6 Ways to Fix Default Apps and Program Missing on Windows 10

There are two types of people: those who use default applications on their Windows PCs and those who do not. That’s what I thought until I discovered that there is also a third category. These are people who don’t even want these default applications on their computers. For those using Windows default applications, this message will cover six (6) ways to recover them if they ever disappear from your computer.

Some Windows 10 users have reported that some default apps and programs previously present and working on their PCs cannot be found. While it is common to experience this problem after a recent operating system update, it can also, although rarely, be caused by other (unknown) factors.

So far, some of the default apps reported as missing include Microsoft Edge, News, Microsoft Store, Mail, Calendar, and the Weather app. If you run into this missing apps issue after updating Windows 10, here are six ways to fix it and recover those apps.

Method 1: Remove / Disable God Mode

Windows has a hidden folder that allows advanced users to access the operating system control panel and other nifty settings in a folder. Colloquially known as God Mode, the Windows Master Control Panel shortcut lets you do a lot. For example, you can use it to speed up the operation of your Windows 10 PC, among others.

Activating God mode may cause some default applications and programs to disappear from your computer. Some affected users have reported that simply deleting the God Mode folder on their PC has resolved the problem of missing default applications.

If your default apps are missing and you have a God Mode folder on your computer, deleting it and restarting your device could help restore them. Otherwise, try method # 2 below.

Method 2: Update Your Windows 10

The missing default application and program issue is sometimes caused by a bug that accompanies the installation of certain versions of Windows 10. Simply updating your PC’s Windows 10 operating system could also resolve this issue and restore any missing default applications.

Step 1: Tap the Windows + I short logo to launch the Windows Settings menu.

2nd step: Click on “Update and Security”.

If updates are available, an Updates Available message will appear in the updates section.

Important: Make sure your PC is connected to the Internet before trying the Windows update.

Step 3: Press the Download button to download and install the updates to your PC.

After the download and installation process is complete, your default applications should be restored. If, on the other hand, your operating system is up to date and the default applications are still missing, try the method below.

Method 3: reinstall from Microsoft Store

If there are about one or two missing default applications and the above methods could not restore them to your PC, you can manually reinstall them from the Microsoft Store. Just enter the name of the application in the search box and press the Get button to install it on your computer.

Method 4: Run the troubleshooter for Windows Store apps

The Windows operating system comes with a dedicated troubleshooter to resolve any issues with the default or built-in applications on your computer. Running this troubleshooter could help diagnose, fix, and restore missing default applications on your PC. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press the Windows logo + I keys to launch the Windows Settings menu.

2nd step: In the search area of ​​the Settings menu, enter Windows Store apps and tap on the resulting option (i.e. “ Find and fix issues with Windows Store apps ”).

This launches the Windows Store application troubleshooter.

Step 3: Tap Advanced.

Step 4: Make sure the “Apply repairs automatically” box is checked.

Step 5: Now press Next to run the troubleshooter.

If the missing apps are not restored, try the following method.

Method 5: reinstall all default applications

If you can’t find all of the built-in applications on your PC, you can use Windows PowerShell to restore them all. It is a very simple and effective thing to do.

Step 1: type PowerShell in the Windows search box. Right the Windows PowerShell application in the search result and run as administrator.

2nd step: Type this command in the PowerShell window and press Enter.

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”

This command will start installing the default Windows applications on your computer. Restart your computer after this process is complete.

Note: Windows PowerShell will reinstall the application in the background, and it may take a few minutes.

Method 6: reset your PC

A full or partial reset of your Windows device could also help restore these default apps. This method should however be used as a last resort as you would lose all third party applications on your PC. If you don’t have a problem, reset your computer. Here’s how.

Step 1: Press the Windows logo key + I button on the keyboard to launch the Windows Settings menu.

2nd step: Press “Update and security”.

Step 3: In the left menu, press Recovery.

Step 4: In the “Reset this PC” section, press the Start button.

Note: On the next page, be sure to choose the “Keep my files” option. This secures your data during the reset process.