If your Weather app is crashing, freezing, or showing blank screens on Windows 10, the fix usually involves resetting the app, checking system settings, or updating it from the Microsoft Store. Follow the steps below in order, and you’ll likely resolve the issue within 10 minutes.
Why the Weather App Fails on Windows 10
The Weather app (now called MSN Weather) is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app. It relies on several Windows services and background tasks to fetch live data from the internet. When any of these are blocked or misconfigured, the app may fail to launch, display stale data, or crash outright. Common culprits include:
- Corrupted app cache – Temporary files that get stuck and cause the app to hang.
- Outdated app version – Missing bug fixes or compatibility patches.
- System time or location settings – Incorrect time zone or disabled location access.
- Windows Store service issues – The app needs the Microsoft Store infrastructure to update and verify licenses.
- Conflicting third-party software – Antivirus or VPNs that block the app’s network requests.
Before You Start: Basic Checks
These quick steps often solve the problem without any deep troubleshooting:
- Restart your PC – A simple reboot clears temporary glitches.
- Check your internet connection – Open a browser and load any website. If that fails, fix your network first.
- Ensure Windows is up to date – Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
- Verify the app is not blocked by the firewall – Temporarily disable your third-party firewall or VPN, then try the app. If it works, add an exception for the app.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Close and Restart the App
Sometimes the app is stuck in a bad state. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. In the Processes tab, find Weather (or MSN Weather), right-click it, and choose End task. Then reopen the app from the Start menu.
2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common app problems.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Click Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. It will scan for issues and apply fixes if possible.
3. Reset the Weather App
Resetting clears the app’s cache and data without uninstalling it. This is the most effective fix for crashes and freezes.
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Find Weather (or MSN Weather) in the list and click on it.
- Click Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm when prompted.
- Wait for the process to finish, then relaunch the app.
Note: Resetting will delete your saved locations and settings. You’ll need to re-add them after.
4. Re-register the App via PowerShell
If resetting doesn’t work, the app’s registration with Windows may be corrupted. Re-registering all Store apps often fixes this.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *Microsoft.BingWeather* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml�} - Wait for the command to complete. It may take a few minutes.
- Restart your PC and try the app.
5. Update the App from the Microsoft Store
An outdated version can cause crashes. Open the Microsoft Store, click the Library icon (bottom left), then click Get updates. If an update for Weather is available, it will install automatically. After updating, restart the app.
6. Check Location and Privacy Settings
The Weather app uses your location to show local forecasts. If location access is off, the app may crash or show incorrect data.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Location.
- Ensure Location for this device is on.
- Scroll down and make sure Weather is allowed to access location (toggle on).
- Also check Set default location and set it to your city if needed.
7. Reinstall the App
If nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall the app. This is a bit more involved because you can’t remove it directly from the Start menu.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator (as in step 4).
- Run this command to remove the app:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.BingWeather* | Remove-AppxPackage - Then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store by searching for “MSN Weather� and clicking Install.
Alternative: Use a Different Weather App
If the Weather app still misbehaves, you can switch to another reliable weather app from the Microsoft Store. Many are free and offer similar features. Alternatively, use a web-based weather service in your browser — it doesn’t rely on the UWP framework and often works even when the app fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Weather app keep crashing on Windows 10?
Most often it’s due to a corrupted cache or a bug in the app version. Resetting the app (Settings > Apps > Weather > Advanced options > Reset) clears the cache and usually resolves the crash.
Will resetting the Weather app delete my saved locations?
Yes, resetting removes all app data, including your saved locations and settings. You’ll need to add them again after the reset. If you want to avoid that, try the troubleshooter or re-register via PowerShell first.
Can I reinstall the Weather app without losing my Microsoft account?
Yes, reinstalling the app doesn’t affect your Microsoft account. You’ll just need to sign in again to the app if it requires it, and re-add your favorite locations.
Why does the Weather app show “We can’t reach the service� error?
This usually means the app can’t connect to the internet or the MSN Weather service is down. Check your internet connection, disable any VPN or proxy, and try again later. Also ensure the app isn’t blocked by your firewall.
Is the Weather app the same as MSN Weather?
Yes, Microsoft rebranded the Weather app as MSN Weather in later Windows 10 versions. The troubleshooting steps above apply to both names.
What if the Weather app still doesn’t work after all these steps?
If you’ve tried every step and the app still fails, consider using a third-party weather app or a website. You can also submit feedback to Microsoft via the Feedback Hub app, but there’s no guaranteed timeline for a fix.
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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