How to Repair Apps and Programs on Windows 10: A Complete Guide

Over time, apps and programs on your Windows 10 PC may start acting up, causing crashes, freezing, or other performance issues. Fortunately, Windows 10 offers several ways to repair these applications without the need to uninstall and reinstall them. This guide will walk you through various methods to repair apps and programs on Windows 10, ensuring that they function smoothly again.

How Can I Repair Apps and Programs in Windows 10?​

1. Repair Apps via Settings​

Windows 10 includes an in-built feature that allows you to repair apps directly through the Settings app. This feature works for apps installed from the Microsoft Store and certain desktop applications.

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps:
   • Go to Apps > Apps & features.
     
3. Find the App You Want to Repair:
   • Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app that is causing issues.
4. Access Repair Option:
   • Click on the app, then select Advanced options (if available).
     
   • Look for the Repair button and click it.
5. Complete the Repair Process:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process. This will attempt to fix the app without deleting your data.
6. Test the App:
   • After the repair is complete, open the app to see if the issue has been resolved.

Repairing apps via the Settings menu is a quick and easy way to fix issues without losing any app data.

2. Reset Apps via Settings​

If repairing the app doesn’t solve the issue, resetting it to its default state might help. Resetting the app will erase all data associated with it and return it to its original state.

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps:
   • Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Select the Problematic App:
   • Find the app in the list and click on it.
4. Click Advanced Options:
   • Select Advanced options below the app name.
5. Reset the App:
   • Scroll down and click Reset. A prompt will appear, warning you that this will remove the app’s data. Confirm the reset.
6. Test the App:
   • After resetting, open the app to check if it’s functioning properly.

Resetting the app can resolve deeper issues, but be aware that it will delete any stored data within the app.

3. Use Control Panel to Repair Programs​

For traditional desktop programs (not Microsoft Store apps), you can use the Control Panel to repair them.

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
     
2. Go to Programs:
   • In Control Panel, select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Find the Program to Repair:
   • Scroll through the list of installed programs and select the one you want to repair.
4. Select Repair Option:
   • Right-click the program and select Repair (if available). Some programs will offer a repair option through their uninstaller.
5. Follow the Repair Wizard:
   • A wizard will guide you through the repair process. Follow the prompts to repair the program.
6. Test the Program:
   • Once the repair is complete, open the program to check if the issue has been fixed.

Using Control Panel is an effective way to repair desktop applications that don’t appear in the Settings menu.

4. Run Windows Troubleshooter​

Windows 10 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically diagnose and fix common issues with apps and programs.

1. Open Troubleshooter:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter:
   • Scroll down to Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
   • The troubleshooter will scan your system for any issues with apps and suggest fixes. Follow the instructions to complete the process.
4. Test the App:
   • Once the troubleshooter finishes, check if the app is now functioning properly.

Using the Windows troubleshooter can automatically resolve issues related to Microsoft Store apps.

5. Reinstall the App​

If repairing and resetting the app or program doesn't fix the issue, reinstalling it might be the best solution. This will completely remove the app and its data from your system and allow you to install a fresh copy.

1. Uninstall the App:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
   • Select the app you want to reinstall and click Uninstall.
2. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restarting your computer ensures that all remnants of the app are removed before reinstalling.
3. Reinstall the App:
   • If the app is from the Microsoft Store, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click Install.
   • For desktop programs, download the installer from the official website and follow the installation instructions.
4. Test the Reinstalled App:
   • Once installed, open the app to check if it works without any issues.

Reinstalling an app or program can help fix persistent issues that other methods couldn’t resolve.

6. Run System File Checker (SFC)​

If you suspect that the issue lies with corrupted system files affecting apps or programs, you can use the System File Checker tool to scan and fix them.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run the SFC Command:
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete. The tool will automatically repair any corrupted system files it finds.
3. Restart Your PC:
   • After the scan finishes, restart your computer.
4. Test the App:
   • Open the problematic app to see if the issue has been resolved.

Running the System File Checker can repair underlying system issues that may be affecting your apps and programs.

7. Use DISM to Repair Windows Image​

If the SFC tool doesn’t resolve the issue, you can use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the Windows image.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run DISM Command:
   • Type the following commands one at a time and press Enter after each:
     mathematica
     Copy code
     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for the Process to Complete:
   • This process can take some time. Once complete, restart your computer.
4. Test the App:
   • Open the app to check if the issue is fixed.

Using DISM helps repair Windows image issues that may be affecting your apps and programs.

Windows 10 provides several tools and features to repair apps and programs that are not functioning correctly. Whether you're dealing with a minor glitch or a more significant issue, the methods outlined in this guide should help you get your apps and programs working smoothly again. If none of the solutions resolve the issue, it may be worth contacting the app developer or Microsoft support for further assistance.