It is a common problem: an application that was working perfectly yesterday suddenly refuses to open, or it crashes seconds after you launch it. When this happens, it is usually because some of the application’s files have become corrupted. This can happen after a system update or for no obvious reason at all.
Before you resort to deleting and reinstalling the app (and potentially losing your data), you should know that Windows 11 has powerful, built-in tools designed to fix this exact problem. This guide will walk you through the steps, from the simplest fix to the most effective.
Step 1: Start with a Simple Restart
This might sound obvious, but it often works. Before trying anything else, fully close the problematic application and try to open it again. If it still does not work, restart your computer completely. A full reboot can clear out temporary glitches in the system that may be causing the app to misbehave.
Step 2: Use the Built-in "Repair" Function
If a restart does not help, the next step is to use Windows’ dedicated repair tool. This feature attempts to fix the application’s files without affecting any of your saved data or settings.
How to Repair an App
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Scroll down to find the app that is causing problems.
- Click the three-dot menu (…) next to the app’s name and select “Advanced options.”
- Scroll down to the “Reset” section, and you will see the “Repair” button. Click it.
- Windows will attempt to fix the app. Once it is done, try opening the application again.
Step 3: Use the "Reset" Function (When Repair Fails)
If the repair tool did not work, the “Reset” function is a more powerful option. Be aware: Resetting an app will permanently delete its data, including your preferences and sign-in details. It is like reinstalling the app from scratch, so only use this if you do not mind setting it up again.
How to Reset an App
Follow the same steps as above to get to the app’s “Advanced options” page.
- This time, click the “Reset” button.
- Confirm that you want to proceed. Once the process is complete, the app will be restored to its default state.
Step 4: When the Problem is Bigger Than One App
If you notice that several of your applications are crashing, or if the steps above have not worked, the problem may be with your Windows system files, not just the app. In this case, you can run a system-level scan to find and fix corrupted files.
How to Run the System File Checker
- Click the Start button and type cmd.
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
- In the black window that appears, type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Windows will now scan all of its protected system files and replace any that are corrupted. This process can take some time. Once it is finished, restart your computer.
Still Having Problems?
Following these steps will solve the vast majority of app-related issues in Windows. However, if your apps are still crashing or your system feels unstable, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying problem with your Windows installation or even your hardware.
If you are stuck, the team at Computer Repair Adelaide can help. We can perform a deep diagnostic scan to identify the root cause of the problem and get your system running smoothly again.
2 Comments
This is a really clear breakdown. I’ve been struggling with a few apps crashing on Windows 11 lately, and I didn’t think to run the sfc /scannow command. It’s a lifesaver when you have multiple corrupted apps and don’t want to reset apps one by one
Try the Windows Store Troubleshooter in your Settings. It’s a great automated tool that finds and fixes hidden app errors for you without any hassle. Hope it helps!