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Guide to Repairing and Resetting Apps & Programs in Windows

How to repair or reset an App in Windows

Repair apps and programs in Windows

As you use your Windows PC, you may encounter situations where an app or program stops functioning properly. It can crash, freeze, or simply not open at all. Instead of immediately uninstalling and reinstalling the software, Windows offers built-in options to repair or reset apps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix issues with apps and programs in Windows.

Why Repair or Reset Apps?

Repairing or resetting apps in Windows can save time and prevent data loss. Repairing an app can fix issues without affecting your data, while resetting it will restore the app to its default settings, often resolving more complex problems.

How to Repair Apps in Windows

If an app isn’t working as expected, you can try repairing it first before resetting it. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings

  • Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
  • Select Settings (the gear icon).

2. Access Apps & Features

  • In the Settings menu, click on Apps.
  • Then, select Apps & Features from the left sidebar.

3. Select the Problematic App

  • Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to repair.
  • Click on the app to reveal more options, and then choose Advanced options.

4. Choose Repair

  • In the app’s settings, scroll down and look for the Repair button. Click it.
  • Windows will attempt to repair the app without affecting your data.

After the repair process, test the app to see if it functions correctly.

How to Reset Apps in Windows

If repairing the app doesn’t fix the issue, resetting the app is the next step. This will remove the app’s settings and return it to its default state.

1. Open Settings

  • As before, open Settings from the Start menu.

2. Go to Apps & Features

  • Navigate to Apps and select Apps & Features.

3. Find the App

  • Scroll or search for the app you want to reset. Click on the app and choose Advanced options.

4. Reset the App

  • In the app’s settings, scroll down and select Reset.
  • Confirm the reset by clicking Reset again in the prompt.

This will erase all data associated with the app, including settings and login details. Once the reset is complete, you can open the app and set it up as if it were newly installed.

Repairing Traditional Desktop Programs

For traditional desktop programs (non-Windows Store apps), the process is a bit different:

1. Open Control Panel

  • Press the Windows key and type Control Panel. Open it.

2. Select Programs and Features

  • In the Control Panel, click on Programs, then choose Programs and Features.

3. Find the Program

  • Scroll through the list to find the problematic program.
  • Select it, then click Repair or Change. Some programs offer a repair option; others may need to be reinstalled.

4. Follow the Instructions

  • If a repair option is available, follow the on-screen prompts to repair the program.

When Should You Reset vs. Repair?

  • Repair: If the app or program crashes occasionally or has minor bugs, repairing it is the best first step. This process won’t affect your saved data or settings, making it a low-risk option.
  • Reset: If the app continues to malfunction or is corrupted, resetting will likely resolve the issue. However, this will delete all saved settings and configurations, effectively giving you a fresh start with the app.

How to Repair Apps and Programs in Windows

Additional Tips for Fixing Apps and Programs

If repairing or resetting the app doesn’t solve the problem, here are a few more things you can try:

1. Update the App or Program

  • Sometimes, app issues can be resolved by installing the latest update. Check if there is an update available from the Microsoft Store or directly from the program’s website.

2. Reinstall the App

  • Uninstalling and reinstalling an app is another way to resolve persistent problems. Go to Settings > Apps & Features, select the app, and choose Uninstall. Then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or the app’s official website.

3. Check for Windows Updates

  • Ensure that your version of Windows is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and check for updates. A Windows update can sometimes fix compatibility issues with certain apps.

4. Run the Troubleshooter

  • Windows has built-in troubleshooters designed to automatically detect and fix common problems with apps and programs. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, and run the appropriate troubleshooter for the issue.

Conclusion

Repairing or resetting apps in Windows is an effective way to fix issues without needing to uninstall the app entirely. Whether you’re dealing with a minor glitch or a more serious malfunction, these steps can help you restore your apps to working order. With Windows’ built-in tools, you can quickly get back to productivity without losing important data.

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