Repair Issues with Apps On Your PC

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: Windows 10: Repairing Issues with Apps

With your Windows 10 device, you may encounter problems trying to use certain installed programs or even Windows Store apps. Sometimes apps won't open after doing an update, or you may encounter an error message or a crash that prevents you from running a program. You may even experience a program that is not willing to launch at all. In this guide, we'll take a look at some steps you can take to resolve many program and app issues.

After each step, feel free to attempt to launch or run the app you've been having issues with. If one of the troubleshooting steps resolves the issue, you can skip ahead to the end of this guide.

2. Windows 10: Quick Connection Check

To be able to proceed properly, your device must be connected to the internet. Your device might be plugged directly into your modem or router, or may simply be connected via Wi-Fi.

To check your device's connection status:

  1. Click the network icon in the system tray. By default, it will be in the lower right corner of the screen near the time and date.
Windows 10 system tray wired network icon.
  1. or
Windows 10 system tray wireless network icon.


  1. You will be presented with a list of available networks above the icon you just clicked. You should be able to identify your personal connection from this list and verify that it's status shows "Connected" or "Connected, secured."
Windows 10 network status and available networks list.

If your computer does not show that it is connected, check the following:

  1. If your machine connects via ethernet, make sure your device is properly connected to your modem or router with an Ethernet cable. You can unplug it and plug it back in firmly. You can also try plugging it into another available numbered LAN port on the router. Alternatively, you can replace it with another Ethernet cable if you have a spare.
Connect via ethernet cable.


  1. Select your wireless network from the list of available networks and your machine should reconnect to it.
Windows 10 network status and available networks list.


  1. Test your connection by opening a web browser and attempting to visit any website.

3. Windows 10: Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

  • Using the Mouse
  • Select the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start button

  • By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  • Select Power, then select Restart.
Start menu with Power and Restart highlighted.
  • Using the Keyboard
  • Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Keyboard with Windows and X keys highlighted.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Keyboard with Alt and F4 keys highlighted.
  • Select Restart, then OK.
Shut Down dialog with Restart and OK highlighted.

4. Introduction: Windows 10: Application Re-installation

Before uninstalling a program, always make sure you have a way to reinstall it afterwards. For certain software, you may need to get the disc or required product key that the software came with in order to be able to reinstall. With many other titles, the software can simply be re-downloaded from a website, or re-acquired from the Windows Store.

Sometimes, uninstalling software can remove custom settings or documents. While it isn't common to see data or documents removed, it is recommended that you back up your data before proceeding.

5. Windows 10: Uninstall an App

You may need to remove an app because you need the space or simply don't need it anymore. The following steps show you how to easily remove an app.

  1. Click Start then Settings.
Windows start menu with the start button and settings highlighted.
  1. Next, Select Apps.
Windows Settings with Apps highlighted.
  1. Scroll down and locate the app you wish to remove, and click on Uninstall.
Apps screen with the uninstall option for an app highlighted.
  1. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
  2. Some applications may require that you reboot.

6. Windows 10: Install an App

If you are unsure of how to obtain a program's installation files, contact the software's manufacturer and then continue forward with this guide.

  1. To install an App you need to obtain a copy of the installer. This can be obtained from:
  2. CD or DVD (if the software in question came with one - not applicable to machines that do not have disc drives)
  3. Microsoft App store
  4. Website - HumbleBundle, Amazon, Software developer's website, etc.
  5. Digital Distribution Platform - Steam, Origin, etc.
  6. Once you have access, run the installer.
  7. If you use a disc, insert it into the machine's disc drive and wait for the Auto run prompt to come up. If not, then open the contents of the CD in Windows 10 and look for files named as "Autorun", "Autoplay", "Install.exe", or "Setup.exe"
  8. Once installation has been completed, your app should be ready to launch.

7. Windows 10: System Restore

Turning the system off while System Restore is running can cause corruption. If your device is battery-operated, connect it to a power outlet first as System Restore may take time and should not be interrupted.

System restore will remove any programs installed and settings made after the selected date.

  1. Open the Start Menu, type "rstrui" in the search box and then click rstrui.
Windows 10 search box results.
  1. System Restore will open. Click Next.
Windows 10 system restore interface.
  1. Select a date before the issue started, you may see more than 1 restore point. Click Next afterwards.
Windows 10 list of available restore points.
  1. Confirm your restore point by clicking Finish. Click Back if you wish to change the restore point.
Windows 10 confirm system restore options.
  1. The process will take some time to finish. The system will also reboot shortly.

8. Windows 10: Reset WIndows

Performing a Windows 10 Reset keeps your personal files, settings, and apps that came installed on your machine in-tact.

For portable devices: Before proceeding with a Reset, make sure the device is connected to a power outlet to avoid power loss during the reset process.

  1. Open the Start Menu, and select the Settings icon.
Windows 10 access settings from start menu.
  1. Scroll down and select Update & Security.
Windows 10 settings menu.
  1. Select Recovery.
Windows 10 update and security options within left-hand column.
  1. Click Get started under Reset this PC.
Windows 10 reset this PC prompt.
  1. Select Keep my files.
Windows 10 reset interface options.
  1. Take note of any apps that will need to be reinstalled. Click 'Next'.
Windows 10 reset interface affected programs list.
  1. If prompted with a Warning, click 'Next'.
Windows 10 reset interface warning prompt.
  1. At this point, the system is ready to be reset. This process may take quite a while, and the system will automatically restart when needed. Click Reset when ready.
Windows 10 reset ready to begin screen.
  1. Windows 10 will start the reset process and may reboot several times while running. Follow any on-screen instructions that may require your attention.
Windows 10 reset PC in process.
  1. Once the process is complete, you may use your system again.

9. What's next?

10. Go To: Connect Your Windows 10 Computer to Wi-Fi

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