Blog

How to Fix Movies & TV App Not Working Errors on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

The Movies & TV app on Windows 11 is a convenient way to watch videos and movies directly from your device. Sometimes, however, the app may stop working properly, causing frustration. This guide will help you fix common errors and get the app running smoothly again.

Whether the app won’t open, crashes, or won’t play videos, there are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot. Most solutions do not require technical expertise and can be done quickly. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

By understanding why the app may fail and how to resolve these issues, you will save time and avoid unnecessary reinstallations. Let’s get started with some quick checks before moving on to detailed fixes.

These solutions are designed for Windows 11 but may also help with similar problems on Windows 10.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check for Windows Updates: Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility and fixes known bugs. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can clear temporary glitches that cause apps to misbehave.
  • Check Internet Connection: Movies & TV app may require internet to stream or download videos. Make sure your connection is stable.
  • Verify App Permissions: The app needs permission to access storage and media libraries. Check these under Settings > Privacy & Security.

Step 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store, including Movies & TV. This tool can automatically detect and fix common problems.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will scan and attempt to repair issues.

This step is important because it targets app-specific issues that can cause crashes or failures to launch.

Step 2: Reset the Movies & TV App

If the troubleshooter does not resolve the problem, resetting the app can help. Resetting clears the app’s cache and data, which might be corrupted.

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Scroll to find Movies & TV and click the three dots next to it.
  3. Select Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm if prompted.

Resetting is safe and does not delete your personal files, but you may lose app preferences or downloaded content inside the app.

Step 3: Check App Permissions and Storage Access

The Movies & TV app needs permission to access your videos and media files. Without these permissions, it may not work properly.

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > App permissions > Videos library.
  2. Ensure that Movies & TV has permission to access your videos.
  3. Also check Documents and Pictures permissions if your media is stored in those folders.

Granting proper permissions allows the app to read your media files, which is essential for playback.

Step 4: Reinstall the Movies & TV App

If resetting doesn’t work, reinstalling the app may fix corrupted files or installation errors.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Movies & TV, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.
  3. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
  4. Search for Movies & TV and click Install.

Reinstalling ensures you have the latest version and a clean installation of the app.

Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can cause video playback issues in the app. Updating them may resolve crashes or black screens.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.

Keeping drivers updated improves compatibility with multimedia apps and prevents playback errors.

Alternative Step: Use PowerShell to Re-register the App

If reinstalling doesn’t solve the issue, you can try re-registering the app using PowerShell. This command refreshes the app’s registration in Windows.

  1. Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.ZuneVideo* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer and check if the app works.

FAQs

Why won’t my Movies & TV app open?

It could be due to corrupted cache, missing permissions, or outdated system files. Try running the troubleshooter, resetting the app, or updating Windows.

Can I play all video formats in Movies & TV?

The app supports common formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI, but some codecs may not be supported. Consider converting unsupported files or using another media player.

Why does the app crash during video playback?

Crashes can occur due to graphics driver issues or corrupted app data. Updating drivers and resetting the app usually help.

Will uninstalling the app delete my videos?

No. Your personal video files are stored separately and won’t be deleted by uninstalling the app.

How do I check if the app has the right permissions?

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App permissions and ensure Movies & TV can access media libraries.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and the Movies & TV app still does not work, you may want to consider these options:

  • Create a New User Account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes app issues. Creating a new Windows user can help isolate the problem.
  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for personalized assistance.

Conclusion

Fixing the Movies & TV app on Windows 11 involves a series of straightforward steps starting from basic troubleshooting to more advanced fixes. Always begin with simple actions like restarting your PC and running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Resetting or reinstalling the app often resolves most problems related to corrupted data or installation errors.

Ensuring your system and drivers are up to date is crucial for smooth video playback. If issues persist, using PowerShell to re-register the app or checking permissions can provide a solution. Should nothing work, system repair tools or official support can help you get back on track.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to enjoy your movies and videos without interruption on your Windows 11 device.

Leave a Reply