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The Calculator app is a handy tool included with Windows 10 for quick and easy calculations. Sometimes, users may find that the Calculator stops working or fails to open. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to perform simple tasks quickly.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions to fix the Calculator not working error. These steps are designed to be easy to follow, even if you aren’t very tech-savvy.

In this article, we will guide you through step-by-step methods to resolve the issue, starting with the simplest fixes and moving on to more advanced options if needed.

Let’s begin by checking some basic things before diving into troubleshooting.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Starting

• Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches causing the Calculator to malfunction.
• Check for Windows updates: Outdated system files can cause apps to misbehave. Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date.
• Verify the Calculator app version: Ensure that the app is properly installed and not corrupted.

Once these basics are confirmed, you can proceed with the solutions below.

Step 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix problems with apps installed from the Microsoft Store, including Calculator.

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

This step helps identify common problems that may stop Calculator from working properly.

Step 2: Reset the Calculator App

If the troubleshooter doesn’t fix the problem, resetting the Calculator app often helps. This removes app data and restores it to default settings without uninstalling.

1. Open Settings and click on Apps.
2. In the Apps & features section, scroll down and find Calculator.
3. Click on it and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll down and click the Reset button. Confirm if prompted.

Resetting clears any corrupted files or settings that might be causing the app to crash or freeze.

Step 3: Reinstall Calculator Using PowerShell

If resetting doesn’t work, reinstalling the Calculator app can fix deeper issues by replacing all app files completely.

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) to open PowerShell with administrator privileges.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscalculator* | Remove-AppxPackage

This command uninstalls the Calculator app.

3. After uninstalling, reinstall the app by typing this command and pressing Enter:

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

Wait a few moments for the installation to complete, then try opening Calculator again.

Step 4: Check for System File Corruption with SFC Scan

Sometimes, corrupted system files can cause apps to malfunction. Running the System File Checker (SFC) scan can repair these files.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

The scan will check your system for corrupted files and attempt to fix them automatically. This may take some time.

After it finishes, restart your computer and check if the Calculator app works.

Step 5: Create a New User Account

If none of the above steps work, the issue might be related to your user profile. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the case.

1. Open Settings and go to Accounts.
2. Select Family & other users from the sidebar.
3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
4. Follow the prompts to create a new user account (you can create a local account without Microsoft sign-in).
5. Log out of your current account and log in with the new user account.
6. Check if the Calculator app works properly in the new account.

If Calculator works in the new account, the problem is likely related to your original user profile settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why won’t my Calculator app open at all?

This can happen due to corrupted app files, system file issues, or conflicts with Windows updates. Running the troubleshooter, resetting, or reinstalling the app usually fixes this.

Can I use a different calculator app instead?

Yes, you can download alternative calculator apps from the Microsoft Store or use online calculators if you need an immediate workaround.

Will resetting the Calculator app delete my data?

The Calculator app does not save personal data, so resetting only removes temporary settings and cache without affecting your files.

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

Yes, the commands provided are official and safe as long as you run them in an administrator PowerShell window.

How often should I update Windows 10 to avoid such issues?

Regularly check for Windows updates at least once a month to keep your system and apps running smoothly.

When Nothing Works

If the Calculator app still does not work after trying all the steps above, you can consider the following options:

• Visit the official Microsoft Support page for further assistance.
• Use the Microsoft Community forums to ask questions and get help from other users.
• Consider performing a Windows 10 repair install (also called an in-place upgrade) to fix deeper system issues without losing your files.

These options are more advanced and might require additional technical knowledge or help from a professional.

Conclusion

Fixing the Calculator app on Windows 10 can usually be done quickly with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by running the built-in troubleshooter and resetting the app. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, reinstalling the app using PowerShell or repairing system files with the SFC scan often helps.

Creating a new user account can also identify whether the issue is related to your profile. Remember to keep your Windows 10 system updated to avoid such problems in the future.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to get your Calculator app working again without hassle. If all else fails, Microsoft’s support resources are available to guide you further.