How to Fix Settings App Not Opening on Windows 10

Experiencing difficulties when trying to open the Settings app on Windows 10? No need to fret; there are several swift and straightforward solutions you can attempt. In this article, we will illustrate how to swiftly address the problem.

Possible Reasons behind Settings app not opening on Windows 10

Before diving into the solutions, let us first discuss the possible reasons why you might be unable to open the settings app. Is it a software update gone wrong, or perhaps a corrupted system file? Maybe a pesky bug has made itself at home in your system. Understanding the underlying cause can provide greater clarity when seeking a solution.

System Update Glitches

Windows 10 consistently receives updates designed to enhance performance and address bugs. However, sometimes, these updates can inadvertently cause new issues to arise. A recent update could be behind the settings app refusing to open.

Corrupted System Files

Imagine your Windows 10 system as a busy city. The system files are the infrastructure that keeps everything running smoothly. If a key bridge (or file, in this case) becomes damaged, it could cause traffic jams or in this case, malfunctions such as the settings app not opening.

Bugs

Software bugs are common culprits behind various issues, including impeding the settings app from launching. A bug might have slipped in unnoticed during a recent software installation or update.

Now that we’ve highlighted some potential causes, let’s move on to how you can fix the issue.

How to solve the issue setting app not opening on Windows 10

Let’s explore various steps to fix the Settings app not opening on Windows 10:

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

The first thing you should do when your settings app isn’t opening is to restart your computer. This can help solve minor software conflicts that may be preventing the app from launching properly. 

Just hit the power button and wait for your machine to shut down completely, then turn it back on again after a few seconds. Allow it some time to start up, and then attempt to open the Settings app again.

Step 2: Check Your Internet Connection

If you encounter difficulties while attempting to open the Settings app, it could be due to a weak internet connection. Make sure your device is connected to a strong and stable network by checking the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. 

Once you’re sure that your connection is working properly, try launching the Settings app again.

Step 3: Update Windows 10 

One of the common causes of settings app not opening is because of an outdated version of Windows 10. 

To check if your system is up to date, go to Start > Settings 

> Update & Security 

and click on “Check for Updates”. 

If any updates are available, install them right away and then try launching the settings app once more. 

Step 4: Reset the Settings App 

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and still can’t open your settings app, it might be time to reset it. 

To do this, type “PowerShell” in the search bar on Windows 10 and then right-click on the PowerShell icon. 

Now, select “Run as administrator” 

and type in the following command: 

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This will reset Windows 10 and should help fix your settings app. 

Step 5: Reinstall the Settings App 

If you still can’t get the settings app to open, reinstalling it could help. To do this, right-click on the Start menu and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”. 

Then type in the following command: 

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

This will reinstall the settings app, and you should be able to open it now. 

Step 6: Perform a System Restore

If all else fails, you can try to perform a system restore to fix the issue. 

To do this, type “System Restore” in the search bar and select it from the list of results. 

Now click on the icon labelled as “System Restore”

On the window that appears, click “Next” 

and then select a restore point before your settings app stopped working. 

Proceed by following the instructions presented on the screen to complete the system restore process. 

Conclusion 

If your settings app is not opening on Windows 10, then you should try these steps to fix the issue. Start by running the troubleshooter, and if that doesn’t work, reset or reinstall the app. You can also perform a system restore if all else fails. Following the steps outlined above should assist you in restoring the functionality of your Settings app.