Windows 10 apps won't open. "This app can't open" error.

Question

Running Windows 10 Pro on a 32 bit Operating System (specs shown below)

Most of my windows 10 native apps can't open. When I click/select an app, the app window attempts to load then quickly disappears prompting a "This app can't open" message. "Check the Windows Store for more info go to the Store" where "Store" is a hyperlink/shortcut to open the actual store which unfortunately prompts the same popup.

This had been going on since January.

Programs that I've installed manually still load as they should.

List of apps that don't work:

• Alarms & Clock
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Groove Music
• Mail
• Microsoft Solitaire Collection *since uninstalled*
• Microsoft Wi-Fi
• News
• OneNote
• People
• Phone
• Phone Companion
• Photos
• Store

You get the picture ****!

Surprisingly enough, Microsoft Edge, Settings, and Feedback still load and work fine.

I've done my research and found other forums where other users have the SAME problem with NO fix. Even suggested fixes by Microsoft Support staff and Insiders were unsuccessful.

I have also ran the app troubleshooter provided by Microsoft and performed a clean boot.

Nothing has worked thus far.

Any fixes?

Answer 1

Hi Arlan,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community. I understand that you have an issue with opening apps. I appreciate your efforts, I will surely help you to fix this issue.

This issue could have occurred due to these reasons:

1. Incorrect app settings.
2. Conflict between antivirus software.
3. Conflict between third party applications.

Try the steps listed here:

Method 1:

Let's first run the app troubleshooter and check if it helps.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/run-the-troubleshooter-for-windows-apps

Method 2:

If the issue persists, I would suggest you to disable Antivirus software/ Firewall and check if it helps.

Warning:

1. Please make sure to re-enable Antivirus software after performing troubleshooting steps.
2. Antivirus software/ Firewall can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable or uninstall your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable or uninstall it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled or uninstalled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Method 3:

If the issue persists, I suggest you to perform a clean boot and check. Setting the system in a clean boot state will help to identify if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135/en-us  

Warning:

1. Applies to Windows 10.  
2. After clean boot troubleshooting steps, refer to the section "How to reset the computer to start as usual after troubleshooting with clean boot" in the provided link to return your computer to Normal startup mode.

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of the issue so that we can assist you further.

Answer 2

Methods 1, 2, and 3 achieved the same results.

My problem still has not been rectified.

Thank you for trying though.

Answer 3

Hi Arlan,

Thank you for the reply.

I suggest you to create a new User Account and check if issue occurs.

To create a new User Account follow these steps:

1.   Click on Start.

2.   Click on Settings.

3.   Type ‘Add, delete and manage other user accounts’ in search box.

4.   Now click on ‘Add someone else to this pc’.

5.   And follow the instructions to create a new User Account.

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of the issue so that we can assist you further.

Answer 4

I have created two new accounts, one administrator and the other standard. Neither account can open the Windows desktop apps. This is a new install of build 14279 160229. I believe Microsoft, in their efforts to make Win10 more secure has made the system completely useless. How are we supposed to use the desktop apps? This is an ongoing problem that started 4 or 5 builds back and still hasn't been rectified.

Answer 5

I ran into this problem too. In group policy I pushed to disable the UAC through local security policy. After this, the problem started. and so, reverting to enable UAC the problem went away. I believe it's an unintended undocumented feature (grin) with windows 10. I hope MS fixes this in a new update as the UAC is not the best feature they designed....