How to Fix Crashing Apps on Windows 10: Quick Solutions

Are you tired of dealing with crashing apps on your Windows 10 computer? Whether it’s a program freezing or unexpectedly shutting down, app crashes can be frustrating and disrupt your workflow. In this article, we will provide you with quick and effective solutions to fix crashing apps on Windows 10, allowing you to use your computer without any interruptions.

Clearing App Cache And Data

When apps crash frequently on your Windows 10 device, it might be due to excessive accumulated cache and data. Clearing the app cache and data can help resolve the issue and improve app performance.

To clear the app cache and data, follow these steps:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your Windows 10 device.
2. Click on the “Apps” option.
3. In the Apps & features section, locate the problematic app and click on it.
4. Under the app’s name, you will find options like “Modify,” “Uninstall,” and “Advanced options.” Click on “Advanced options.”
5. In the Advanced options window, you will see the options to clear the app’s cache and data. Click on the “Clear” button next to each option.

By clearing the app cache and data, you remove unnecessary files that can sometimes interfere with an app’s smooth functioning. This can help fix crashing issues and improve overall app performance on your Windows 10 device.

Updating Windows 10

Updating Windows 10 is crucial for the overall stability and performance of your system. Outdated software can lead to various issues, including crashing apps. Therefore, it is essential to keep your operating system up to date.

To update Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
3. In the Windows Update section, click on “Check for updates.”
4. If there are any available updates, click on “Install now” to start the update process.
5. Let the update install and restart your computer if prompted.

Updating your system not only provides bug fixes but also includes security patches that protect your system from malware and other threats. By staying up to date, you ensure that your apps are compatible with the latest software updates, reducing the chances of crashes.

Remember to regularly check for updates to keep your system functioning smoothly and prevent crashing apps in the future.

Running Windows 10 Troubleshooter

Running the Windows 10 Troubleshooter can help diagnose and resolve various issues causing app crashes on your computer. The Troubleshooter is a built-in feature designed to automatically detect and fix common problems.

To run the Windows 10 Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start Menu and navigate to the “Settings” app.
2. Select “Update & Security” and click on “Troubleshoot” from the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down and locate the “Find and fix other problems” section.
4. Click on “Windows Store Apps” or “Windows Update” troubleshooter, depending on the specific issue you are facing.
5. Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Once the troubleshooter completes the process, restart your computer and check if the crashing apps issue has been resolved.

The Windows 10 Troubleshooter scans your system for potential conflicts or errors, and attempts to fix them automatically. However, if the issue persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting methods or seek further assistance.

Disabling Startup Programs

When your apps keep crashing on Windows 10, one possible culprit could be the programs that automatically start running when you boot up your computer. These startup programs consume valuable system resources and can conflict with your apps, leading to crashes and other issues.

To disable startup programs, follow these steps:
1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Go to the “Startup” tab.
3. Here, you’ll see a list of all programs that launch at startup. Right-click on the program you want to disable and select “Disable”.

By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you can free up system resources and potentially resolve app crashes. However, be cautious and only disable programs that you’re sure are not essential for your computer’s operation.

If disabling certain startup programs doesn’t fix the crashing apps, you can always re-enable them later or explore other troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the underlying cause of the issues.

Checking For App Compatibility Issues

When apps crash on Windows 10, compatibility issues could be a major culprit. Some apps may not be designed to work correctly with the operating system, leading to crashes or other performance problems. To resolve this, you can follow these steps to check for app compatibility issues:

1. Right-click on the app shortcut and select “Properties.”
2. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
3. Enable the option “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and choose a previous Windows version from the drop-down menu.
4. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

If the app continues to crash, you can try a different compatibility mode or contact the app developer for assistance.

It’s worth noting that not all apps or software will have compatibility issues, so this step may not always be necessary. However, it is a good troubleshooting step to take if you are experiencing frequent crashes with a specific app.

Reinstalling Problematic Apps

Reinstalling problematic apps can often resolve issues causing apps to crash on Windows 10. When an app crashes consistently, it is possible that the installation files have become corrupted or some essential files may be missing. Reinstalling the app can help replace any damaged or missing files and restore the app to a functioning state.

To reinstall a problematic app, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Start menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the Control Panel app to open it.
2. In the Control Panel, select “Programs” and click on “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs and Features” section.
3. Locate the problematic app in the list of installed programs and select it.
4. Click on the “Uninstall” button at the top of the list. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
5. After the app is successfully uninstalled, go to the official website or app store from where you originally downloaded it.
6. Download and install the app again, following the provided instructions.
7. Once the reinstallation is complete, open the app and check if it still crashes.

Reinstalling the problematic app can often resolve crashing issues, ensuring a smooth experience while using Windows 10.

Running A Full System Scan For Malware

A comprehensive system scan for malware is crucial when dealing with crashing apps on Windows 10. Malware, such as viruses, spyware, or adware, can disrupt the normal functioning of your system and cause apps to crash. Running a full system scan helps detect and remove any malicious software present on your computer.

To initiate a full system scan, start by opening your preferred antivirus software. Ensure that the antivirus software is up-to-date with the latest virus definitions. Look for an option that allows you to perform a full system scan or a similar feature. Click on this option and let the scan run its course.

Depending on the size of your system and the number of files, the scan may take some time to complete. It is important not to interrupt the scan to ensure its effectiveness. Once the scan is finished, the antivirus software will provide a detailed report of any malware found. Follow the software’s prompts to remove any detected threats.

Performing a full system scan regularly helps in maintaining the security and stability of your Windows 10 operating system, reducing the chances of apps crashing due to malware-related issues.

Resetting Windows 10 As A Last Resort

Sometimes, despite trying all the above methods, apps on Windows 10 continue to crash. In such cases, resetting Windows 10 becomes the last resort to fix the issue. Resetting Windows 10 involves reinstalling the operating system while keeping personal files intact.

To reset Windows 10, navigate to the Start Menu and click on the “Settings” icon. In the Settings window, select the “Update & Security” option, then click on “Recovery” from the left sidebar. Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the “Get started” button.

You will be presented with two options: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.” The former retains personal files, while the latter removes everything, including apps, settings, and personal files. Choose the option that suits your needs and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the reset.

It is important to note that resetting Windows 10 will remove all installed apps and their associated data. Therefore, it is recommended to backup important files and create a system restore point before initiating the reset process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do apps crash on Windows 10?

There can be various reasons behind app crashes on Windows 10. These include compatibility issues with the operating system, outdated drivers, software conflicts, insufficient system resources, or corrupt app files. Identifying the specific cause can help in finding an appropriate solution.

2. What should I do if an app keeps crashing on Windows 10?

If an app keeps crashing on Windows 10, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue. Start by checking for any available updates for both the app and the operating system. It’s also important to ensure your device drivers are up to date. Clearing the app cache, disabling startup programs, or running the app in compatibility mode can also be effective troubleshooting steps.

3. How can I troubleshoot app crashes on Windows 10?

To troubleshoot app crashes on Windows 10, start by closing and reopening the app to see if the crash was a temporary glitch. If the problem persists, try restarting your computer as it can resolve any temporary system issues. Update the app or reinstall it if necessary. If none of these steps work, using the Windows Event Viewer or performing a system restore to a previous stable state can help identify and resolve underlying problems.

Final Words

In conclusion, there are several quick and effective solutions to fix crashing apps on Windows 10. By performing simple troubleshooting steps such as updating the app and the operating system, reinstalling the app, or running a compatibility troubleshooter, users can resolve app crashes and enjoy a smooth and seamless user experience. Additionally, checking for hardware and software conflicts, disabling unnecessary startup programs, and performing regular maintenance tasks can also help prevent app crashes in the future. Overall, with these quick solutions, users can easily address app crashes and ensure optimal performance on their Windows 10 devices.

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