If a Windows app seems missing, first check whether the app itself is gone or only its shortcut or file association. Search for the app from Start. If it opens, you can pin it again; if Windows opens the wrong program for a file type, change that type under Settings > Apps > Default apps. Reinstall or repair an app only if it is actually unavailable or malfunctioning.
First identify what “missing” means
- It is not on Start or the taskbar: Search for it from Start. If it appears and opens, the app is installed; pin it again if you want easy access.
- Windows opens the wrong app for a file or link: The app may still be installed, but its default association changed.
- The app does not appear in search or will not open: It may be uninstalled, damaged, unavailable in Microsoft Store, or removed by a device policy.
- Microsoft Store itself is missing or will not open: Check account and device-management factors before trying Store recovery steps.
These are different problems, so start with the least disruptive fix that matches what you see.
Restore an app that is only missing from Start or the taskbar
- Open Start and type the app’s name in search.
- If it appears, select it to confirm that it opens.
- To restore quick access, right-click the app in search results and choose the available pin option, such as Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
If you cannot find Microsoft Store in Start, Microsoft advises checking that you are signed in with a Microsoft account and whether an administrator has disabled Store on a work or school device. See Microsoft’s guidance for a missing Microsoft Store app.
Set the default app for a file type or link
A file association determines which app opens a particular extension or protocol. Changing it does not install an app that is absent from the PC.
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- Open Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Search for the file extension, such as
.txt, or the protocol you want to change. - Select the result, then choose an installed app to open that type.
You can also select an app in Default apps to review and assign the file and link types it supports. Microsoft’s instructions for both Windows versions are in Change Default Apps in Windows.
Repair an installed app that will not work
If the app appears in Windows but does not launch or behaves incorrectly, try Repair before Reset if those options are available. Not every app provides them.
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- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app, open its menu, and choose Advanced options if shown.
- Select Repair. If Repair is unavailable or does not fix the problem, try Reset.
Windows 10
Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the app, and look for its available advanced or repair options. The exact choices depend on the app; some do not expose Repair or Reset.
Repair and Reset apply to an installed app, not to a default association. For the Windows-specific steps and availability caveats, see Microsoft’s repair apps and programs instructions.
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When an app or Microsoft Store is unavailable
If the app is absent, search Microsoft Store for it and check whether it can be installed. Store availability can depend on several factors; Microsoft lists these common causes:
- Your region, family settings, or account authorization.
- The app has been removed from the Store catalog.
- Your device does not meet the app’s compatibility requirements.
- A recent Windows update still needs a restart.
Microsoft explains these cases in I can’t find or install an app from Microsoft Store. If Store is present but will not open, Microsoft documents running wsreset.exe to clear its cache. A blank command window appears and closes, after which Store should open; see Microsoft Store doesn’t open.
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Check for a work or school device policy
On managed PCs, a missing preinstalled Store app may have been removed intentionally by an administrator. Microsoft documents a Windows 11 policy for removing preinstalled Microsoft Store apps. Ask your IT administrator whether that policy applies and whether the app should be redeployed. The administrator must clear the relevant policy before reinstalling from Store or deploying the app through management tools. Do not try to bypass organizational controls. Details are in Microsoft’s policy-based removal guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use Windows recovery only after targeted fixes fail
Recovery is more disruptive than restoring an association, repairing an app, or addressing Store access. Back up important files first, and check which recovery choice is available for your Windows version. Microsoft’s recovery options guide recommends moving from less to more disruptive options.
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- Reset this PC: Reinstalls Windows. The selected option controls what is retained. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and settings; other choices can remove personal files too. Review Microsoft’s Reset your PC instructions before proceeding.
- Reinstall through Windows Update: On Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, Microsoft documents a Windows Update reinstall option that keeps files, apps, and settings. Recovery choices vary by Windows release.
Have a backup and, if device encryption is enabled, the BitLocker recovery key available before starting recovery. An external drive is optional backup storage, not a fix for missing apps.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states, “Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025.” After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. This lifecycle change does not by itself prevent the app-repair and default-app steps above from working. See Microsoft’s Windows app repair and support information.
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