Sometimes when trying to open a Windows app on your Windows 10 PC, you may be getting an error message saying “This app can’t open”. It may look as if the app is loading at first, but then all you get is an error message.
Why does the error occur? In most cases, it has something to do with either the Windows App Store or the application itself. This error typically occurs when trying to open the following applications: Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, Mail, or News, Photos, Phone — and other popular Windows apps. There can be several reasons behind the error message:
- Corrupted or outdated Windows App Store or an expired Windows App Store license
- Third-party applications or firewall/antivirus conflicts
- Incorrect app settings
- A malfunctioning OS update
- Virus infection (rarely)
The “app can’t open” error does not necessarily mean that your system is infected with malware. In fact, in most cases, it has more to do with incorrect app settings, conflicting anti-virus software or third-party apps. Naturally, figuring out the reason for the error message would be the first thing to do. In some cases, the error message itself might give you prompts on how to fix it. Typical “app can’t open” error messages are:
“This app can’t open.
X can’t open while User Account Control is turned off.
Turn on User Account Control.”
“This app can’t open.
The problem with Windows is preventing Microsoft Edge from opening. Refreshing your PC might help for it. Refresh.”
“This app can’t open.
Microsoft Edge can’t be opened using the Built-in Administrator account. Sign in with a different account and try again.”
“This app can’t open.
There is a problem with Groove Music. Contact your system administrator about repairing or reinstalling it.”
The “This app can’t open” error message can definitely get on your nerves, an in many cases, it will pretty much render your PC useless. Thus, getting rid of the error would be your first priority. Luckily, there are several effective ways of solving the problem. They include:
- Running a malware scan
- Running Windows Troubleshooter
- Checking for Windows updates
- Resetting Windows Store cache
- Disabling/Uninstalling your antivirus
- Using a clean boot
- Creating a new User Account
Fix one: running a malware scan
The first and easiest thing to do would be to run a malware scan of your system. You can use your existing anti-malware or, if you suspect that it may be conflicting with some apps in your system, a program like Auslogics Anti-Malware. The software will run a complete scan of your system, detect even the rarest malicious items and then safely remove them from your system.
Fix two: running Windows Troubleshooter
Try using Microsoft’s dedicated problem-fixing tool — Windows Troubleshooter. In order to do this, go to Microsoft Support’s website, locate Windows Troubleshooter and press Run Troubleshooter. Wait for the scan to complete and check if the problem has been resolved.
Fix three: checking for Windows updates
An outdated OS can also be the reason for the problem. Thus, it is recommended that you update your system to the latest Windows version available. Here’s how to do that:
- Press the Win+I key combo and select Update & security.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your PC and check if the error messages have disappeared.
Fix four: resetting Windows Store cache
Resetting Windows cache can also be helpful in getting rid of the “This app can’t open” error. Here’s how you can reset Windows Store cache:
- Press the Win+R key combo to launch Run.
- Enter “wsreset.exe” to reset the Windows Store cache.
- Restart your computer and check if the problem has been resolved.
Fix five: disabling/uninstalling your antivirus
If you suspect that your anti-virus may be in conflict with some applications on your PC, consider temporarily disabling your anti-virus: find the icon for your anti-virus in the toolbar, right-click it and choose Close or Quit. Check if the error messages have now disappeared. If your anti-virus was indeed causing the problem, remove it from your PC.
With that, it’s never a good idea to leave your PC unprotected and it is strongly suggested that you immediately download and install a replacement anti-malware program. Consider trying Auslogics Anti-Malware, which can run alongside your main anti-virus software and is compatible with Windows 10 and its applications.
Fix six: using a clean boot
If the above solutions have not been helpful, consider clean booting your PC. Here’s how to proceed:
- Press the Win key.
- Type System Configuration and hit Enter.
- Head to the Services tab and choose Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Choose Task Manager and check all the items that you want to disable.
- Click Disable.
- Close Task Manager and press OK in the System Configuration dialogue box.
- Press the Win + R key combo on your keyboard.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
- Go to the Services tab again and check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Restart your PC and check if the problem has been resolved.
Fix seven: creating a new User Account
Finally, if all else has failed, try creating a new user account or using a different existing account. Here’s how to do this:
- Press the Win key.
- Type “settings”.
- Click Settings and type “add, delete and manage other user accounts” in the search bar.
- Choose the Add someone else to this PC option and follow the prompts on your screen.
That’s it — you now know how to resolve the“This app can’t open in Windows 10” issue and we hope you have successfully resolved the problem.
Which of the above solutions has been most helpful? Share in the comments below.
