SETTINGS AND WINDOWS WILL NOT OPEN

Question

I have been trying to open the settings app, but it will not open. I have tried the window's app as well and it does not work. I cannot get to Wi-Fi settings and Bluetooth and I cannot even reset the computer. I have updated everything in the store, and I cannot seem to figure out what the issue is and how to resolve it. Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Do you remember any changes made to your computer before the issue, such as installing a new update or software?

1. Reset Settings via PowerShell (Admin)

Right-click the Start Menu and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Copy and paste the command below, then hit Enter:

Get-AppxPackage windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Reset-AppxPackage

Restart your computer then check.

2. Run SFC and DISM to check and repair system corrupted files:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Copy and paste each command below, then press Enter. Please run each command one at a time:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

Restart your PC

3. If the issue continues, try a repair in-place upgrade while keeping your files and apps. This helps fix or replace any corrupted files that may be causing the problem.

Note: Before doing so, unplug all unnecessary external peripherals connected to your PC, and temporarily disable any third-party antivirus program to avoid interference.

1. If you're using Windows 11: Click the 'Download now' button under 'Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)' and save it to your computer: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 (Click the third 'Download Now' button.)

If you're using Windows 10: Click the 'Download now' button under 'Create Windows 10 Installation Media' and save it to your computer: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

2. Run the downloaded file and select 'Yes' when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
3. Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms if you agree.
4. On the 'What do you want to do?' screen, select 'Upgrade this PC now' and click 'Next.'

(This stage will download, verify, and create the Windows 10 or 11 installation media.) It will take some time to complete.

5. Under 'Choose what to keep,' select 'Keep personal files and apps,' then click 'Next.'
6. Click 'Install,' and the installation will begin. (This process will take some time, so please be patient.)

Answer 2

Follow these steps in order until Settings opens again.

1. Re‑register Settings and built‑in apps
   1. Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   2. Run these commands one at a time (copy, paste, press Enter after each):

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

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

   3. Ignore any red error lines and wait for the commands to finish.
   4. Restart the PC and try opening Settings again (Windows logo key + I).
2. Repair or reset the Settings app (and other affected apps)
   1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
   2. Find the app that is not working (for example, Settings or other system apps if they appear in the list).
   3. Select it, then choose Advanced options.
   4. Select Repair. If that does not fix it, select Reset.
3. If Microsoft Store or Store apps are also failing
   1. Reset the Store cache:
      1. Press Windows key + R.
      2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
      3. A blank Command Prompt opens, then closes, and Microsoft Store opens automatically.
   2. After that, try opening Settings again and check if Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth pages work.
4. If individual apps still misbehave Use the general app repair options:
   1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
   2. Select the problematic app.
   3. Choose Advanced options > Repair, or Reset if Repair does not help.

If Settings still will not open after re‑registering apps and repairing/resetting, a broader Windows repair or reset may be required, but that is beyond what is covered in the provided material.

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References:

• Network settings crash settings app, wifi and Ethernet not working or appearing - Microsoft Q&A
• Repair apps and programs in Windows
• Microsoft Store doesn't open
• Fix problems with apps from Microsoft Store
• I can't find or install an app from Microsoft Store