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If you are unable to open Universal Apps on your Windows 10 device, it can be frustrating. These apps include Mail, Calendar, Microsoft Store, and other built-in applications. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix this issue.

This guide will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to help you get your apps working again. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

We will start with basic checks and gradually move to more advanced fixes. Just take your time and follow each step carefully.

By the end, you should be able to open your Universal Apps without any problems.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure of the following:

• Your Windows 10 system is up to date. Updates often fix bugs related to apps.
• You have a stable internet connection, especially if apps need to sync or update.
• You are logged in with a user account that has administrative rights.
• Restart your computer once if you haven’t already. Sometimes, a simple reboot fixes temporary glitches.

Step 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to find and fix problems with Universal Apps automatically.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot in the left menu.
4. Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will detect issues and try to fix them.

This tool is important because it automatically checks for common problems like corrupted app data or permission issues.

Step 2: Reset the Problematic App

If the troubleshooter doesn’t solve the problem, you can reset the app that won’t open. Resetting clears the app’s cache and data, which often fixes issues.

1. Open Settings again.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
3. Scroll to find the app that won’t open (for example, Mail or Calendar).
4. Click the app, then click Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm if prompted.

Note: Resetting an app might delete its saved data, so be sure you understand this before proceeding.

Step 3: Re-register All Universal Apps Using PowerShell

If resetting doesn’t work, you can re-register all built-in apps using a PowerShell command. This reinstalls or repairs the apps without affecting your personal data.

1. Type PowerShell in the Start menu search.
2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

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

This command goes through all Universal Apps and reinstalls or repairs their installation files. It’s important because sometimes app files get corrupted or unregistered.

Step 4: Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can cause apps not to open. Windows offers tools to scan and repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This command will scan your system for corrupted or missing files and repair them automatically. Wait for the process to finish—it may take some time.

If SFC finds errors it cannot fix, run the following command next:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again to ensure all problems are fixed.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

If the problem remains, your user profile might be corrupted. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC.
3. Follow the instructions to create a new local account.
4. Sign out of your current account and sign in with the new one.
5. Try opening the Universal Apps again.

If apps work in the new account, your original user profile may have issues that require further repair or migration.

Alternative Method: Reset Windows Store Cache

Sometimes the Windows Store cache causes app issues. You can reset it with a simple command.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait a few moments until it closes automatically.
4. Check if your apps open now.

This resets the store cache without deleting your installed apps or settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t my Universal Apps open after updating Windows?

Sometimes updates cause conflicts or corrupt app files. Running the troubleshooter and re-registering apps usually fixes this.

Will resetting an app delete my personal data?

Resetting can clear app data and settings, so you might lose saved information within the app. Backup important data if possible.

How long does the PowerShell re-registration take?

It depends on your system and number of apps, but usually it completes within a few minutes.

Can third-party antivirus software cause this problem?

Yes, some antivirus programs can block app processes. Temporarily disabling them during troubleshooting can help identify if they are the cause.

Is it safe to create a new user account?

Yes, creating a new local user account is safe and does not affect your current data or settings.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may consider these final options:

• Perform a System Restore: Roll back your system to a previous working state.
• Reset Windows 10: Use the “Reset this PC” feature to reinstall Windows without losing files.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for personalized help.

Conclusion

Universal Apps not opening can be caused by various issues, from minor glitches to corrupted system files. Starting with simple fixes like running the troubleshooter and resetting apps often solves the problem quickly.

If those don’t work, more advanced steps like re-registering apps using PowerShell and repairing system files can restore app functionality. Creating a new user account helps identify profile-related issues.

Remember to keep your Windows 10 updated and maintain a clean system to prevent future app errors. With patience and the right approach, you can get your Universal Apps working smoothly again.