If you are having trouble opening the Settings app from the Start menu on Windows 10, you are not alone. This problem can be frustrating because Settings is where you control many important system options.
The good news is that there are several simple solutions you can try to fix this issue. You don’t need to be an expert to follow these steps.
In this guide, we will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to get your Settings app working again.
Let’s start by checking a few basic things before moving on to more advanced fixes.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks
Before trying any fixes, make sure your computer is up to date and that no other system problems are interfering.
- Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches.
- Check for Windows Updates: Outdated system files can cause apps to malfunction. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update (if possible) and install any updates.
- Ensure your user account has administrative privileges: Some features may not work properly without adequate permissions.
Step 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut to Open Settings
Before troubleshooting the Start menu, try opening Settings using a keyboard shortcut. This will help determine if the problem is with the Start menu or the app itself.
- Press Windows key + I on your keyboard simultaneously.
- If the Settings app opens, the problem lies with the Start menu shortcut rather than the app.
- If it still does not open, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Restart Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer controls the Start menu and taskbar. Restarting it can fix issues related to menu responsiveness.
- Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager window, find and select Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
- Click the Restart button at the bottom right.
- Try opening Settings again from the Start menu.
Step 3: Run the Windows Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a troubleshooter that can detect and fix problems with built-in apps like Settings.
- Open the Control Panel by typing Control Panel in the Start menu search and pressing Enter.
- Go to System and Security > Security and Maintenance.
- Scroll down and click Troubleshooting, then select View all on the left panel.
- Find and click on Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- After the troubleshooter finishes, try opening Settings again.
Step 4: Re-register the Settings App Using PowerShell
If the Settings app files are corrupted or not registered properly, re-registering it can help.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
- In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}- Wait for the command to complete. You may see some text scrolling in the window.
- Close PowerShell and try opening Settings again.
Step 5: Create a New User Account
Sometimes, user profile corruption causes the Settings app to stop working. Creating a new user account can help check this.
- Press Windows key + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
- Click Add to create a new user account.
- Follow the prompts to add a local account or Microsoft account.
- Sign out of your current account and log in with the new one.
- Check if the Settings app opens from the Start menu.
Alternative Method: Use System File Checker to Repair Corrupted Files
Corrupted system files can cause many issues. The System File Checker tool scans and repairs these files.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow- The scan may take some time. Do not close the window until it finishes.
- If any issues are found, the tool will attempt to fix them automatically.
- Restart your computer and check if the Settings app works.
FAQs
Why won’t my Settings open from the Start menu but opens with Windows + I?
This usually means the Start menu shortcut is damaged or the Start menu itself has issues. Restarting Windows Explorer or re-registering apps often fixes this.
Can a virus cause the Settings app not to open?
Yes, malware can interfere with system apps. Running a full system antivirus scan is recommended if you suspect infection.
Is it safe to re-register apps using PowerShell?
Yes, this is a standard method provided by Microsoft to fix app registration errors. Just be sure to copy the command exactly as shown.
Will creating a new user account delete my files?
No, creating a new account does not delete existing files. However, you will need to transfer any files you want from the old account manually.
How do I update Windows if Settings won’t open?
You can update Windows through the Control Panel or by downloading updates directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above methods fix the problem, you may consider these final options:
- Run the Windows 10 Repair Upgrade: This process reinstalls Windows without deleting your files or apps. You can do this by downloading the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
- Reset your PC: Use the Reset this PC feature from the Windows Recovery Environment to refresh your system. This may remove some apps but keeps your personal files.
- Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent or complex issues, official Microsoft support can provide personalized help. Visit https://support.microsoft.com.
Conclusion
Not being able to open the Settings app from the Start menu on Windows 10 can be annoying, but most problems can be solved with simple troubleshooting.
Start with basic steps like restarting your PC and using keyboard shortcuts. Then move on to restarting Windows Explorer, running troubleshooters, or re-registering the app.
If necessary, repair system files or create a new user account to isolate the problem.
By following these detailed steps carefully, you should be able to restore the Settings app functionality and regain full control over your Windows 10 system settings.