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Sometimes, the Calculator app on Windows 10 may stop working or fail to open. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to perform quick calculations. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue without needing technical skills.

This guide will walk you through easy step-by-step solutions to get your Calculator app working again. Each step is explained clearly so you can follow along comfortably.

Whether the app crashes, freezes, or just won’t start, these methods cover the most common causes and fixes. Let’s start with some quick checks before diving deeper.

By the end, you should have a fully functional Calculator app ready for use.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Troubleshooting

Before trying any fixes, make sure to do these quick checks. They can save you time and help identify simple problems.

• Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches.
• Check for Windows updates: Updates can fix bugs affecting apps like Calculator.
• Confirm the Calculator app is installed: It might have been accidentally uninstalled.
• Check system date and time: Incorrect settings can cause app issues.

Step 1: Restart the Calculator App

First, try closing the Calculator app completely and reopening it. This can clear minor temporary issues.

1. Click the Start button and type Calculator.
2. If the app is open, close it by clicking the X at the top-right corner.
3. Reopen the app by clicking on the Calculator icon from the Start menu.

If it still does not open or crashes, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

The Calculator app is a Windows Store app, so running the built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix common problems automatically.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Select Troubleshoot from the left menu.
4. Click Additional troubleshooters (if visible).
5. Find and click Windows Store Apps, then press Run the troubleshooter.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool checks for common problems and tries to fix them automatically.

Step 3: Reset the Calculator App

If the troubleshooter does not work, resetting the Calculator app will clear its data and restore default settings. This often fixes bugs caused by corrupted files.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Scroll down and find Calculator in the list.
4. Click on Calculator, then select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Reset.
6. Confirm by clicking Reset again in the pop-up.

After resetting, open the Calculator app and check if it works properly.

Step 4: Reinstall the Calculator App Using PowerShell

If resetting doesn’t fix the problem, reinstalling the app can help. This method removes the app completely and installs a fresh copy.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscalculator* | Remove-AppxPackage

This command uninstalls the Calculator app.

3. Next, to reinstall the app, type this command and press Enter:

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

Wait for the process to finish, then try opening the Calculator app again.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, user profile issues can cause apps to malfunction. Creating a new user account helps to check if the problem is specific to your current profile.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC.
4. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
5. Sign out of your current account and sign in with the new account.
6. Try opening the Calculator app to see if it works.

If it works on the new account, your original user profile may be corrupted.

FAQs

Why does the Calculator app stop working suddenly?

The app can stop working due to corrupted app files, Windows updates causing compatibility issues, or user profile problems.

Can I use an alternative calculator if the app won’t work?

Yes, you can use online calculators through your web browser or install third-party calculator apps from the Microsoft Store.

Does resetting the Calculator app delete my data?

Resetting clears the app’s settings and cache but does not affect your files or Windows system data.

Is it safe to run PowerShell commands to reinstall the app?

Yes, the provided commands are safe and only affect the Calculator app. Make sure to run PowerShell as administrator.

Will reinstalling the app fix all Calculator problems?

Reinstalling often fixes most issues, but if the problem is with Windows itself or system files, further troubleshooting may be needed.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods fix the Calculator app, you might consider these final options:

• Run System File Checker: This checks for corrupted Windows files. Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow.
• Update Windows: Ensure your system is fully updated via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Use Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for Calculator app issues: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows.
• Reset or Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, consider resetting Windows 10, but backup your data first.

Conclusion

The Windows 10 Calculator app is a simple yet essential tool, and it can be frustrating when it stops working. Most problems can be solved by restarting the app, running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, resetting, or reinstalling the app.

Always start with the easiest steps and move toward more advanced options if needed. Creating a new user account can help identify if the issue is profile-specific.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to restore the Calculator app’s functionality and get back to your tasks without hassle.