Program Won’t Open When You Click On It in Windows 10? 7 Ways to Fix

Try these tips before calling the repair shop

Windows 10 is arguably the most user-friendly operating system on the market right now, and it certainly commands the highest user base. Unfortunately, even the best-operating systems aren’t immune to problems now and then.

It’s frustrating when aprogram refuses to openwhen clicked, but the good news is that there are multiple fixes. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to straighten out the problem–just try a few of these steps to get Windows 10 performing the way it should.

How to Fix When Windows 10 Programs Won’t Open

If you cannot open programs in Windows 10, try one of these solutions. We’re assuming you have already checked your computer for malware and viruses as this can definitely cause strange issues like this. Read our guide onremoving malware in Windows 10too.

If the problem is with a Windows 10 app downloaded from the Microsoft Store, then ensure everything is updated so that they operate properly. Thankfully, you can updateWindows 10 appsin just a few steps.

First, open theMicrosoft Store.This is likely an icon on your navigation menu. If not, you can typeWindows+Sand typestoreto open it. Once open, tap the three dots beside your user icon in the top-right corner and then selectDownloads and updates.

This will open a list of your installed applications. ClickGet Updatesto update any applications with available updates. In some cases, the three dots might be replaced by an icon of an arrow. Clicking this arrow will also start the updates.

If updating your apps did not work, make sureWindows 10 is up to date. It’s a good idea to keep your operating system updated at all times. OS updates fix security flaws and bugs and streamline your user experience.

OpenSettings>Update & Security>Windows Update. If an update is available, it will display in the window to the right. ClickRestart nowif prompted to finish installing the update. If no update is available, you will see a message that tells you Windows is up to date.

“Have you tried turning it off and back on again?” The phrase might be a joke, but a quick restart of your machine can solve many problems.

Click theStartmenu and then select thePowericon.

ChooseRestartand then wait for your system to come back online. Test your applications before moving on to the next step. In many cases, a restart will solve whatever problem you encountered.

If restarting didn’t help, consider shutting the computer down completely for at least a minute and then turning it back on.

Windows 10 has a lot ofbuilt-in toolsthat can help correct many of the problems you might encounter. One of these is the Troubleshooter. First, openSettings>Update & Securityand then selectTroubleshoot.SelectAdditional Troubleshootersand scroll down the page.

SelectWindows Store Apps, and in the box beneath it selectRun the troubleshooter.Check if User Account Control is enabled; if this is currently inactive, Windows will prompt you to activate it.

The troubleshooter will begin and will scan your apps for problems. If possible, it will automatically fix any problems. At the end of the scan, the troubleshooter will provide a report of what it fixed. In some cases, you may be required to restart your PC after you run the troubleshooter to complete the process.

Many people have reported that Windows 10 applications will not open if theupdate serviceis not running in the background. To make sure it’s running, hitWindows+Rand enterservices.msc.

This opens a list of services on your machine. Scroll down until you locateWindows Updateand check the status bar. It should sayRunning.If it doesn’t, right-clickWindows Updateand selectStart.

Another essential service for Windows 10 applications is the Application Identity Service. Ensure this service is active if your programs refuse to open. Like before, typeWindows+Rand typeservices.msc.

Scroll through the list until you seeApplication Identity.Double-click the service to open its settings menu. Look forService Statusand check whether it is running or stopped. If stopped, selectStart.Windows will start the process.

Once complete, selectOkay.

One reason programs do not open is because their files are corrupted. This can be difficult to pinpoint, but one way is to use the System File Checker to look for missing or corrupted information.

Open the command prompt by typingWindows + Rand thencmd. HitEnter. This opens the Command Prompt screen. While it may look intimidating, it isn’t. Just type insfc /scannowand sit back and wait. The process will take some time—up to several minutes depending on the size of your drive.

While it runs, the System File Checker willlook for corrupted files and attempt to repairthem if possible. It will provide a summary of its activity when finished, as well as a destination where you can find the log files.

Troubleshoot Windows 10 Step By Step

Windows 10 is the most popular operating system in existence, which means that its users will encounter some of the most common problems at some point. The good news is that most problems can easily be repaired with just a few steps.

There are other steps you can take if none of the options on this list corrected the problem, but be warned: they are far more intensive and require quite a bit of knowledge about computers. If you aren’t comfortable taking steps like this, consider allowing a professional to make the repairs.

Patrick is an Atlanta-based technology writer with a background in programming and smart home technology. When he isn’t writing, nose to the grindstone, he can be found keeping up with the latest developments in the tech world and upping his coffee game.Read Patrick’s Full Bio

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Program Won’t Open When You Click On It in Windows 10? 7 Ways to Fix#

How to Fix When Windows 10 Programs Won’t Open#

Troubleshoot Windows 10 Step By Step#