How to Fix Apps Missing After a Windows 10 Update

Updating Windows 10 is essential for keeping your system secure and running smoothly. However, sometimes, you might notice that some of your apps are missing after a recent Windows update or upgrade. Users report that some apps are missing from the Start Menu, no longer pinned in the Start Menu, or not in the list of apps. ” If I search for the app, it’s not able to find it. Instead, it points me to the Microsoft Store to install it. But the Store says that the app is already installed.” Let’s find out the common reason why installed Apps Missing on your device, and steps to recover them.

Microsoft Store Apps Missing Windows 10

There are several reasons why apps might go missing after a Windows 10 update. There may be an update Bug that causing the issue. Corrupted User Profiles or Incompatibility Issues also be the reason for this problem.

• Incompatibility Issues: Some apps may not be compatible with the latest Windows update, leading to their removal.
• Corrupted User Profile: A corrupted user profile can cause apps to disappear after an update.
• Reset of System Settings: Occasionally, updates can reset certain system settings, leading to the removal or hiding of apps.
• Disk Cleanup: Windows 10 might remove certain apps during the update process to free up space if the disk is running low.
• Temporary Profile Creation: Sometimes, Windows might log you into a temporary profile after an update, making it appear as if your apps are missing.

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue. If Windows logged you into a temporary profile after the update, restarting the computer might bring you back to your original profile with all your apps intact.

• Click on the Start menu, select Power, and then choose Restart.
• After the system reboots, check if the missing apps have reappeared.

Repair or Reset the missing apps

If you notice any specific App causing the problem, such as for example Microsoft Edge browser not opening, Showing the Download arrow on the start menu pinned items, not appearing in the Start menu / Cortana search results. Then Repair or Reset The missing App is found helpful fix.

• Press Win + I keyboard shortcut to open Settings then Select Apps.
• Next, click on Apps & features tab, find the name of the missing app.
• Click the app and select Advanced options.
• You will find the Repair and Reset option.
• First Try to repair the App while may fix the errors, and restart Windows to take effect the changes.
• Or You can click on the Reset button to reset the App to its default settings.

Note: You might lose any app data that was saved. Once the repair or reset is completed, the app should again appear in the app list and can be pinned to the Start Menu. Do the Same with other affected Apps which may resolve the issue.

Reinstall Missing Apps from the Microsoft Store

If specific apps are missing, you might be able to reinstall them directly from the Microsoft Store:

• Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
• Search for the missing apps in the Store.
• If you find them, click uninstall and follow on screen instructions.

• Now Open the Microsoft Store and then reinstall the missing app.
• Once installed, the app should appear in the app list and can be pinned to the Start Menu.

Use Windows PowerShell to Reinstall Default Apps

If default apps like Calculator, Photos, or Mail are missing, you can reinstall them using Windows PowerShell:

• Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
• Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:

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

If you get any Redline while executing the command ignore them. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

Check for Software Compatibility

If third-party apps are missing, they might not be compatible with the latest Windows update:

• Visit the official websites of the missing apps to check for any updates or patches.
• If an update is available, download and install it. This might restore functionality.

Perform a System Restore

If the problem persists, performing a System Restore might help:

• Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu and select it.
• Click on System Restore and choose a restore point from a date before the update was installed.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to that point.

Go back to your previous version of Windows

If none of these troubleshooting steps restore your missing apps, you may be able to go back to the previous version of Windows.

To go back to the previous version of Windows,

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10,” click Get started and follow the prompts.
• Once rolled back, check if the missing apps have returned.

Reset Your PC

As a last resort, you can reset your PC to reinstall Windows 10 while keeping your files:

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
• Choose the option to keep your files and follow the instructions.