops Working

The Microsoft Solitaire Collection is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app that depends on several Windows services and components. When one of these fails, the game may crash on startup, hang on a loading screen, or refuse to open entirely. Common culprits include:

Corrupted app cache – Temporary files that become damaged after a crash or update.
Outdated app version – The game may require a newer version to match Windows updates.
Broken Windows Store components – The game is distributed through the Microsoft Store, so Store issues can break it.
Background app permissions – The game may need permission to run in the background for daily challenges.
Graphics driver problems – Older or incompatible drivers can cause rendering failures.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Try these in order, testing the game after each step.

Restart the app – Close the game completely (right-click the taskbar icon and choose “Close window”), then reopen it.
Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter – Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, select “Windows Store Apps,” and run it.
Check for updates – Open the Microsoft Store, click “Library” in the sidebar, then “Get updates” to install any pending updates for the game or Store itself.
Reset the app – Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Microsoft Solitaire Collection, click the three-dot menu, choose “Advanced options,” then “Reset.” This clears the app’s data and cache but does not delete your saved progress if you are signed in with a Microsoft account.
Repair the app – In the same “Advanced options” menu, click “Repair” first (it is less destructive than Reset). If that fails, then Reset.
Reinstall the app – If Reset does not work, uninstall the game from the same menu, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

What to Do If the Game Freezes or Shows a Black Screen

A black screen or freeze usually points to a graphics or fullscreen issue. First, press Alt+Tab to switch away and back – sometimes this forces a refresh. If that does not help:

Update your graphics driver from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Disable fullscreen optimizations: right-click the game’s shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and check “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
Lower the game’s graphics settings if you can access the options menu before the freeze.
Close other heavy applications that may be using most of your GPU or RAM.

How to Fix “This App Can’t Open” or Store Errors

If you see an error like “This app can’t open” or a Microsoft Store error code (e.g., 0x80073D26), the problem is often with the Store’s license or cache. Try these:

Run the WSReset tool – Press Win+R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This clears the Store cache without affecting your installed apps.
Re-register the Store app – Open PowerShell as administrator and run: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Check your system date and time – Incorrect settings can break app licenses.
Sign out and back into the Microsoft Store – Click your profile icon in the Store, choose “Sign out,” then sign in again.

Why Your Progress and Daily Challenges Disappear

If you lose your solitaire progress or daily challenges stop loading, the game is likely not syncing with your Microsoft account. This happens when you are offline, when the account is not linked, or when the game’s background permissions are disabled.

Make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account that you used when you first played.
Check Settings > Privacy > Background apps and ensure “Let apps run in the background” is on, and that Microsoft Solitaire Collection is allowed.
If you were playing offline, reconnect to the internet and restart the game – it should sync automatically.
If challenges still do not appear, reset the app (as described above) – this will not delete your cloud saves.

Common Misconception: “The Game Is Uninstalled”

Many users think the game is gone when it is actually hidden or disabled. Microsoft Solitaire Collection is a built-in Windows feature, so it cannot be fully uninstalled through the Store. If the tile is missing, search for “Solitaire” in the Start menu. If it does not appear, go to Settings > Apps > Optional features and check if “Microsoft Solitaire Collection” is listed there – if not, install it from the Store. Also, ensure you have not accidentally disabled it in the “Startup” tab of Task Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Solitaire Collection keep crashing on startup?

This is usually caused by corrupted cache or a failed update. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter first, then reset the app. If it still crashes, update your graphics driver and check for Windows updates.

Will resetting the app delete my high scores?

No, as long as you are signed in with the same Microsoft account. Your progress is stored in the cloud. If you were playing offline without an account, resetting will erase local data.

How do I reinstall Microsoft Solitaire Collection on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the game, click the three-dot menu, and choose “Uninstall.” Then open the Microsoft Store, search for “Microsoft Solitaire Collection,” and click “Install.”

Why does the game say “Something went wrong” when I try to play?

This error often appears when the app cannot connect to Microsoft’s servers. Check your internet connection, make sure the date and time are correct, and run the WSReset tool. If the issue persists, sign out and back into the Store.

Can I play Microsoft Solitaire Collection without a Microsoft account?

Yes, you can play the basic games without signing in, but you will not be able to earn achievements, sync progress, or access daily challenges. Signing in is free and only requires a Microsoft account (such as an Outlook or Hotmail address).

Why is the game stuck on the loading screen?

A stuck loading screen is often due to a network issue or a slow sync with the cloud. Try disconnecting and reconnecting your internet, or restarting your router. If that does not work, reset the app – this clears any stuck sync state.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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