After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Learn more. Note: Use these steps for Windows programs.

Troubleshoot errors from the “Something went wrong” startup screen on Xbox.

There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. You can try to repair a program first, if it's just not running correctly.

When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, your operating system may begin to malfunction. Common symptoms include Windows features not working properly, system errors, or Windows becoming unresponsive or freezing.

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain system problems that might prevent Windows from starting. It scans your computer for the problem and then tries to fix it so your computer can start correctly.

The installation file is typically named Autorun.exe or Setup.exe, but this may vary. If you're not sure, check the Readme file in the folder for instructions about how to run the installation process.

Windows 11 might shut down or restart unexpectedly when a serious problem occurs, causing you to briefly see an error message, such as “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” Windows 11 will then restart automatically.

Here are some things you can try to fix the problem. We've listed the most common solutions first, so try them in order. Wait a few minutes, restart your device, sign back in, and restart your app. How you get to the repair tool depends on your operating system. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Learn how to optimize system performance by managing startup applications in Windows.

Follow the steps in the section, How to start the Windows Installer service when system services are not loaded. Then try installing or uninstalling the app or update again. If the installation or uninstallation is successful, your issue is resolved.