How to Fix Apps Missing After Recent Windows 11 Upgrade

Installing or Upgrading to the latest Windows 11, improve system performance and introduce new features. However, sometimes you may find that some apps are missing after the upgrade. This can be frustrating, especially if important applications or Microsoft Store apps disappear from the Start menu or desktop. In some cases, you may notice preinstalled apps like Photos, Calculator, or Mail might be missing, while in others, third-party apps might no longer be available. Several factors can cause Apps Go Missing After a Windows 11 Upgrade, including temporary issues, incompatible software, or even a corrupted user profile are common. Whatever the reason, here are several ways to recover missing applications without performing a full system reset.

Why Do Apps Go Missing After a Windows 11 Upgrade?

After a Windows 11 upgrade, apps might seem missing due to several reasons, including the upgrade process temporarily uninstalling or hiding them, or the user profile becoming corrupted.

• Incomplete Upgrade Process – If the Windows 11 installation did not complete properly, some apps might not transfer successfully.
• Corrupted User Profile – If the user profile was damaged during the upgrade, it can prevent apps from showing up.
• Software Compatibility Issues – Certain older applications may not be fully compatible with Windows 11 and may be removed automatically.
• Corrupt System Files – If critical system files were altered or damaged during the upgrade, it could cause apps to disappear.

Restart Your PC

A simple restart can sometimes resolve missing apps by refreshing system processes and user profile settings. Restarting windows clears temporary glitches that might be preventing apps from displaying. It also ensures that the upgrade process finalizes any pending changes.

• Click Start, then select Power > Restart.
• After rebooting, check if the missing apps have reappeared.

Check If Apps Are Hidden in Start Menu

Sometimes, apps are installed but do not appear in the Start menu due to a display issue.

• Click Start and type the name of the missing app in the search bar.
• If the app appears in the search results, right-click it and select Pin to Start.
• Open the All Apps list in the Start menu and look for the missing application.
• If found, right-click the app and select Pin to Taskbar for easier access.

Verify App Installation in Settings

Windows may keep installed apps in the system but fail to display them in the Start menu due to upgrade-related inconsistencies.

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
• Scroll through the list to see if the missing app is still installed.
• If found, select it and click Advanced options > Reset to restore its functionality.

Reinstall Missing Apps from Microsoft Store

If preinstalled or third-party apps from the Microsoft Store are missing, they can be easily reinstalled.

• Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
• Click on Library in the left sidebar.
• Click Get Updates to refresh installed apps.
• Find the missing apps in the Owned apps section and click Install.
• Wait for the installation to complete and verify that the apps appear in the Start menu.

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Microsoft includes a built-in troubleshooter, that can detect and fix issues related to missing or malfunctioning Microsoft Store apps. Running the troubleshooter scans for system-level issues affecting the visibility and performance of Microsoft Store apps and attempts to fix them automatically.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Store Apps and click Run.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to apply any fixes.
• Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Use PowerShell to Reinstall All Default Apps

Well, if you notice system apps such as Microsoft Store, Calculator, or Photos are missing, you can restore them using PowerShell.

• Right-click Start and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
• Type the following command and press the enter key,

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

• Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.
• Check if the missing apps have reappeared.

Create a New User Profile

Again If the issue is related to a corrupted user profile, creating a new one may restore missing apps.

• Open Settings and go to Accounts > Other users.
• Click Add Account and follow the instructions to create a new user.
• Log into the new account and check if the apps appear.
• If successful, transfer your files from the old account and use the new profile going forward.

In addition, Sometimes, Microsoft releases patches that fix post-upgrade issues, including missing apps. Open Settings and go to Windows Update. Click Check for updates and install any available updates. Restart your computer and check if the missing apps are restored.