How to fix the “App not responding” error in Windows 10

  • The “App not respond” error is one of the most common Windows problems.
  • In most cases, the problem is solved by a forced shutdown or a quick restart.
  • In other cases, some apps may stop responding every time you use them.
  • To solve the problem of unresponsive apps, you can easily do so with a little system tweaking.
  • The problem of Windows 10 apps not working may be caused by corrupted ISO files or failed installation of some modules.

 

Discover effective solutions to resolve the frustrating issue of Windows 10 apps not responding. With these troubleshooting techniques, you can regain control over your system and enjoy seamless app experiences once again.

Close unnecessary background programs: If you encounter the “app not responding” error in Windows 10, try closing any unnecessary background programs or processes that might be consuming excessive system resources. This can help free up memory and processing power for the app to run smoothly.

Run a System File Checker Scan

To fix the Windows 10 app not responding error, you can run a System File Checker (SFC) scan. The SFC scan is a built-in Windows tool that checks for corrupted or missing system files and repairs them if necessary. Here’s how to run an SFC scan:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. In the command prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
4. If the scan finds any issues, it will attempt to repair them automatically.
5. Once the scan is finished, restart your PC and check if the app not responding error is resolved.

Running an SFC scan can help fix various software-related issues, including app freezes or crashes. It’s a useful troubleshooting step to try before seeking further assistance.

A computer program is said to ‘hang’ or become unresponsive when it stops responding to user inputs. It can be frustrating, but remember, patience is key.

Update and Repair Faulty Drivers

If you’re encountering the “Windows 10 App Not Responding Error,” it could be due to faulty drivers on your PC. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the relevant section and right-click on the driver with the issue.
3. Select “Update driver” and choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
4. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it if available.

If updating the driver doesn’t fix the problem, try repairing it:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the relevant section and right-click on the driver with the issue.
3. Select “Uninstall device” and check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
4. Restart your computer.
5. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

Updating or repairing faulty drivers can resolve conflicts and enhance the performance of your applications.

When faced with an app not responding error in Windows 10, try closing the application using Task Manager. It can help to force close the unresponsive program and get things back on track.

python
import subprocess

def close_unresponsive_app(app_name):
try:
subprocess.run(['taskkill', '/F', '/IM', app_name])
print(f"{app_name} was force-closed successfully.")
except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
print(f"Failed to close {app_name}.")

You can call the `close_unresponsive_app` function, providing the name of the unresponsive application as an argument. However, please note that this approach is a general and forceful method to terminate an application and may result in data loss or instability if used indiscriminately.

Check for Memory Leaks




Check for Memory Leaks

Steps Description
Step 1 Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2 Click on the “Processes” or “Details” tab.
Step 3 Look for any processes that are consuming a high amount of memory.
Step 4 If you find any suspicious processes, right-click on them and select “End Task” or “End Process”.
Step 5 Monitor the memory usage over time to see if it continues to increase.
Step 6 If the memory usage keeps increasing, it may indicate a memory leak. In such cases, consider updating or reinstalling the problematic application or contacting the software developer for assistance.


Perform a Virus Scan

  • Ensure your computer is protected with a reliable antivirus software.
  • Initiate a comprehensive virus scan to detect and eliminate any potential threats.
  • Make sure your antivirus software is up to date with the latest virus definitions.
  • Schedule regular automatic virus scans to maintain a secure system.
    Make sure your antivirus software is up to date with the latest virus definitions.
Schedule regular automatic virus scans to maintain a secure system.
  • Consider performing a deep scan to thoroughly check your system for hidden malware.
  • Stay patient during the scanning process, as it might take some time to complete.
  • If any viruses or malware are detected, quarantine or remove them using your antivirus software.
  • Reboot your computer after the virus scan to ensure any threats are fully eliminated.
    If any viruses or malware are detected, quarantine or remove them using your antivirus software.
Reboot your computer after the virus scan to ensure any threats are fully eliminated.
  • Take preventive measures such as avoiding suspicious websites and downloads to minimize the risk of future infections.
  • Regularly update your operating system and applications to patch security vulnerabilities.
    Take preventive measures such as avoiding suspicious websites and downloads to minimize the risk of future infections.
Regularly update your operating system and applications to patch security vulnerabilities.

Delete Temporary Files

To fix the Windows 10 app not responding error, one troubleshooting step you can take is to delete temporary files. Temporary files can accumulate over time and may cause conflicts with app functionality. Here’s how to delete them:

1. Open the Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. In the address bar, type “%temp%” (without quotes) and press Enter.
3. This will open the Temp folder containing temporary files.
4. Select all the files in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.
5. Press Shift + Delete to permanently delete the files.
6. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Deleting temporary files can help resolve app freezing and slow performance issues. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in improving your Windows 10 experience.

Launch the Windows Troubleshooter

To fix the Windows 10 App Not Responding Error, you can launch the Windows Troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and resolve various issues that may be causing your apps to freeze or become unresponsive.

To launch the Windows Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type “Troubleshoot settings” and select the matching result.
3. In the Troubleshoot settings window, scroll down and click on “Additional troubleshooters”.
4. Scroll down again and locate the “Windows Store Apps” troubleshooter.
5. Click on it, and then click on “Run the troubleshooter”.

The troubleshooter will then scan your system for any problems related to your Windows apps and attempt to fix them. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

If the issue persists, you may need to explore other troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance from Microsoft support or online forums like Computer Hope.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep your Windows operating system and apps up to date to ensure compatibility and stability.

Force-end the problematic app

When dealing with a problematic app in Windows 10 that is not responding, force-ending the app can be an effective solution. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Windows Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window, navigate to the “Processes” tab.
3. Look for the app that is causing the problem.
4. Right-click on the app and select “End Task” from the context menu.
5. If prompted, confirm the action by clicking on “End Task” again.

Force-ending the app will close it forcefully, allowing you to restart it and resolve any freezing or non-responsive issues. This troubleshooting step can help improve the performance of your computer and ensure a smoother experience.

For further assistance with Windows-related topics, check out the resources available on Microsoft’s website or consult with their support team.

Reinstall the software

To reinstall the software for a Windows 10 app that is not responding, follow these steps:

1. Close the program: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, locate the unresponsive app under the “Processes” tab, right-click on it, and select “End Task”.

2. Uninstall the app: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, go to “Apps”, click on the problematic app, and select “Uninstall”.

3. Reinstall the app: Visit the Microsoft Store or the app’s official website to download and install the latest version of the app.

4. Use the Compatibility Troubleshooter: Right-click on the app’s shortcut or executable file, select “Properties”, go to the “Compatibility” tab, click on “Run compatibility troubleshooter”, and follow the instructions.

5. Update Windows: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, go to “Update & Security”, and click on “Check for updates”.

If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or consult online forums for additional troubleshooting steps.

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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.