How to Fix Apps Not Opening After a Windows Update

A Windows update is designed to improve security, stability, and performance, but sometimes it can cause unexpected problems. One common issue is apps not opening after a Windows update. You may click an application several times, but nothing happens, or the app briefly appears and then closes.

This problem can affect Microsoft Store apps, desktop programs, productivity software, browsers, and other applications. Fortunately, you can usually fix it without reinstalling Windows.

In this guide, you will learn How to Fix Apps Not Opening After a Windows Update using several practical solutions, starting with simple troubleshooting and progressing to more advanced repairs.

Why Are Apps Not Opening After a Windows Update?

Several things can cause applications to stop working after Windows installs an update.

Common causes include:

• Damaged or incompatible application files
• Corrupted Windows system files
• Problems with Microsoft Store components
• Outdated application versions
• Incompatible drivers
• Broken app permissions
• Corrupted user profiles
• Windows services not working correctly
• Conflicts with security software
• A problematic Windows update

The right solution depends on whether one application is affected or multiple apps have stopped working.

1. Restart Your Windows PC

Before trying advanced troubleshooting, restart your computer.

A Windows update may complete part of its installation process only after a restart. Temporary system processes can also remain in an unstable state after an update.

To restart Windows:

1. Press Windows + X.
2. Select Shut down or sign out.
3. Click Restart.
4. Wait for Windows to start completely.
5. Try opening the affected application again.

If the app still does not open, continue with the next solution.

2. Check Whether the Problem Affects One App or Multiple Apps

Try opening several applications.

For example, test:

• File Explorer
• Microsoft Edge
• Settings
• Notepad
• A third-party desktop application

If only one program refuses to open, the application itself may be damaged or incompatible with the update.

If many applications fail to start, the problem may involve Windows system files, services, permissions, or the update itself.

This distinction can help you avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.

3. Update the Problematic App

An application that worked before a Windows update may require a newer version to remain compatible with the updated operating system.

If the application has its own updater, check for updates from its official website or built-in update feature.

For Microsoft Store applications:

1. Open Microsoft Store.
2. Select Library.
3. Click Get updates.
4. Allow available application updates to install.
5. Restart Windows.
6. Test the affected app.

Avoid downloading application updates from unofficial websites because modified installers can introduce security risks.

4. Repair the App in Windows Settings

Windows provides built-in repair options for many applications.

To repair an app:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Choose Installed apps.
4. Find the application that will not open.
5. Click the three-dot menu next to it.
6. Select Advanced options if available.
7. Click Repair.
8. Try opening the application again.

The Repair option attempts to correct application problems without removing your personal application data.

If Repair does not solve the issue, you can try Reset.

Keep in mind that resetting an application can remove its stored settings or locally saved app data.

5. Run the Windows App Troubleshooter

Some Windows applications can fail because of configuration or system problems.

For Microsoft Store apps, Windows includes troubleshooting features that can help identify common issues.

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and review the available troubleshooters.

If a relevant troubleshooter is available, run it and follow the instructions provided by Windows.

After troubleshooting finishes, restart the computer and test the application.

6. Run the Application as Administrator

Permission problems can prevent certain programs from starting correctly after a Windows update.

To test administrator access:

1. Right-click the application’s shortcut.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. Choose Yes if User Account Control appears.

If the application opens successfully, permissions may be contributing to the problem.

However, do not permanently run every application as administrator unless it actually requires elevated privileges. Running software with unnecessary administrative access can increase security risks.

7. Check Compatibility Settings

Older applications may not work correctly with a newer Windows build.

Windows includes a compatibility troubleshooter that can help older programs run on newer versions of the operating system.

To access compatibility options:

1. Right-click the application’s executable or shortcut.
2. Select Properties.
3. Open the Compatibility tab.
4. Select Run compatibility troubleshooter.
5. Follow the instructions.
6. Test the application.

This solution is particularly useful when an older desktop application stopped working immediately after a major Windows update.

8. Repair Windows System Files

If several applications stop opening, corrupted Windows system files could be responsible.

Windows includes the System File Checker tool for detecting and repairing damaged system files.

Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

Wait until the scan reaches 100 percent.

If Windows reports that it found and repaired corrupted files, restart the computer and test your applications.

If SFC cannot repair all files, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM completes, run:

sfc /scannow

Restart Windows when the process is finished.

9. Reset Microsoft Store Cache

If Microsoft Store apps are not opening, a corrupted Store cache may be involved.

You can reset the Store cache using the built-in WSReset utility.

Press Windows + R, type:

wsreset.exe

and press Enter.

A command window may briefly appear while Windows resets the Microsoft Store cache. The Microsoft Store should open afterward.

Try launching the affected Store application again.

10. Reinstall the Problematic Application

If repairing or resetting the app does not work, reinstalling it may replace damaged program files.

First, uninstall the application:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Select Installed apps.
4. Find the affected program.
5. Select Uninstall.
6. Restart your computer.

Then download the latest version from the application’s official website or Microsoft Store and install it again.

Before uninstalling an application, check whether it stores important data locally. Some programs may require you to back up projects, profiles, saves, or configuration files first.

11. Check Windows Services

Some applications depend on Windows services to function properly.

If a required service has stopped, applications may fail to start.

To check services:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Review services related to the affected application.
5. Check whether required services are running.

Do not randomly disable or change Windows services. Incorrect service configuration can create additional problems.

If an application’s documentation specifies a required Windows service, verify that service first.

12. Install Available Windows Updates

Sometimes the Windows update itself causes compatibility problems that are later corrected through another update.

Check for additional updates:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Install available updates.
5. Restart the computer.

This can be especially useful when the application developer or Microsoft has already released a compatibility fix.

13. Update Device Drivers

Although drivers do not usually prevent ordinary applications from opening, an update-related driver conflict can cause applications that depend heavily on graphics, audio, networking, or other hardware to malfunction.

Pay particular attention to:

• Graphics drivers
• Chipset drivers
• Audio drivers
• Network drivers

Use Windows Update or the hardware manufacturer’s official support resources when updating drivers.

Avoid third-party driver-update utilities that make broad changes to your system without a clear need.

14. Perform a Clean Boot

A third-party background program may interfere with an application after Windows has been updated.

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, making it easier to identify software conflicts.

To investigate a possible conflict:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type msconfig.
3. Press Enter.
4. Open the Services tab.
5. Select Hide all Microsoft services.
6. Click Disable all.
7. Open the Startup tab.
8. Open Task Manager.
9. Disable unnecessary startup applications.
10. Restart Windows.
11. Test the affected application.

If the application works after a clean boot, gradually re-enable disabled services and startup applications to identify the conflicting software.

15. Check the Windows Update History

If applications stopped opening immediately after a specific update, reviewing your update history can help identify when the problem began.

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update > Update history

Review recently installed updates and note the date when the application problem started.

This information can also be useful when searching for a known compatibility issue or when contacting Microsoft or the application’s developer.

16. Uninstall a Recent Windows Update

If the problem began directly after a Windows update and other troubleshooting methods have failed, you may consider removing a recently installed update.

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates

Select the relevant update if Windows provides an uninstall option.

Be careful when removing security updates. An update should generally be removed only when there is a clear compatibility or functionality problem and no newer fix is available.

After uninstalling an update, restart Windows and check whether the application works again.

17. Create a New Windows User Account

A corrupted user profile can sometimes cause applications to malfunction.

You can test this by creating another local Windows user account and opening the application there.

If the application works normally in the new account, the problem may be related to the original user profile rather than the application itself.

Before moving permanently to another account, back up important files and settings from the original profile.

18. Use System Restore When Available

System Restore can return Windows system files, drivers, settings, and installed programs to an earlier restore point.

It can be useful when applications worked correctly before a major system change.

Search Windows for Create a restore point, then open the System Properties interface and select System Restore.

Choose a restore point created before the application stopped working.

System Restore does not normally remove personal documents, but applications and drivers installed after the selected restore point may be affected.

19. Check for Application Error Messages

Do not ignore an error message if one appears.

Messages such as:

• “This app can’t open”
• “The application was unable to start correctly”
• “The procedure entry point could not be located”
• “The application has stopped working”
• “VCRUNTIME140.dll was not found”

can provide useful clues.

Search for the exact error message together with the application name and Windows version. This can help determine whether the issue is caused by missing dependencies, compatibility problems, damaged files, or a known software bug.

20. Reset or Repair Windows as a Last Resort

If multiple applications remain broken and system-level troubleshooting has failed, Windows recovery options may be necessary.

Before performing major recovery operations, back up important files.

Depending on the situation, you may consider:

• System Restore
• Repair or recovery options
• An in-place Windows repair
• Reset this PC

A full reset should generally be considered only after less disruptive solutions have failed because it can require applications and settings to be configured again.

How to Prevent Apps From Breaking After Future Windows Updates

You cannot prevent every compatibility issue, but several habits can reduce the risk.

Keep applications updated

Developers frequently release compatibility fixes for new Windows versions. Keeping important applications current can reduce conflicts.

Create regular backups

Back up important documents and application data before major Windows upgrades.

Create a restore point

Creating a restore point before making major system changes gives you another recovery option if something goes wrong.

Keep drivers current

Use reputable sources for graphics, chipset, audio, and other important hardware drivers.

Avoid unnecessary system cleaners

Aggressive registry cleaners and system-optimization utilities can modify Windows components that applications depend on.

Record major changes

If an application breaks immediately after an update, knowing exactly what changed can make troubleshooting much easier.

Quick Checklist for Apps Not Opening After a Windows Update

If you need a quick troubleshooting sequence, try these steps in order:

1. Restart Windows.
2. Test other applications.
3. Update the affected app.
4. Repair the application.
5. Reset the application if necessary.
6. Run the relevant Windows troubleshooter.
7. Run the app as administrator.
8. Check compatibility settings.
9. Run sfc /scannow.
10. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
11. Reset the Microsoft Store cache if applicable.
12. Reinstall the application.
13. Check Windows services.
14. Install additional Windows updates.
15. Update important drivers.
16. Perform a clean boot.
17. Review Windows Update history.
18. Consider uninstalling a problematic recent update.
19. Test with a new Windows user account.
20. Use System Restore or Windows recovery options if necessary.

Final Thoughts

When apps are not opening after a Windows update, the problem does not necessarily mean that Windows needs to be reinstalled. Temporary glitches, outdated applications, corrupted system files, compatibility problems, permissions, and third-party software conflicts can all cause applications to stop working.

Start with simple solutions such as restarting Windows, updating the application, and using the built-in Repair option. If multiple programs are affected, investigate Windows system files with SFC and DISM. For problems that clearly started after a specific update, checking update history and available fixes can provide additional clues.

By working through these solutions from the least disruptive to the more advanced options, you can often restore your applications without losing personal files or performing a complete Windows reset.