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How to Fix Forza Horizon 4 App Not Opening on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Forza Horizon 4 is a popular racing game enjoyed by many Windows 11 users. However, some players face an issue where the game app fails to open. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re eager to jump into the game.

Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions you can try to get Forza Horizon 4 running smoothly again. These steps are designed to be simple and easy to follow, even if you’re not very tech-savvy.

This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process from the easiest fixes to more advanced methods. By the end, you should be able to enjoy your game without further problems.

Let’s get started with some quick checks to ensure your system is ready.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Check System Requirements: Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Forza Horizon 4 on Windows 11. Insufficient hardware can prevent the game from launching.
  • Internet Connection: Forza Horizon 4 requires an active internet connection for many features. Ensure your internet is stable and working.
  • Windows Updates: Confirm that Windows 11 is fully updated. Sometimes, missing system updates can cause apps not to open.
  • Microsoft Store & Xbox App: Since Forza Horizon 4 runs through these platforms, verify they are installed and updated correctly.

Step 1: Restart Your PC

It may sound simple, but restarting your computer can fix many temporary issues. Restarting clears the system memory and stops any background processes that might be interfering with the game.

How to restart:

  1. Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner.
  2. Select the Power button.
  3. Choose Restart.
  4. After your PC restarts, try opening Forza Horizon 4 again.

Step 2: Run Forza Horizon 4 as Administrator

Sometimes, apps need extra permissions to work correctly. Running the game as an administrator can resolve permission-related issues.

How to do this:

  1. Find the Forza Horizon 4 shortcut on your desktop or in the Start menu.
  2. Right-click the shortcut.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
  5. Check if the game opens successfully.

Step 3: Check for Game and Microsoft Store Updates

Outdated game files or a Microsoft Store app can cause launching problems. Updating both ensures you have the latest patches and fixes.

Updating Forza Horizon 4:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
  2. Click on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Downloads and updates.
  4. Click Get updates to update all installed apps, including Forza Horizon 4.

Updating Windows:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to Windows Update from the sidebar.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Step 4: Reset the Forza Horizon 4 App

If the game still won’t open, resetting the app can fix corrupted files or settings without deleting your game progress.

Steps to reset:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps & features.
  3. Scroll down to find Forza Horizon 4 in the list.
  4. Click on it and select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm if prompted.
  6. Try launching the game again.

Step 5: Repair Microsoft Store and Xbox Apps

Since Forza Horizon 4 relies on Microsoft Store and the Xbox app, repairing these apps can resolve launch failures.

Repair Microsoft Store:

  1. Open Settings and go to Apps & features.
  2. Find Microsoft Store in the list.
  3. Click it, then choose Advanced options.
  4. Click Repair and wait for the process to complete.

Repair Xbox App:

  1. In the same Apps & features list, locate the Xbox app.
  2. Click Advanced options and then Repair.

After repairing, try opening Forza Horizon 4 again.

Step 6: Reinstall Forza Horizon 4

If none of the above works, reinstalling the game can resolve deep issues caused by corrupted files.

How to reinstall:

  1. Open Settings > Apps & features.
  2. Find Forza Horizon 4, click it, then select Uninstall.
  3. Confirm the uninstall and wait for it to complete.
  4. Open Microsoft Store, search for Forza Horizon 4, and install it again.

Reinstalling ensures a fresh copy of the game is on your system.

FAQs

Why won’t Forza Horizon 4 open after a Windows update?

Sometimes updates change system files or settings that affect games. Running the game as an administrator or resetting the app usually fixes this.

Do I need a strong internet connection to open Forza Horizon 4?

Yes, the game often requires an internet connection to verify licenses and sync data. Without it, the app might fail to launch.

Can I lose my game progress if I reset or reinstall the app?

Resetting the app typically does not delete your saved data, as it’s stored in the cloud. Reinstalling may require you to sign in again, but your progress should remain safe if you use Xbox Live.

Is running the game as administrator safe?

Yes, running as administrator simply gives the app extra permissions to function properly and is safe for trusted games like Forza Horizon 4.

What if the Microsoft Store or Xbox app won’t update or repair?

This could indicate a deeper system issue. Running Windows Update Troubleshooter or resetting Windows Store cache using wsreset.exe can help.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all these steps and Forza Horizon 4 still won’t open, consider the following:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: They can provide personalized help for your issue.
  • Check Forza Forums and Community Pages: Other players might have similar problems and solutions.
  • Perform a System Restore: If the problem started recently, restoring Windows to an earlier point might help.
  • Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, reinstalling Windows 11 can fix deep system problems affecting apps.

Links to official support pages:

Conclusion

Forza Horizon 4 not opening on Windows 11 can be caused by a variety of issues, from simple glitches to corrupted files. Starting with basic steps like restarting your PC and running the game as administrator often solves the problem quickly.

Ensuring your game and system are fully updated, resetting the app, and repairing related Microsoft services are effective next steps. If necessary, reinstalling the game can resolve deeper problems.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the app launch issue and get back to enjoying your racing adventures in Forza Horizon 4.

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