What to do if you have problems with an app
In many cases, the Windows Store will automatically notify you if there’s a problem with an app and try to fix the problem. If the Store doesn’t notify you of the problem or you continue experiencing problems with an app, here are some things you can try to fix the app yourself.
Notes
Make sure the latest updates are installed on your PC and that your antivirus program isn't preventing your app from running. For more info on installing updates for your PC, see Windows automatic updating: Frequently asked questions.
If your PC is part of a network at an organization, such as a school, government agency, or business, your system administrator might have turned off the use of certain apps using Group Policy. If you think that Group Policy is preventing you from using an app you need, contact your system administrator.
By default, some apps are blocked by Windows Firewall to help make your PC more secure. To work properly, you might need to allow an app to receive info through the firewall. For more info, see the "Allow an app to receive info through the firewall" section of Windows Firewall from start to finish.
Update your app
Keeping your app up to date is one way to make sure that it keeps working. You’ll see a notification in the Store whenever an update is available for your app.
To update the app, you can either tap or click the notification or follow these steps:
On the Start screen, tap or click Store to open the Windows Store.
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Settings.)
Tap or click App updates. If you haven't signed in to the Windows Store, sign in using your Microsoft account.
Tap or click Check for updates.
If updates are available, swipe down on or right-click the app updates you want, and then tap or click Install.
Sync the app license
If a license for an app is out of sync with the license installed on your PC, the app might stop working.
To sync your app licenses, follow these steps:
On the Start screen, tap or click Store to open the Windows Store.
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Settings.)
Tap or click App updates. If you haven't signed in to the Windows Store, sign in using your Microsoft account.
Tap or click Sync licenses.
Reinstall the app
If your apps are up to date and the licenses are synced, you can reinstall the app to try to fix the problem.
To reinstall an app, follow these steps:
On the Start screen, swipe down on or right-click the app you want to uninstall, tap or click Uninstall, and then tap or click Uninstall.
Tap or click Store to open the Windows Store.
Swipe down from the top edge of the screen, and then tap Your apps. (If you’re using a mouse, point to the top of the screen, right-click, and then click Your apps.)
Tap or click the app you want to install, and then tap or click Install.
Contact the app publisher
If you’re still experiencing problems with an app, use the support info listed on the app’s description page to contact the app publisher for help.
To view the publisher’s app support info, follow these steps:
On the Start screen, tap or click Store to open the Windows Store.
Search or browse for the app, and then tap or click it.
Tap or click Overview, and then tap or click the support link for the app under Learn more. The link will open an email message for you to contact support or will take you to a support website.
Notes
In some cases, an app might be removed from the Windows Store for violating the Terms of Use. When this happens, you'll receive an email notifying you that the app will no longer be available in the Store and the app will no longer work on your PCs.
Microsoft doesn’t provide technical support for apps created by other developers. You’ll need to contact the developer for technical support.
You can post questions to the Windows forum
to get answers from other people that use Windows.
If you're still experiencing problems with an app, you can try running the Apps troubleshooter. This tool can automatically identify and fix some problems with apps. It is only available in English, but will work in all languages.
