Windows 8.1 metro apps not working

Key Takeaways
  • The most common cause of Windows 8.1 Metro app issues is a corrupted registry.
  • Incompatible drivers malware infection Windows Store issues incomplete installation and incompatible system can also cause Windows 8.1 Metro app issues.
  • If none of the troubleshooting steps work alternative solutions such as updating drivers uninstalling and reinstalling apps refreshing or resetting Windows using a system restore point or reinstalling Windows 8.1 should be considered.

Windows 8.1 has been hailed as a great leap forward for Microsoft’s operating system but unfortunately it’s not without its share of issues. One of the most common issues that users run into is that their Metro apps simply won’t work. If you’ve been struggling with this problem then you’re in the right place. Here’s an overview of the most common causes of Windows 8.1 Metro app issues.

## 1. Common Causes of Windows 8.1 Metro App Issues

The most common cause of Windows 8.1 Metro app issues is a **corrupted registry**. When the registry becomes corrupted many of the Windows 8.1 Metro apps will no longer function properly. The registry is a database of all the settings and configurations that Windows needs to run. It’s also responsible for keeping track of the various apps that are installed on the system.

Another common cause of Windows 8.1 Metro app issues is **incompatible drivers**. Drivers are the pieces of software that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware components such as the graphics card sound card and other peripherals. If the drivers are out of date or incompatible then the Windows 8.1 Metro apps may not work correctly.

In some cases the problem may be due to **malware infection**. Malware is malicious software that can cause all sorts of problems including preventing Metro apps from working correctly. It’s important to make sure that your system is protected from malware by running regular scans with an up-to-date anti-virus program.

The **Windows Store** is also a common source of Metro app issues. The Windows Store is where you can download and install Metro apps. If the Windows Store is not working correctly then you won’t be able to download and install new apps.

In some cases the issue may be due to **incomplete installation**. If you’ve recently installed a new Metro app then it may not be completely installed. This can cause the app to malfunction or even crash.

Finally some Metro apps may be **incompatible with the system**. If the app was designed for an older version of Windows then it may not be compatible with Windows 8.1. This can cause the app to malfunction or even crash.

It’s important to keep in mind that there may be other causes of Windows 8.1 Metro app issues. If none of the above solutions work then it’s best to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

2. Troubleshooting Steps

If you’re having trouble with your Windows 8.1 Metro apps not working there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First check to make sure the app is up to date. Apps are regularly updated with bug fixes so if you haven’t updated the app in a while it may be worth checking if there is a newer version available. Second check to see if the app is installed correctly. If it is not try reinstalling it. Third check to make sure the app is compatible with your system. Some apps may not be compatible with certain versions of Windows 8.1. Fourth check to see if there are any system updates available. If there are install them to see if that resolves the issue. Fifth check to see if the app is running in the background. If it is try closing it and then opening it again. Sixth check to see if there are any other apps running in the background that may be interfering with the app. If there are try closing them and then opening the app again. Seventh if none of the above steps have worked try restarting your computer.

If the app still does not work after trying these steps it may be worth contacting the developer for further assistance.

3. System Restores

If your Windows 8.1 Metro apps are not working one of the first steps you should take is to perform a system restore. System restores allow you to undo changes made to your computer and can help to fix any software issues that may be causing the Metro apps to malfunction. System restores can be performed in a few easy steps:

Step 1: Open System Restore

To open System Restore press the Windows and X keys together and select the ‘System Restore’ option from the menu that appears.

Step 2: Choose a Restore Point

Once you have opened the System Restore window you will be prompted to choose a restore point. This is the point in time that you wish to restore your computer to. It is recommended to choose a restore point before the issue with the Metro apps began.

Step 3: Confirm Restore Point

Once you have chosen the restore point you wish to restore to click ‘Next’ to confirm your selection. The system restore process will then begin.

Step 4: System Restore Complete

Once the system restore process is complete your computer will restart and you will be able to use the Metro apps again. It is important to note that any changes made to your computer after the restore point you selected will be lost.

If performing a system restore does not fix the problem with your Metro apps there are a few other things you can try. It is possible that the issue is caused by a virus or malware so it is a good idea to perform a full system scan with a reliable antivirus program. Additionally you can try reinstalling the Metro apps or updating the drivers on your computer.

Alternative Solutions

If the troubleshooting steps outlined above do not work there are a few alternative options to consider.

1. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers may be the cause of the issue. To update drivers open the Device Manager by clicking the Start button and typing “Device Manager” in the search box. Then right-click the device that needs updating and select “Update Driver Software”.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall Apps

If the Metro apps are not working properly try uninstalling and reinstalling them. To do this open the Start screen right-click the app you wish to uninstall and select “Uninstall”. Then go to the Windows Store and reinstall the app.

3. Refresh Windows

If all else fails you can try refreshing Windows 8.1. This will reset your system to its original state but it will not delete your personal files. To do this open the Settings charm and select “Change PC Settings”. Then select “Update and Recovery” and then “Recovery”. Finally select “Refresh your PC without affecting your files”.

4. Reset Windows

If refreshing Windows 8.1 does not work you can try resetting the system. This will erase all personal files so make sure to back up any important data before proceeding. To do this open the Settings charm and select “Change PC Settings”. Then select “Update and Recovery” and then “Recovery”. Finally select “Remove Everything and Reinstall Windows”.

5. Use a System Restore Point

If the Metro apps were working previously but stopped working after a change was made you can try restoring your system to a previous point. To do this open the Start screen and type “System Restore” in the search box. Then select the “Create a Restore Point” option and follow the instructions.

6. Reinstall Windows 8.1

If all else fails you can try reinstalling Windows 8.1. This will erase all personal files so make sure to back up any important data before proceeding. To do this open the Settings charm and select “Change PC Settings”. Then select “Update and Recovery” and then “Recovery”. Finally select “Install Windows”.

7. Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above solutions work you can contact Microsoft Support for assistance. You can find the contact information on the Microsoft website.