The Settings app in Windows 11 allows you to manage everything from personalization and system updates to network configurations and privacy settings. You can press Windows key + I to open the Settings app, also you can click on the start menu, then select Settings, or press Windows key + X and select Settings to open it. However, sometimes you may notice the Settings app won’t open, crashes on launch. Users report, Windows 11 settings not open or close immediately after launch. This issue usually occurs due to system file corruption or a corrupted user profile. Whatever the reason, here is how to fix if Windows 11 settings close immediately.
Post Contents :-
Why Is the Settings App Not Working in Windows 11?
The Windows 11 Settings app may not work due to corrupted system files, a stuck process, an outdated operating system, or a software conflict.
- Corrupted system or app files: Damaged files in the Windows system folder can prevent Settings from loading.
- Faulty cache or temporary data: Cached data and app settings can conflict with newer system updates.
- System glitches: Simple issues like a frozen device can prevent the app from working correctly.
- Third-party interference: Some optimization tools or registry cleaners can unintentionally disrupt system components.
- Incomplete Windows updates: If an update fails midway, certain components of the Settings app may break.
- User account corruption: Problems with your profile or permissions may stop certain apps from running.
Restart Your PC
It might sound simple, but restarting often resolves temporary glitches that stop system apps from working.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click on the Power icon in the bottom right corner.
- Choose Restart.
After the restart, try opening the Settings app again (press Windows + I). If it still doesn’t work, move to the next method.
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted or missing system files are one of the most common reasons the Windows 11 Settings won’t open. Windows includes built-in repair tools, SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management), which help scan and restore damaged files.
- Press Windows + S and search for CMD.
- Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
- First, run the system file checker command sfc /scannow
- Once it finishes, run the DISM restorehealth command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
SFC scans for and repairs individual corrupted system files, while DISM restores the “health” of the Windows image.
Restart your PC after the process completes and check if the Settings app opens normally.
Re-register the Settings App Using PowerShell
If the Settings app is corrupted or unregistered from the system, re-registering it can fix the issue.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click File > Run new task.
- Type PowerShell, check Create this task with administrative privileges, and press Enter.
- Copy and paste the following command, Press Enter, and wait for the command to complete.
Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml”}
Once done, restart your PC and try launching the Settings app.
Create a New User Account
If the issue is tied to your current user profile, creating a new one can help you confirm and fix it.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → File > Run new task.
- Type control and press Enter to open Control Panel.
- Navigate to User Accounts > User Accounts > Manage another account > Add a new user in PC settings.
- This will open the settings app with the option to add Account, click on it and follow on on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
If Settings doesn’t open, use Command Prompt:
net user NewUserName NewPassword /add
Note: Replace the NewUserName with your preferred username and the password with your account login password.
Next, make the new user an administrator with this command:
net localgroup administrators Username /add
Restart your PC and log in with the new account to see if the Settings app works.
If it does, your original user profile might be corrupted. You can move your personal files from your old account (C:\Users\OldUsername) to the new one.
Install Pending Windows Updates (via Command Line)
Microsoft has been releasing fixes to address various Windows 11 issues, including the Settings app. So, make sure that your Windows 11 installation is up-to-date before jumping to other fixes.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type command wuauclt.exe /updatenow and press enterkey
- This will download and install the latest Windows updates on your pc
- Reboot your computer to apply changes.
Updating Windows can replace missing components and fix known bugs.
Use System Restore
If the Settings app worked previously but stopped after a recent change, you can roll back your system using System Restore.
- Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
- Select Choose a different restore point → Next.
- Pick a restore date before the issue started.
- Click Next, then Finish.
Windows will restart and restore your system settings. This does not affect personal files but may remove recently installed apps.
Perform a Repair Install
If nothing else works, performing a repair install of Windows 11 can fix deep system corruption without deleting your files.
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official website.
- Run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
- Choose Keep personal files and apps when prompted.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reinstallation.
After the upgrade, the Settings app should work normally.
FAQs: Windows 11 settings not working
1. Why does my Settings app keep closing on Windows 11?
It usually happens due to corrupted system files or a broken app registration. Running SFC and DISM or re-registering the app via PowerShell often resolves it.
2. Can I reinstall the Settings app manually?
Yes, by using PowerShell commands like
Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Add-AppxPackage -Register
You can reinstall it without reinstalling Windows entirely.
3. Will resetting Windows fix the Settings app issue?
Yes, but it should be your last resort. A repair install (in-place upgrade) is safer since it keeps your files and apps intact.
4. Does the Settings app issue affect Windows updates?
Yes, since the Windows Update section is part of Settings, you may face trouble updating your system until the issue is fixed.
