Cannot Open Windows Apps

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Sevelrand

PCHF Member
Mar 29, 2022
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For a few months now, I have not been able to open a number of Windows apps, and apps associated with the Microsoft Store. Apps affected include the Microsoft Store itself, Mail, Photos, Movies and TV, Groove Music, and the only app I have from the store is Minecraft. I click on them, the outline of a window appears, and then it disappears immediately. Settings, file explorer, device manager, and the like do work.

I have tried a great number of things, but nothing seems to have budged in the slightest. I have used SFC and DISM, tried installing from a USB, and have even tried factory resetting my computer, none of which worked. Having performed these attempts a while ago, I can't remember exactly how each one failed, factory resetting, however, seemed to get 100% done and then gave an error, and nothing was changed (this is a separate issue and has been occurring since before the current issue). I've tried resetting and reinstalling these apps via the Apps menu in Settings to no avail.

I apologise for not remembering precisely what I've done, but I seem to remember it being a possibility that it was an issue with Windows Firewall which is not working. I get a notification saying it isn't on, then I try to turn it on which takes me to the "use recommended settings" button in the Windows Firewall settings. I click it and my cursor goes to the loading circle for a bit, then it returns to normal, nothing having changed. The Windows Defender Firewall service seems to be stuck on "starting".

I have posted this multiple times on the official Windows forum, but the official helpers they have ask two questions then tell me to factory reset my computer. When I tell them this is not possible they stop talking.
 
Run the all in one repair tool with all boxes checked in safe mode.

Reboot the machine and check the issue.


 
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