How to Repair Apps in Windows 11
Sometimes, your apps in Windows 11 might freeze or stop working right. This guide shows you how to use built-in tools to fix them.
Why repair your apps?
When an app stops working correctly, it might be due to corrupted files or bad settings. Repairing the app refreshes its internal data without you having to reinstall-built-in-microsoft-store-apps-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="14941">uninstall and reinstall it entirely. This saves you time and keeps your personal preferences intact.
What happens when you are done?
Once the process finishes, Windows will have refreshed the app’s core files. In most cases, your data remains safe. However, some apps might reset to their original default settings, and you may need to sign in again.
Prerequisite: Check for Windows Updates
Before troubleshooting, ensure your system is up to date. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Many app issues are caused by outdated system components.
Repairing apps via Settings
This method works best for modern apps installed from the Microsoft Store.
- Click the Start button and open Settings.
- Select Apps, then click on Installed apps.
- Find the app you want to fix in the list.
- Click the More (three dots) icon next to the app.
- Select Advanced options. Note: If you do not see this link, the app does not support a repair through this menu.
- Click the Repair button if it is available. If the app still does not work, you can click Reset to start fresh.
Repairing programs via Control Panel
This is usually for traditional desktop software. Note: This process may require admin privileges to make changes to installed programs.
- Search for Control Panel in your taskbar and open it.
- Click Programs, then select Programs and Features.
- Find the program you want to fix in the list.
- Right-click the program name and select Repair. If that option is missing, select Change.
Advanced Repair via Command Prompt and PowerShell
If standard methods fail, you can use built-in tools to fix corrupted system files. Note: These steps require admin privileges.
1. Open Terminal (Admin) by right-clicking the Start button.
2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) to fix system files: sfc /scannow
3. If issues persist, use the DISM tool: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. To reinstall a specific app via PowerShell, use: Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage followed by a reinstall from the Microsoft Store.
Fixing Microsoft Store Issues
If Store apps won’t open, clear the cache. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This resets the Windows Store cache without deleting your apps.
Summary
Repairing apps in Windows 11 is a simple way to fix performance issues. You can use the Settings menu for modern apps or the Control Panel for classic programs. For deeper issues, use the SFC and DISM tools via the Command Prompt. Always check the official documentation at Microsoft support if you need further assistance.
What should I do if the Repair button is greyed out?
If the Repair button is greyed out, the application does not support the built-in repair feature. In this case, your best option is to uninstall the app completely, restart your computer, and perform a fresh installation from the official source to ensure all files are correctly registered.
Does repairing an app delete my personal data?
Generally, the Repair function attempts to fix corrupted files while keeping your personal data and settings intact. However, if you choose the Reset option instead, it will clear the app’s data, cache, and preferences, essentially returning the application to its original, out-of-the-box state.
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