Blog

How to Fix Microsoft Solitaire Not Starting on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Microsoft Solitaire is a classic game enjoyed by many Windows users. Sometimes, it may not start properly on Windows 11, causing frustration. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue and get your game running again.

This guide will walk you through easy and clear steps to troubleshoot Microsoft Solitaire not starting. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.

By the end, you should be able to enjoy Solitaire without any problems. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into troubleshooting.

These initial tips will save you time and ensure your system is ready for the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check your internet connection: Microsoft Solitaire requires an active internet connection for certain features. Ensure your connection is stable.
  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
  • Update Windows 11: Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility and fixes bugs that might affect apps.
  • Make sure you have enough disk space: Lack of storage can stop apps from running properly.

Step 1: Run the Microsoft Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter specifically for Microsoft Store apps like Solitaire. Running this tool can automatically detect and fix common issues.

  1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This step helps because it scans your apps for problems like corrupted files or permission issues and tries to fix them automatically.

Step 2: Reset Microsoft Solitaire Collection

If the troubleshooter does not fix the problem, resetting the Solitaire app can help. This will clear the app’s cache and settings without uninstalling the app.

  1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps or Apps > Apps & features depending on your Windows version.
  3. Scroll down to find Microsoft Solitaire Collection.
  4. Click on the three dots (…) next to the app and select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click on the Reset button.
  6. Confirm any prompts that appear.

Resetting fixes corrupted temporary data that may prevent the game from launching.

Step 3: Check for Microsoft Solitaire Updates

Sometimes, the app fails to start because it’s outdated. Updating the game can fix bugs and improve compatibility.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu.
  2. Click on the profile icon at the top-right corner and select App settings.
  3. Go back and click on Library from the left sidebar.
  4. Click Get updates to check for all app updates, including Solitaire.
  5. If an update for Microsoft Solitaire Collection is available, install it.

Keeping your app updated ensures you have the latest fixes and features.

Step 4: Reinstall Microsoft Solitaire Collection

If resetting doesn’t work, reinstalling the app can often solve deeper issues by replacing all files.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Microsoft Solitaire Collection, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
  3. Confirm the uninstallation.
  4. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
  5. Search for Microsoft Solitaire Collection.
  6. Click Install to download and install the app again.

This process makes sure that any corrupted files are removed and replaced with fresh copies.

Step 5: Check Windows Store Services and Cache

Microsoft Solitaire depends on Windows Store and related services. If these services aren’t working, the game won’t start.

Reset Microsoft Store Cache:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  3. A blank Command Prompt window will open, and after a few seconds, the Microsoft Store will launch.

Clearing the Store cache can fix download and launch problems.

Ensure Required Services Are Running:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, look for Windows Update and Microsoft Store Install Service.
  3. Make sure both services are running. If not, right-click and select Start.

Step 6: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, user profile corruption can prevent apps like Solitaire from starting. Creating a new user account can help diagnose this.

  1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Click Add account under Other users.
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new local or Microsoft account.
  4. Sign out of your current account and sign into the new one.
  5. Try launching Microsoft Solitaire Collection again.

If Solitaire works in the new account, your original profile might be corrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t Microsoft Solitaire start on my Windows 11 PC?

This can happen due to corrupted app files, outdated software, issues with Microsoft Store, or user profile problems. Following the troubleshooting steps above usually fixes these.

Is an internet connection required to play Microsoft Solitaire?

Yes, certain features and updates require internet access, though offline play is partially supported depending on the mode.

Will resetting the app delete my game progress?

Resetting the app usually clears local settings but won’t delete progress synced to your Microsoft account.

Can I play Solitaire if Windows Update is disabled?

Windows Update helps keep your system and apps up to date. Disabling it may cause compatibility issues with apps like Solitaire.

How do I check if my Microsoft Store is working?

Try opening the Microsoft Store app and downloading or updating any app. Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter also helps diagnose problems.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Microsoft Solitaire still won’t start, consider the following options:

  • Run System File Checker (SFC): This scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow.
  • Use DISM Tool: In Command Prompt (admin), run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix system image issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for personalized help.
  • Consider Windows Reset: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 while keeping your files. This reinstalls Windows and fixes system-wide problems.

Conclusion

Microsoft Solitaire not starting on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues are fixable with simple steps. Start by running the built-in troubleshooter and resetting the app. Keep your app and Windows updated to avoid problems.

If needed, reinstall the app, clear the Microsoft Store cache, or check your user profile. Advanced fixes like system scans can help when nothing else works.

Following this complete troubleshooting guide should get you back to enjoying Solitaire in no time.

Leave a Reply