It’s incredibly frustrating when an app stops working. The first thought that comes to our mind is to just uninstall and reinstall the app, but that’s not always necessary. Reinstalling can be time-consuming and sometimes it doesn’t even solve the underlying problem. With a few software troubleshooting steps, you can often fix app errors and get things running again without starting from scratch.
Why Do Apps Show Errors or Stop Working?
Apps can stop working or show errors for several reasons, and most of the time, it’s not the app itself that’s broken. Common causes include corrupted or missing files, outdated drivers, conflicting updates or third-party tools, overloaded cache, and system compatibility issues.
In other words, errors typically arise because something in your system isn’t quite right whether it is the files that’s missing, an update that did not install correctly, etc. Generally, cleaning up temporary files, updating software, or checking for conflicts can often fix the problem.
Most app errors happen because of corrupted files, missing updates, or software conflicts and not because the app itself is broken.
Here are a few steps you can follow:
1. Use Built-in Repair and Reset Options
Most apps today have repair or reset features that are specifically intended for these situations. These tools can fix corrupted files or settings without needing to delete the app.
For Windows Store Apps:
- Navigate to: Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app that’s experiencing issues and click the three dots > Advanced options.
- Click Repair first.
- Only if Repair does not work, select Reset. This will delete the app’s data and preferences, so you may need to log in or set up the app again.
Using this built-in function is usually the easiest and fastest way to fix app errors without having to reinstall software.
2. Repair Corrupted System Files with SFC and DISM
It’s not always the app that is the problem; sometimes, Windows system files that the app relies on might be damaged. In this case, using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can help.
SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and choose “Run as administrator”).
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait while Windows checks and repairs any corrupted files.
DISM:
- In the same Command Prompt window, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
- This process may take a few minutes. Once it finishes, restart your computer.
3. Keep Software and Drivers Updated
Outdated software or drivers can cause apps to crash or behave unexpectedly. Make it a habit to:
- Update the application on a regular basis because updates often provide bug fixes, which tend to solve common issues.
- Update your operating system. Operating system updates often fix compatibility issues.
- Update any important drivers that you have, such as graphics, chipset and network drivers. You can usually download the most current version from the manufacturer’s website.
Keeping everything updated is a simple yet powerful step to fix app error problems and prevent them from happening in the future, too.
4. Scan for Malware
Malware has the potential to disrupt applications, causing them to crash or work unexpectedly. If you notice repeated errors, perform a complete system scan using a trusted antivirus or antimalware program. Once removed, malware can immediately restore stability to your software, without you having to perform any reinstall.
5. Check Your Disk for Errors
Sometimes, app problems are related to your hard drive or SSD rather than the app itself. Windows has a built-in tool that can check for disk errors and fix them.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter. (Replace C: with the correct drive letter if your app is installed elsewhere.)
- The system may ask you to restart. Let it run the check.
6. Check Event Viewer for Clues
If you’re still not sure why an app is not working properly, Event Viewer can provide detailed error messages.
- Open Event Viewer (search for it in the Start menu).
- Look under Windows Logs > Application for warnings or errors related to the app.
These messages can give you clues regarding the cause of the issue, which is useful if you need to take more advanced troubleshooting steps. Knowing the cause of the issue often does fix app errors without the need of reinstalling software.
7. Restart the App or Your Computer
Sometimes the solution is as simple as restarting your device. Temporary glitches in memory or background software can sometimes stop an app from working properly. Simply close the app completely and then re-open it. If that does not work, try restarting your computer. A fresh start can often resolve errors quickly and easily.
8. Use Professional Software Repair Services
Sometimes app errors are tricky to fix on your own. Services like CallLouder can run remote diagnostics and repairs, often fixing issues without needing to reinstall the app.
For expert help, check out Software Upgrade & Fixes.
Is there a professional way to fix software errors without reinstalling?
CallLouder’s service can fix software issues without reinstalling. It works by:
- Scanning for outdated versions
- Repairing corrupted installations
- Restoring compatibility with the latest OS updates
Benefits:
- No data loss
- Remote assistance from experts
- Faster performance recovery
- Professional diagnosis of underlying issues
Get expert help with Software Upgrade & Fixes.
Wrapping Up
App errors can be a lot annoying, but reinstalling apps should always be the last option. By using built-in repair options, checking system files, keeping software and drivers updated, scanning for malware, checking your disk, and reviewing error logs, you can often fix app error problems quickly and safely.
Following these steps is a practical way to do software troubleshooting without losing your settings, preferences, and it doesn’t take a great deal of time. With a little patience and these simple tools, most application issues can be solved without you having to reinstall the software.
FAQs
Yes, most app issues can be resolved using built-in repair tools, system checks, or software updates – there is no need to reinstall the app.
You can fix app errors without deleting it by using the app’s Repair or Reset option in the settings (or Control Panel).
Yes, outdated drivers can cause crashes, so keeping them up-to-date often solves errors.
Run SFC and DISM commands in Command Prompt to repair corrupted Windows files that are causing problems with apps.
Absolutely. Running a full antivirus scan can remove malware that might be causing app errors.
