Windows 10 Privacy Settings App Not Opening 

All the apps you can find in Windows’ “Settings” are crucial for it to function properly. The “Privacy” app, in particular, allows you full control over how your data is used. That’s why it can be frustrating if you can’t access this app all of a sudden. And, unfortunately, this can happen rather often, especially in Windows 10. The “Privacy” app either shuts down immediately or it’s greyed out from the get-go. Here’s how to fix the issue of the Windows 10 “Privacy Settings” app not opening.

#1 – Update Your System

An outdated system can sometimes cause issues with the “Privacy” app. Naturally, the solution is to update your system. Here’s how.

Step 1: Click on the “Start” button.

Step 2: Go to “Settings.”

Step 3: Select “Update & Security.”

Step 4: Choose the “Windows Update” on the left side pane.

Step 5: Click on the “Check for Updates” button.

If the scan comes up with a new update, you should follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

#2 – Restart Windows Explorer

The issue with your “Privacy” app doesn’t necessarily have some deep roots. Sometimes, it’s just a temporary bug. If this is the case, restarting Windows Explorer should fix it.

Step 1: Press and hold “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to launch the Task Manager.

Step 2: Go to the “Processes” tab at the top.

Step 3: Scroll down to the “Windows Processes” section.

Step 4: Locate “Windows Explorer” in the list and right-click on it.

Step 5: Select “Restart” from the dropdown menu.

#3 – Run the Troubleshooter

Troubleshooter is a tool in Windows 10 designed to help you solve problems. It might be able to help you out with the “Privacy” app crashing, too. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Click on the “Start” button.

Step 2: Go to “Settings.”

Step 3: Select “Update & Security.”

Step 4: Choose “Troubleshoot” from the side panel.

If you see “Windows Store apps” among the recommended troubleshooters, you should select them and click on “Run the troubleshooter.”

#4 – Run a System File Checker Scan

System File Checker (SFC) is another helpful fix-it tool in Windows. It repairs missing or corrupted system files. And these might be just the thing causing your “Privacy” app issue. Here’s how to run a SFC scan.

Step 1: Type “Command Prompt” in the search box at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Hit “Enter.”

Step 3: In the “Command Prompt” window, type “sfc /scannow”.

Step 4: Hit “Enter” again.

You shouldn’t close the “Command Prompt” window until the scan is 100% complete. If you’re lucky, you’ll receive a message that Windows Resource Protection found the problem and repaired it.

#5 – Switch User Profiles

If you’ve disabled the Administrator account on your Windows, you might not be able to access specific apps. This includes “Settings.” Here’s how to re-enable that account.

Step 1: Type “Command Prompt” in the Search box.

Step 2: Right-click on the “Command Prompt” icon that appears.

Step 3: Select “Run as administrator.”

Step 4: Enter the following command: “net user administrator /active:yes”.

Step 5: Press “Enter.”

Step 6: Restart your PC.

Step 7: Log into your “Administrator” account.

#6 – Re-Register the Settings App Using PowerShell

If nothing is working so far, you’ll have to dig deeper. You’ll have to access core system functions and change them. PowerShell can help you do that. Here’s how to re-register the “Settings” app using this tool.

Step 1: Press “Windows key + X” on your keyboard.

Step 2: Select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the pop-up options.

Step 3: Copy and paste the following command:

“Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}”

Step 4: Hit “Enter.”

Step 5: Copy and paste the second command:

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

Step 6: Press “Enter” again.

Step 7: Restart your PC.

#7 – Reinstall Your System

If none of the fixes for the Windows 10 “Privacy Settings” app not opening work for you, you might have to reinstall your operating system. If you’ve never done this, it’s best to hire an expert.