The error message could be something like these:
Why does my PC say This app can’t open?
If the Microsoft Store app that you are trying to open, or the file that it is trying to open, or if any Windows OS files have got corrupted, then you may see This app can’t open error. Fortunately, this error can be resolved easily by following the suggestions laid down in this post.
Fix This app can’t open error on Windows 11/10
Here is the list of solutions that can help you to open the application on Windows. Some of them will need admin access, so it’s best that you have an admin account or ask someone to do this for you. Some of the offered solutions can be extreme. Only use it when there is no other way, and using the application is crucial.
1] Check if the app is blocked
Some other administrators might have blocked access to the program on this PC. If you also have an admin account, then you check block programs through Group Policy and Registry Editor.
Group Policy
Open Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Run prompt (Win + R) followed by pressing the Enter keyNavigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates and then select System.Locate the policy which says—Don’t run specified Windows applications.Double click to open, and check under the list of disallowed apps if your application is available.If it’s disabled, then you can ignore it.
Registry Editor
Open Registry Editor by typing Regedit in the Run prompt (Win+R) followed by pressing the Enter keyNavigate to the following path
Check if you have a DWORD entry with name DisallowRunIf yes, then double click to open it, and set the value as 0 to disable any app blocking.You can further investigate by expanding the explorer folder. If there is a folder with the name DisallowRun, then expand it.Here you should have one or more entries indicate the list of apps blocked.
Read: Program won’t open after Windows Update
2] Turn On User Account Control (UAC)
UAC ensures that no malware or virus can execute something only admins can do. It applies to the overall system and all the apps. If any app tries to change system settings, it will be blocked from opening. In case it is turned off on your computer, you should enable it.
Type UAC in the Start menu searchClick on Change User Account Control settings in the resultChange the slider to the second level from the top where you get notified when apps try to change
Relaunch the app causing the problem, and you may receive a prompt. Related post: This app can’t open, App can’t open while User Account Control is turned off.
3] Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Apps like Photos, Xbox Game Bar, Calculator are available in the Microsoft Store app as well. You can fix them by running the troubleshooter. Windows 10
Open Settings (Win + I)Navigate to Update & Security > TroubleshootLocate, and open Windows Store AppsClick on Run the Troubleshooter button to start the wizard.
Windows 11
Open Settings (Win + I)Navigate to Systemy > TroubleshootLocate, and open Windows Store AppsClick on Run button against the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter to start the wizard.
Once complete, relaunch the app again and check the issue has been resolved.
4] Reset or Repair the App
While you can reinstall any application, apps from the store can be reset if they offer the options.
Go to Settings > Apps, and select the app, and click on Advanced Options.Here you can choose to Reset or Repair the app by clicking on the respective button.While Repair will not change anything, Reset will make you set up the application again.
5] Clear Windows Store Cache
Windows Store Cache makes sure the browsing experience speeds up. However, at times, an application may need an update, but the cache is restricting it. You can clear Windows Store Cache by running WSReset.exe in the Run box. Related post: This app can’t open Office Word error.
6] Reinstall App
Do note that if you plan to uninstall these apps, it may not be possible unless forced using PowerShell Commands. If you wish to uninstall individual apps in Windows 11/10, run the following command in an elevated PowerShell window: You will be able to see the list of all installed apps and its PackageFullName information.
Note down the PackageFullName and replace it in the following command: This post lists the App Package Names which you will need to use in the command. For instance for Photos app, it is Microsoft.Windows.Photos. So if you want to remove the Photos app, open an elevated PowerShell window and execute the following command: Once you uninstall the app, you will need to reinstall them from the Microsoft Store app.
7] Run SFC and DISM commands
DISM and SFC Commands can help you resolve issues related to file corruption. They repair files or system image corruptions. While SFC protects registry keys and folders as well as critical system files, DISM is useful to fix Windows component store corruption or if a Windows image becomes unserviceable. First, run System File Checker to replace corrupted system files: In an elevated CMD execute the following command: This does not require Internet access. Next, run the DISM command to repair a corrupt system image. In an elevated CMD execute the following command: This will fix any system image corruption from a Windows Update source. This may require internet access.
8] Reset PC
Resetting a PC is a bit extreme and should only be exercised when you don’t have any option left, and this app should be working. It can be because of incompatibility or the app causing the issue on the PC and is being restricted. We suggest using this option only where you are left with nothing. It would be best to connect with Microsoft or your IT team before executing this. Follow our guide on how you can Reset the PC if that’s what you are left with.
I hope the post was easy to follow, and you were to launch the app, which gave an error — This app can’t open. Similar error: This app can’t open, File Explorer is running with administrator privileges.
Why can’t I open my Photos on Windows 11/10?
If the Microsoft Photos app has become that you are trying to open, or the image file that you are trying to open, or if any Windows OS files have got corrupted, then you may see This App can’t open, There’s a problem with photos error. Following the suggestions laid down in this post or alternatively, use another photo viewer software to open the image files. You may also want to check if the image file is corrupted or not, and if the image format is supported by the Photos app. This post will help you if the Photos app is slow to open or not opening.
