'This app can't open. Check the Windows Store for more info'
Jul 30, 2025 am 04:16 AMPress Windows I to open Settings. 2. Go to Apps > Default apps. 3. Scroll down and click "Reset" under Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults. 4. Restart your PC and try opening the app again. This resets file type associations like .exe and .msi, fixing the misleading "This app can't open" error caused by incorrect defaults, especially after Windows updates, and typically resolves the issue immediately.
You’re seeing the error "This app can't open. Check the Windows Store for more info" when trying to launch a desktop app or even a built-in Windows program. This message is misleading because it suggests the app is from the Microsoft Store — even when it’s not. It’s a common frustration, especially after Windows updates or system changes.

Here’s what’s really going on and how to fix it.
? 1. Reset File Associations (Most Common Fix)
This error often happens when Windows loses track of which program should open a certain file type (like .exe
files). Even legitimate desktop apps get blocked because the system defaults are corrupted.

How to fix:
- Press Windows I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Default apps.
- Scroll down and click "Reset" under Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults.
- Restart your PC and try opening the app again.
This resets associations for common file types (
.exe
,.msi
, etc.) and often resolves the issue instantly.![]()
? 2. Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter (Even for Non-Store Apps)
Yes, even if the app isn’t from the Store, this troubleshooter can fix underlying app execution problems.
Steps:
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Store Apps, click Run.
- Follow the prompts and let it fix any detected issues.
- Restart your computer.
This can repair corrupted app execution policies or identity issues.
? 3. Re-register All Apps via PowerShell (Advanced Fix)
Sometimes, Windows thinks all apps — including desktop ones — are “broken Store apps.” Re-registering them forces Windows to re-scan and re-trust them.
Do this:
- Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Paste this command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)This app cant open. Check the Windows Store for more infoAppXManifest.xml"}
- Wait for it to finish (it may take a few minutes).
- Restart your PC.
This command refreshes all built-in and Store-based app registrations. It often fixes deep system-level app issues.
? 4. Check for Corrupted System Files
Corruption in system files can cause apps to fail with misleading errors.
Run these commands in an Admin Command Prompt:
sfc /scannow
Then after it finishes:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart once done.
? 5. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus
Some security software (especially third-party antivirus tools) blocks app execution and shows this generic error. Try disabling it temporarily to test.
- Disable real-time protection in your antivirus.
- Try opening the app again.
- If it works, adjust the antivirus settings or consider switching.
Final Notes
- This error does not always mean the app is from the Store — it’s a generic Windows shell error.
- It often appears after updates, especially major Windows feature updates.
- Don’t reinstall Windows over this — it’s fixable.
If none of the above work, the specific app might be corrupted. Try reinstalling it, or check its compatibility with your Windows version.
Basically, it’s a permissions or association glitch — not a dead-end.
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