How to Fix Apps on a Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

With your Windows 10 device, you may encounter problems trying to use certain installed programs or even Windows Store apps. Sometimes apps won't open after doing an update, or you may encounter an error message or a crash that prevents you from running a program. You may even experience a program that is not willing to launch at all. In this guide, we'll take a look at some steps you can take to resolve many program and app issues.

After each step, feel free to attempt to launch or run the app you've been having issues with. If one of the troubleshooting steps resolves the issue, you can skip ahead to the end of this guide.

Tools You'll Need:

• No extra tools are needed.

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Supplies You'll Need:

• No extra supplies are needed.

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Before You Begin:

No extra instructions.

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2. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse
• Select the Start menu.
  

• 
  
• By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
• Select Power, then select Restart.
  

• Using the Keyboard
• Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
  

• Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
  

• Select Restart, then OK.
  

3. Introduction

Before uninstalling a program, always make sure you have a way to reinstall it afterwards. For certain software, you may need to get the disc or required product key that the software came with in order to be able to reinstall. With many other titles, the software can simply be re-downloaded from a website, or re-acquired from the Windows Store.

Sometimes, uninstalling software can remove custom settings or documents. While it isn't common to see data or documents removed, it is recommended that you back up your data before proceeding.

4. Uninstall an App

You may need to remove an app because you need the space or simply don't need it anymore. The following steps show you how to easily remove an app.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
   

1. Select Apps.
   

1. Select Apps & features on the left.
   

1. Select an app you want to uninstall, then select Uninstall.
   

1. 
   
2. Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
3. Some applications may require that you reboot.

5. Install an App

If you are unsure of how to obtain a program's installation files, contact the software's manufacturer and then continue forward with this guide.

1. To install an App you need to obtain a copy of the installer. This can be obtained from:
2. CD or DVD (if the software in question came with one - not applicable to machines that do not have disc drives)
3. Microsoft App store
4. Website - HumbleBundle, Amazon, Software developer's website, etc.
5. Digital Distribution Platform - Steam, Origin, etc.
6. Once you have access, run the installer.
7. If you use a disc, insert it into the machine's disc drive and wait for the Auto run prompt to come up. If not, then open the contents of the CD in Windows 10 and look for files named as "Autorun", "Autoplay", "Install.exe", or "Setup.exe"
8. Once installation has been completed, your app should be ready to launch.

6. System Restore

Turning the system off while System Restore is running can cause corruption. If your device is battery-operated, connect it to a power outlet first as System Restore may take time and should not be interrupted.

System restore will remove any programs installed and settings made after the selected date.

1. Open the Start Menu, type "rstrui" in the search box and then click rstrui.
   

1. System Restore will open. Click Next.
   

1. Select a date before the issue started, you may see more than 1 restore point. Click Next afterwards.
   

1. Confirm your restore point by clicking Finish. Click Back if you wish to change the restore point.
   

1. The process will take some time to finish. The system will also reboot shortly.

7. Reset WIndows

Performing a Windows 10 Reset keeps your personal files, settings, and apps that came installed on your machine in-tact.

For portable devices: Before proceeding with a Reset, make sure the device is connected to a power outlet to avoid power loss during the reset process.

1. Open the Start Menu, and select the Settings icon.
   

1. Scroll down and select Update & Security.
   

1. Select Recovery.
   

1. Click Get started under Reset this PC.
   

1. Select Keep my files.
   

1. Take note of any apps that will need to be reinstalled. Click 'Next'.
   

1. If prompted with a Warning, click 'Next'.
   

1. At this point, the system is ready to be reset. This process may take quite a while, and the system will automatically restart when needed. Click Reset when ready.
   

1. Windows 10 will start the reset process and may reboot several times while running. Follow any on-screen instructions that may require your attention.
   

1. Once the process is complete, you may use your system again.

8. What's next?