Fix: ‘Default Apps Missing’ Issue in Windows 11/10

You might need to change the programme your PC uses by default to open files, but sometimes you ‘Default Apps Missing’ Issue in Windows 11/10. There are a few reasons why the default apps might not be there, but most of the time it’s because you just installed a new build.

You might also have this problem if you switch from an old operating system to a newer one. Also, if the Windows device has a bug, some of the default apps might not be there. If Windows Settings doesn’t let you force Windows 10 to make a programme the default, you might want to check the default apps and settings after the most recent Windows 10 update. This post will show you how to do that to fix the problem of Windows 10 apps not working.

‘Default Apps Missing’ Issue in Windows 11/10; 4 Simple Ways

Reinstall the Missing Apps Using PowerShell

• Hold the Windows and R keys combination to open the Run box.
• Type powershell and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter key to open PowerShell as an administrator.
• Click on Yes when prompted by User Account Control to grant permissions.
• Enter the command below and execute it by hitting the Enter key.
• Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”
• Wait for the command to finish execution. This will reinstall and register the Windows default apps.
• Reboot your PC and check if you are able to access or find the default apps that you are looking for.

Disable God Mode

Many people have turned on their computers’ hidden “God Mode.” This mode lets users change how the Control Panel looks, and the hidden folder makes it easy to get to settings that are hidden or for advanced users. But it has been said that turning on this God mode can cause your system’s default apps or other programmes to disappear.

Users who have had this problem have found that deleting this hidden God Mode folder on their computers has helped them get their missing default apps back. This God Mode feature is never turned on by default, but if you have it turned on and are having this problem, you can fix it by deleting the folder and restarting your system. This will bring back the apps that were missing.

Perform a System Clean Boot

•  Hit the Windows key and type msconfig in the search box.
• Click on System Configuration in the search result.
• In the window that opens, select the radio button next to Selective startup in the General tab.
•  Make sure that the Load system services option is checked and the option Load startup items is unchecked below Selective startup.
• Go to the Services tab.
•  Here, check the option that reads as Hide all Microsoft services. Then, click on the Disable all button.
•  Select the Startup tab and click on the Open Task Manager link here.
•  In the Startup tab of Task Manager, disable all the programs that are present. Right-click on the program and choose Disable.
• Click on Apply and then on OK.

Create a New User Account

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
•  Type ms-settings:otherusers and click on OK to open Family & other users page in Accounts.
• Here, click on Add account button associated with Other users to add another user to the system.
• In the Microsoft Account window that opens, click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
• Next, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Create a new user by entering a new user name and password on the page that appears.
• Click on Next to finish the process of creating the user.
• After creating the new account, switch to that account. Hit the Windows key and click on your Windows login account icon. Select the newly created user here.
• Check if the problem with missing default apps is resolved.

Why Are Default Apps Missing On My Windows 11/10

You might not be able to see default apps on your Windows PC for a number of different reasons. Listed below are some of them:

• After installing a new build, some of your programmes are no longer there.
• Some of Windows 10’s built-in apps might not be there if God Mode is turned on.
• Some built-in apps are being messed with by your antivirus software.
• The application may no longer work as it should.

FAQ

Why are all my Apps missing from Start menu Windows 10?

Press Windows logo key on the keyboard and check if All apps option is located in the bottom left corner of the Start menu window. If yes, click on All apps and check if the apps and programs installed on the PC is listed.

Why did all my apps disappeared from home screen PC?

Right-click anywhere on the desktop and click “View” to make it bigger. Check the “Show desktop icons” setting in the pop-up menu to see if it is checked. If this is missing, this is why you can’t see your desktop icons all of a sudden. The good news is that you haven’t lost anything. You just need to turn on the setting again.