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Apps wont Open when I click on them

Ryuga 10 Reputation points
2025-12-21T03:28:53.49+00:00

Issue started maybe 2 weeks ago when I click on some apps this sort of message would pop up and not allow me to open the app. I can still right-click and see the history of it like on Word but IDK what to do to fix it. IDK if its a hard drive issue or a ssd issue i had some problems back in the summer with the ssd and i dont know if this is related to that

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps

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  1. Ron Y L 850 Reputation points
    2025-12-21T04:50:58.93+00:00

    Do you remember the specific wording of the error message? (e.g., "The item referred to by this shortcut cannot be accessed" or "Specified path does not exist"). Knowing the exact phrase would help me pin down the fix.Since you can right-click the icon:

    1. Right-click the app icon that isn't working.
    2. Select Properties.
    3. Look at the Target field.
    4. Click Open File Location.
      • If it opens a folder: The SSD is likely fine, and the app itself might just need a repair.
      • If you get an error saying the folder doesn't exist: The path has changed, or the data on the SSD has been corrupted/deleted.

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  2. DaveM121 883.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-21T06:32:41.3266667+00:00

    Please provide full details on this problem ,what apps are not working correctly, are they just Office apps, and are you trying to open the apps from the Taskbar or from an icon on the Desktop, also, please provide a screenshot of the error you are seeing.

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  3. AI answer

    2025-12-21T03:29:03.46+00:00

    If some apps are not opening and you receive error messages when you try to launch them, this could be due to several reasons. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

    1. Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, updating Windows can resolve issues with app functionality. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
    2. Repair or Reinstall the Apps: If specific apps are not opening, you might need to repair or reinstall them. You can do this through the Microsoft Store or by accessing the app settings in Windows.
    3. Registry Issues: If the registry entry for the application's package has been modified, it can prevent apps from launching. You may need to check the registry settings:
      • Open the Registry Editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModel\StateChange\PackageList.
      • Look for the PackageStatus entry for the affected apps and set its value to zero (0).
      • Warning: Modifying the registry can cause serious issues if done incorrectly. Always back up the registry before making changes.
    4. Check Permissions: Ensure that the necessary permissions for the apps are correctly set. You can use the command gpresult /h <path>\gpreport.html in an administrative command prompt to check if Group Policy is managing permissions that might affect app access.
    5. Create a New User Account: Sometimes, issues with the user profile can cause apps to fail. Try creating a new user account to see if the problem persists there. If the apps work in the new account, consider migrating your data to the new profile.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to consult with Microsoft Support or your device manufacturer for further assistance.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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