3 Ways to Repair Broken Apps and Programs In Windows 11

Key Takeaways

• The Settings app’s Apps and Features offer a repair and reset option for all apps on your computer.
• Some apps come with built-in repair options that you may access from Command prompt.

Method 1: Using Apps and Features in the Settings App

The first step for the native or third-party app is to use the Settings app. However, this works mostly with the UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps from the Microsoft Store. Whether it’s pre-loaded apps or others, here’s how to quickly repair them:

Step 1: Press the Window + I keys to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Click on Apps from the left column and select Installed apps from the right pane.

Step 3: Scroll to the app that requires fixing and click the horizontal three-dot menu next to its name.

Step 4: Next, select Advanced options from the menu. We’ll attempt to repair the Camera app on Windows for this guide.

Step 5: Scroll to the Reset section > click Repair.

Windows will then attempt to repair the app, and you’ll see a checkmark next to the Repair button when the process completes. Refer to our guide when the Settings app is not opening or working on your Windows 11 PC.

Method 2: Using the Control Panel’s Programs and Features

You must use the Control Panel to manage the apps and programs you download outside the Microsoft Store and install them directly. Here’s how to use Control Panel to repair apps or programs on your Windows 11 PC:

Step 1: Click the Start button > type Control Panel > click Open.

Step 2: Click on the View by button at the top right > select Large icons from the drop-down.

Step 3: Click Programs and Features.

Step 4: Select the one you want to repair from the list of programs. Next, click on Repair.

Note: Not all apps and programs give you a repair button. So, if you don’t see the option, you might have to reinstall it.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the app or program.

Method 3: Using the Command-Line Tools

If you’re comfortable using PowerShell and Command Prompt, proceed with this solution only. This method involves noting the broken app’s GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) and using Windows Installer (MSIExec) to fix it.

Step 1: Click on Search on the Windows 11 taskbar, type Windows PowerShell, and click Open.

Step 2: Copy and paste the command mentioned below into Windows PowerShell:

get-wmiobject Win32_Product | Format-Table IdentifyingNumber, Name, LocalPackage -AutoSize

Step 3: Hit Enter to run the command.

This command reveals the GUID of all the apps installed on your computer. You’ll need to find the GUID of the broken app(s) that needs fixing. The GUIDs will appear under the IdentifyingNumber column on the left side. Select the entire line of the app’s GUID (the values in curly brackets) you want to use and copy it into a Notepad document.

Here’s how to use Windows Installer (MSIExec) inside Command Prompt:

Step 1: Click on Search on the Windows 11 taskbar, type Command Prompt, and click Open.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

MSIExec.exe /fa {GUID}

Step 3: When a window for the app appears, select Automatically close applications and attempt to restart them after setup is complete and click OK.

When the repair procedure finishes, you will be asked to reboot the computer. Restart your PC and use the previously broken app to check if it works normally.