


How to fix a 'This app can't open' error for Microsoft Store apps in Windows
Aug 01, 2025 am 05:38 AMFirst, you should re-register the application through PowerShell to fix the problem of Microsoft Store applications that cannot be opened. The specific steps are: 1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin); 2. Paste the command Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($\_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} and press Enter to execute; 3. Wait for the process to complete, and there may be no obvious output during this period; 4. After restarting the computer, test whether the application returns to normal. This method is safe and effective in fixing the startup problem of system applications, and ultimately enables built-in applications such as Mail, Calendar, Weather, etc. to run normally again.
If you're seeing a "This app can't open" error when trying to launch Microsoft Store apps in Windows (like Mail, Calendar, Weather, etc.), it's usually due to corrupted app data, permission issues, or problems with your user profile. The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed without reinstalling Windows. Here's how to troubleshoot and resolve it step by step.

1. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common app issues.
- Press Windows I to open Settings .
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters .
- Find Windows Store Apps , click Run .
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.
This tool often resolves minor glitches without further action.

2. Re-register the App Using PowerShell
When an app fails to launch, re-registering it in PowerShell can fix corrupted associations.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) .
- Paste this command and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
- Wait for the process to complete (it may take a few minutes and run with no visible output for some apps).
- Restart your computer and test the apps.
? This command re-registers all built-in Microsoft apps. It's safe and commonly used to fix startup issues.
3. Reset the Problematic App
If only one app isn't working (eg, Mail), try resetting it.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps .
- Search for the app (eg, "Mail").
- Click the three dots ( ... ) and select Advanced options .
- Scroll down and click Reset , then confirm.
?? This will clear the app's data (like local settings), but for apps synchronized with your Microsoft account, most info will restore on login.
4. Check Your User Account and Permissions
Sometimes, the issue occurs only for one user profile. Test by creating a new local user account :
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users .
- Under "Other users", click Add account .
- Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information , then Add a user without a Microsoft account .
- Create a test account with a name like "Test".
- Log into that account and try opening a Store app.
If apps work there, the issue is with your original profile. You may need to:
- Migrate your files to the new profile.
- Or fix profile corruption using system tools.
5. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft often releases patches that fix bugs affecting Store apps.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update .
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your PC after installing.
Sometimes a pending update or a failed update can break app functionality.
6. Repair System Files
Corrupted system files can interfere with app execution.
Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin) :
sfc /scannow
After it finishes, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- These commands scan and repair system integrity.
- The DISM process may take 10–20 minutes. Don't interrupt it.
Restart your PC afterward.
7. Reinstall the App (if needed)
If one app still won't open, remove and reinstall it.
In PowerShell (Admin), to remove and reinstall the Mail app:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsCommunicationsApps | Remove-AppxPackage
Then re-install it from the Microsoft Store, or re-register all apps again using method #2.
Final Notes
Most "This app can't open" errors go away after re-registering apps with PowerShell or resetting the app . If the problem persists across multiple accounts or after updates, consider performing a Windows repair install (in-place upgrade) using the Media Creation Tool — this reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps.
Basically, start simple, then move to deeper fixes. You'll likely solve it before needing a full reset.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix a 'This app can't open' error for Microsoft Store apps in Windows. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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