Windows 10 Settings Not Opening – Top 6 Fixes

Windows 10 settings not opening can be due to a myriad of reasons. This issue can cause problems, especially if you need to change specific settings. Most people reporting this problem are Windows 10 users. Although, this problem is not isolated to this particular operating system.

In today’s article, you will see various options to fix the corrupt setting app on your Windows 10.

What is Windows 10 Settings Not Opening Error?

The Settings feature in Windows 10 is a feature that is meant to help users navigate their devices faster. It is introduced as a more streamlined solution to its predecessor – the Control Panel. This utility allows you to quickly and easily personalize critical operations and features. This includes adding user accounts, improving privacy, and Windows Update.

Most of the time, Settings will work when users try to access it. Unfortunately, there will be times when Windows 10 Settings Not Opening will happen. When this occurs, the settings or settings menu freezes after opening. As a result, users may be blocked from installing updates when using the Windows Update feature.

Method 1 – Reset Your Settings

This is considered the easiest solution when you experience Windows 10 settings not opening.

1. Click the Windows Icon located in the bottom left corner of your display.

2. Right-click the cog icon and go to More. Next, click on App Settings.

3. Scroll down and locate the Reset Button and click it.

This process will reset all your settings.

Method 2 – Use the Troubleshooter for Windows apps

When you are experiencing Windows 10 Settings not opening errors, you can try resolving the problem using the built-in troubleshooter. This is a troubleshooter by Microsoft and is one of the best utilities to fix any Windows 10 errors. You need to download the troubleshooter for Windows 10 and run it. Once the tool starts, you need to follow the instructions on the screen.

Method 3 – Run an SFC scan (System File Checker)

The sfc /scannow command will inspect all essential files on your Windows 10 PC. If the system checker finds any problem with the files, it will replace them with a new one.

1. Hold down the “Windows” key and press “R,” and type “cmd” in the run command line. Hold down the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.

2. Type “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt window and enter. Wait for the SFC to complete the scan and restart the computer. Once done, continue with the next step.

The entire process may take 2–5 minutes. Close the command prompt, restart your PC and check on the settings again.

Method 4 – Install All Important Updates

Running on outdated files will eventually cause problems to your PC – including your Settings. Be sure to download and install essential updates to avoid this problem.

1. Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard and press “R.” This will open a small window where you can type “control update” in the run command window.

2. Next, click on View Update History in the Windows Update window.

3. Check or locate the update KB3036140. Be sure to install it if it is not already.
4. Once you successfully update to KB3036140, reboot your PC.

Method 5 – Reinstall The Windows Settings App

If you are still experiencing Windows 10 Settings Not Opening errors, you can try to reinstall this application using a PowerShell command. Since Settings is considered an official utility in Windows 10, by reinstalling it, you should be able to fix any problem related to the app.

1. You should access an elevated PowerShell window. To do this, right-click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your display.
2. Select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

3. Type the following command to reregister the Settings app:

PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command “& {$manifest = (Get-AppxPackage *immersivecontrolpanel*).InstallLocation + ‘\AppxManifest.xml’ ; Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $manifest}”

4. Wait until the process is completed, and then try reaccessing the Settings app.

Method 6 – Create a new user

Another good way to fix this problem is to create a new user account. This is a simple solution that can solve your settings freezing.

1. Bring up the run command line by holding down the “Windows” key and pressing “R.” Type in “control” and then press “enter.”

2. Click on Users Accounts.

3. Left-click Manage another account.

4. Next, left-click Add new User in PC settings.

5. Once you have created a new user account, restart your PC.
6. Login using your new user account and check if you are experiencing the same issue.

Creating a new user account via Command Prompt

If you have an issue creating a new user account, try doing so by using the Command Prompt. To do that, you need to do the following:

1. Press Windows Key + X. Choose PowerShell (Admin) on your keyboard.

2. This will open the command prompt where you can start your process.
3. Type “net user NewUser password1 /add.”
4. Once done, switch to the New User account and use password1 to access it.
5. In your new account, be sure to install any missing updates.

You have myriad options for fixing the Windows 10 not opening error. Therefore, it is not necessary to automatically worry about this problem. Always follow our blog to learn more about PC tricks and fixes.