Many Windows 10 users encounter the frustrating issue where the Calendar app appears greyed out and becomes unresponsive. This prevents you from accessing or managing your events and appointments.
Fortunately, this problem is usually fixable with a few simple troubleshooting steps. You don’t need to be an expert to resolve it.
In this article, we will guide you through easy, step-by-step solutions to get your Windows 10 Calendar working again.
Follow along carefully, and your calendar should be up and running in no time.
Quick Note: Pre-Checks Before You Begin
- Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, outdated system files can cause app issues. Make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated.
- Verify Calendar App Version: Confirm that the Calendar app is up to date from the Microsoft Store.
- Restart Your PC: A simple restart can often clear temporary glitches affecting apps.
- Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection if your calendar syncs with online accounts.
Step 1: Restart the Calendar App
Closing and reopening the Calendar app can resolve minor glitches.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Calendar or Microsoft Outlook Calendar in the list under the Processes tab.
- Click it, then select End Task at the bottom right.
- After closing, open the Calendar app again from the Start menu.
This step ensures the app restarts fresh, clearing any temporary states that might cause it to be greyed out.
Step 2: Check App Permissions
Windows apps need specific permissions to function properly. If Calendar permissions are disabled, the app may appear greyed out.
- Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
- Navigate to Privacy > Calendar.
- Ensure the toggle for “Allow apps to access your calendar” is turned On.
- Scroll down and make sure Calendar has permission enabled under the list of apps.
Allowing calendar access is crucial because without it, the app cannot read or manage your events, causing it to become disabled or greyed out.
Step 3: Reset the Calendar App
If the app is corrupted, resetting it can restore default settings without affecting your data synced to the cloud.
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
- Scroll to find Calendar and Mail in the list.
- Click it and select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click the Reset button.
- Confirm by clicking Reset again.
Resetting clears the app cache and settings which might fix issues causing the greyed-out appearance.
Step 4: Reinstall the Calendar App
If resetting does not help, reinstalling the app can fix deeper issues.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter to uninstall the app:
Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage- After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Windows Calendar and click Install to download it again.
- Once installed, open the app and check if it works normally.
Reinstalling replaces the app files and often fixes corruption or missing components.
Step 5: Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that detects and fixes problems with apps from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Click on Additional troubleshooters.
- Find and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
This tool automatically scans for common issues and attempts to repair them, which can resolve the greyed-out calendar problem.
Alternative Method: Create a New User Account
Sometimes, user profile corruption causes apps to malfunction. Creating a new user account can help identify if this is the case.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Click Add someone else to this PC.
- Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
- Sign out of your current account and log in to the new one.
- Open Calendar to see if it works properly.
If the app works in the new account, your original user profile may have issues that need further repair.
FAQs
Why is my Calendar app greyed out after a Windows update?
Windows updates can sometimes cause app conflicts or reset permissions. Running the reset or reinstall steps usually resolves this.
Will resetting the Calendar app delete my events?
No. Your events are typically synced with your Microsoft or other email accounts, so resetting only affects local app data.
Can third-party antivirus software cause this issue?
Yes, sometimes antivirus or security software restricts app permissions. Temporarily disabling it can help identify if it’s the cause.
Is there a way to backup my Calendar data?
Most calendar data is stored online through your Microsoft or email provider account. Make sure your account is syncing properly to avoid data loss.
What if the Calendar app is missing entirely?
You can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store using the reinstall steps mentioned above.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and the Calendar app remains greyed out, it may be time to consider more advanced fixes or seek official support.
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix system update issues.
- Use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter again for a thorough scan.
- Consider performing a Windows 10 Reset as a last resort, which reinstalls Windows without deleting your files.
- Contact Microsoft Support for personalized assistance.
Conclusion
The Windows 10 Calendar app greyed out issue can be caused by simple permission problems, app corruption, or system glitches. Starting with basic checks like restarting the app and verifying permissions often resolves the problem quickly.
If those don’t work, resetting or reinstalling the app usually fixes deeper issues. Using built-in troubleshooters and creating a new user account are helpful next steps to identify the root cause.
By carefully following the step-by-step solutions provided here, you can restore your Calendar app’s functionality and stay on top of your schedules without hassle.