How-To

How to Repair or Reset Windows 11 Apps

By Brian Burgess

Published August 18, 2023

If you’re having problems, you can reset or repair a Windows 11 app before reinstalling it. Here’s how.

Having the apps you need to get things done is vital—only functional apps allow you to finish your work. However, if essential apps aren’t working, you can reset or repair Windows 11 apps.

If you’re having a problem with a Windows app, the repair or reset options in Windows can fix the problem. For example, Settings on Windows 11 is an app itself, and you can reset the Settings app to default settings to fix it.

So, instead of jumping to reinstalling an app that isn’t working, use the Repair and Reset options first to fix apps.

Choosing to Reset or Repair Windows 11 Apps

There is a distinction to know about these processes.

If you repair an app, the process fixes the app’s problem and retains your data. However, resetting an app can fix an app’s issue, but you’ll lose associated settings and data.

How to Repair a Windows 11 App

Repairing an app on Windows 11 is straightforward using the Settings app and returns it to its default state without losing any of your data.

To repair an app on Windows 11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings or launch it from the Start menu.
2. Once Settings is open, navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Type the name of the Windows app you want to reset in the top field.
4. Click the three-dot menu button next to the app and select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Repair button.
6. Windows will repair the app; you’ll see a checkmark next to the Repair button when it completes.

How to Repair Windows 11 Apps from Control Panel

Another thing worth noting is you can also repair apps from the classic Control Panel. This lets you repair apps that aren’t necessarily available in Settings.

The process is similar—you’re just using the Control Panel interface instead of Settings on Windows 11.

To repair Windows 11 apps from Control Panel:

1. Press the Windows key, type CPL, and open Control Panel.
2. Select Large icons from the View by dropdown and click Programs and Features.
3. Choose the app or program you want to fix and click the Repair button at the top and follow any onscreen prompts.

How to Reset a Windows 11 App

If the repair doesn’t work, you can reset an app on Windows 11. A reset can fix app problems, so you don’t need to mess with a reinstall.

However, the Reset process does remove settings and other data. You’ll want to use it judiciously and as a last resort before completely reinstalling the app.

To reset an app on Windows 11:

1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Type the name of the app you want to reset in the search field at the top.
4. Click the three-dot button next to the app and choose Advanced options.
5. Scroll down to the Reset section and click the Reset button.
6. Click the Reset button when the verification message appears.
7. Windows will start the app reset process, and once it’s complete, you will see a checkmark next to the Reset button.

Managing Apps on Windows 11

It can be frustrating if you have a problem with Windows apps not working on your system. So, try the Repair or Reset options before reinstalling the app. This can save you the time and hassle of a complete reinstall.

Note that you can only use the repair or reset option for apps you install from the Microsoft Store from the Settings app on Windows 11. For Win32 desktop apps you install from other sources, use the Repair option in Control Panel.

There are other ways to manage your apps on Windows 11. For example, you can disable background apps or find the process ID for apps if you need to troubleshoot system issues.

Learn how to run old apps or games on Windows 11 if you have legacy apps and games designed for older versions of the Windows operating system. And if you aren’t on Windows 11 yet, no worries. You can also reset apps on Windows 10.