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If you’ve accidentally deleted the Solitaire game on your Windows 11 computer, you may find it frustrating when the game no longer works or won’t reinstall properly. Fortunately, there are simple ways to restore Solitaire without needing technical expertise.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step instructions to get your Solitaire game back up and running. Each step is explained clearly so you can follow along without confusion.

Whether you want to reinstall the game or troubleshoot issues with it not starting, this article covers everything from the basics to advanced solutions.

Let’s begin with some quick checks before moving on to the detailed fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks

Before starting the repair or reinstallation process, please make sure of the following:

• Check your internet connection: Windows Store needs internet access to download or reinstall apps.
• Windows 11 updates: Ensure your system is up to date by checking for the latest Windows updates. Sometimes app issues are fixed with system updates.
• Microsoft account sign-in: Confirm you are signed into your Microsoft account on your PC, as Solitaire is linked to this account.

Step 1: Reinstall Solitaire from Microsoft Store

The easiest way to fix a deleted or broken Solitaire game is to reinstall it from the official Microsoft Store. This ensures you get the latest and official version.

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type “Microsoft Store” and open the app from the search results.
3. In the Microsoft Store search bar, type “Microsoft Solitaire Collection” and press Enter.
4. Select the official Microsoft Solitaire Collection app from the list.
5. Click on the Get or Install button to download and install the game.

Once installed, you can find Solitaire in your Start menu and launch it as usual.

Step 2: Reset the Solitaire App

If Solitaire is installed but not working correctly, resetting the app can solve corrupted data or settings issues.

1. Click the Start button, then select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Scroll down or use the search box to find Microsoft Solitaire Collection.
4. Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down to the Reset section and click Reset.
6. Confirm the reset if prompted.

Resetting clears the app’s cache and data, which can fix many common problems.

Step 3: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to fix issues with apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Store Apps in the list.
4. Click Run next to it.
5. Follow the instructions on screen to detect and fix problems.

This tool can automatically repair corrupted files or misconfigurations that prevent Solitaire from working.

Step 4: Re-register Solitaire Using PowerShell

If resetting and reinstalling don’t work, re-registering the Solitaire app can help by refreshing its integration with Windows.

Important: This step involves running commands in PowerShell. Follow carefully.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. In the terminal window, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *solitairecollection* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

This command tells Windows to re-register the Solitaire app for all users on the system.

Once done, restart your computer and try launching Solitaire again.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

Sometimes user profiles can become corrupted, causing apps like Solitaire to malfunction. Creating a new user account can help determine if the problem is profile-specific.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Under Other users, click Add account.
3. Follow the prompts to create a new local or Microsoft account.
4. Sign out of your current account and sign in with the new one.
5. Try opening Solitaire again.

If Solitaire works under the new account, your original user profile may have some issues.

FAQs

Can I get Solitaire back if I deleted it permanently?

Yes, Solitaire is a free app from Microsoft Store. You can always reinstall it using the Store on Windows 11.

Why is Solitaire not launching even after reinstalling?

Sometimes app data or Windows system issues cause this. Resetting the app or running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter usually helps.

Do I need a Microsoft account to play Solitaire?

While you can play offline, having a Microsoft account allows syncing achievements and progress across devices.

Is Solitaire included by default in Windows 11?

Solitaire is not pre-installed by default but is available free from the Microsoft Store.

Can third-party Solitaire games cause conflicts?

Rarely, but uninstalling other Solitaire apps can help avoid conflicts.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Solitaire still doesn’t work, consider these final options:

• Run Windows System File Checker: Open PowerShell as admin and run sfc /scannow to repair system files.
• Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix deep system problems but will remove installed apps.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support site for personalized help.

Conclusion

Deleting or having issues with Solitaire on Windows 11 can be easily fixed by reinstalling the game from the Microsoft Store or resetting the app. Running the built-in troubleshooter and re-registering the app are helpful next steps if problems persist.

Creating a new user account can help identify profile-related issues, while advanced fixes like system file checks are available if nothing else works.

With these simple steps, you should have your Solitaire game working again quickly, allowing you to enjoy some classic card fun.