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How to Fix Mail, People, and Calendar Apps Not Working on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows 10 users often rely on the Mail, People, and Calendar apps to stay organized and connected. However, these apps can sometimes stop working properly, causing frustration. Fortunately, many common issues have straightforward solutions that don’t require technical expertise.

This article will guide you through simple, step-by-step fixes to get your Mail, People, and Calendar apps working again. Each method is explained clearly to help even beginners follow along without confusion.

By following these instructions carefully, you can troubleshoot and resolve most problems quickly. Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.

Remember, patience and following the steps in order will save you time and avoid unnecessary complications.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before attempting any fixes, ensure the following:

  • Internet Connection: These apps need a stable internet connection to sync your data.
  • Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date, as updates often fix bugs and improve app performance.
  • App Updates: Check the Microsoft Store for any updates to the Mail, People, and Calendar apps.
  • Account Credentials: Verify that your email account details (username and password) are correct.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes the simplest fix is the most effective. Restarting your PC refreshes system processes and can resolve temporary glitches affecting the apps.

  1. Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click Restart.
  4. Once your computer restarts, open the Mail, People, or Calendar app to see if they work.

This step is important because it clears temporary files and resets app connections that might have hung or crashed.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a troubleshooter specifically for apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store. This tool can identify and automatically fix common problems.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. From the left menu, select Troubleshoot.
  4. Scroll down and click Additional troubleshooters.
  5. Find and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run the troubleshooter.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes suggested.

This step is useful because the troubleshooter can detect permission issues, corrupted files, or settings problems that prevent apps from launching or syncing.

Step 3: Reset the Mail, People, and Calendar Apps

If the apps are still not working, resetting them can clear corrupted data and restore default settings without deleting your emails or calendar entries.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Scroll down to find Mail and Calendar (People is integrated within this app).
  4. Click on it, then select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click the Reset button.
  6. Confirm the reset by clicking Reset again when prompted.
  7. After resetting, restart your PC and open the apps again.

Resetting removes temporary app data and fixes configuration issues that could prevent the apps from working properly.

Step 4: Re-register the Apps Using PowerShell

If resetting doesn’t help, re-registering the apps can fix deeper system-level issues by reinstalling the app components.

  1. Click the Start button, type PowerShell.
  2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
  3. Copy and paste the following command into the PowerShell window and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  1. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.
  2. Open the Mail, People, and Calendar apps to check if they work now.

This process removes and reinstalls the apps, repairing any damaged files or registrations.

Step 5: Check Your Email Account Settings

Incorrect or outdated email account settings can cause sync problems.

  1. Open the Mail app.
  2. Click on the Settings gear icon in the bottom-left corner.
  3. Select Manage accounts.
  4. Choose the email account that’s not working properly.
  5. Click Change mailbox sync settings.
  6. Verify your username, password, and server settings are correct (you may need to check your email provider’s website for the exact details).
  7. Save any changes and try syncing again.

Ensuring your account details are accurate prevents authentication errors and sync failures.

Step 6: Create a New User Profile

If the problem persists, your Windows user profile might be corrupted. Creating a new profile can help determine if this is the cause.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  5. Log out of your current account and log in with the new one.
  6. Open the Mail, People, and Calendar apps to check if they work under the new profile.

This step isolates whether the issue is specific to your current user profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do my Mail, People, and Calendar apps stop syncing?

Sync issues typically happen due to internet problems, incorrect account settings, or app glitches. Sometimes server outages from your email provider can also cause syncing to fail.

Will resetting the apps delete my emails and calendar events?

No, resetting these apps clears temporary data but does not delete your emails or events because they are stored on the email servers, not locally.

Can I reinstall just the Mail app from the Microsoft Store?

No, Mail, Calendar, and People apps are bundled together as one package in Windows 10 and cannot be reinstalled separately from the Store.

What if I get an error during the PowerShell re-registration step?

Ensure you run PowerShell as an administrator. If errors persist, try restarting your PC and running the command again. For persistent issues, seek help from Microsoft support.

How do I update the Mail, People, and Calendar apps?

Open the Microsoft Store, click on the three-dot menu, select Downloads and updates, then click Get updates to update all apps.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the apps still do not work, consider these final options:

  • Use the Web Versions: Access your email and calendar through your email provider’s website (like Outlook.com or Gmail) as a temporary workaround.
  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for personalized help.
  • Consider a System Restore: If the apps worked previously, you can restore your system to an earlier point when everything was functioning.

Conclusion

Mail, People, and Calendar apps are essential tools for many Windows 10 users, and issues with them can disrupt daily routines. Starting with simple actions like restarting your computer and running the built-in troubleshooter often solves the problem quickly.

Resetting the apps or using PowerShell commands can fix deeper issues, while checking account settings ensures proper syncing. Creating a new user profile helps identify if the problem is user-specific.

By following these step-by-step solutions, you can restore the functionality of these apps without needing advanced technical knowledge. If all else fails, Microsoft support and system tools offer further assistance to get you back on track.

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