Empty promises of seamless user experiences often fade into frustration, especially when Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, both third-party and built-in, start crashing or misbehaving. Reports have circulated about UWP apps encountering significant issues, particularly after a device wakes from Sleep mode. Users find themselves facing app crashes, unexpected closures, and persistent performance hiccups that disrupt their workflows.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the nature of the issues affecting UWP apps on Windows 11, explore potential causes, and provide actionable steps to troubleshoot and restore functionality. Whether you’re dealing with apps like the Clock, Settings, or popular third-party applications, this comprehensive article covers everything you need to know.
UWP Apps Crashing Post-Sleep
Users have reported that after their PCs wake from Sleep mode, multiple UWP apps often crash or become unresponsive shortly after being minimized. This issue is not isolated to a single version of Windows 11; it has been noted across different channels, including the Beta channel with version 22H2 – 22623.1037 and the Stable Channel with version 22621.963. This consistency indicates a pervasive bug that Microsoft has yet to adequately address.
Impact on Usability
The crashes significantly impact usability, preventing users from effectively utilizing the apps they rely on for daily tasks. Whether it’s managing to-do lists, checking the weather, or adjusting system settings, these interruptions can lead to considerable frustration and loss of productivity.
Engage with Microsoft through Feedback Hub
If you encounter these issues, it’s essential to report them through the Windows Feedback Hub. User votes and detailed reports help Microsoft prioritize fixes. If you have video evidence of the app misbehaving, attaching that to your feedback can illustrate the severity of the problem and enhance the chances of a timely resolution.
Troubleshooting Steps for UWP App Issues
While waiting for a definitive fix from Microsoft, users can try the following troubleshooting techniques:
1. Restart UWP Apps
Sometimes, simply restarting the problematic UWP apps can resolve your issues. Close the apps entirely and then relaunch them to see if they function correctly.
2. Update Windows and UWP Applications
Always ensure you’re using the latest version of both Windows and installed applications. Go to:
- Windows Update:
- Click on the Start menu.
- Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click on the three-dot menu and select Downloads and updates > Get updates.
3. Check Focus Assist Settings
Focus Assist is a feature designed to minimize distractions. It can sometimes interfere with app performance by suspending active foreground processes. To disable Focus Assist:
- Open the Start menu and select Settings.
- Choose System and then Focus assist.
- Disable relevant automatic rules, especially during crucial tasks like gaming or specific “Priority only” notifications.
4. Modify App Power Management Settings
App Power Management aims to conserve battery life by managing the behavior of apps running in the background. Here’s how to adjust these settings:
- Open the Start menu, then navigate to Settings.
- Click System and then select Battery.
- Under the Battery saver section, toggle off the automatic activation option below a certain battery level.
- Manage background activity for individual apps by going to Battery usage by app and selecting options that allow apps to run in the background.
Caution: Disabling these settings can lead to reduced battery life and might increase notifications. Consider re-enabling them when not actively using apps.
5. Reset UWP Apps
If specific apps continue to misbehave, resetting them may help:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Find the application, click on it, and select Advanced options.
- Click the Reset button.
6. Reinstall UWP Apps
For apps that still misbehave after all troubleshooting steps, consider uninstalling and reinstalling them:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Locate the misbehaving app and select Uninstall.
- After the app has been removed, reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
7. Use Windows PowerShell to Repair UWP Apps
Advanced users can employ Windows PowerShell to repair or re-register UWP apps.
To re-register all UWP apps:
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or search for PowerShell.
- Enter the command:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} - Press Enter and let the process complete.
8. Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows provides built-in troubleshooters to identify and fix problems automatically. Here’s how to run the troubleshooter for UWP apps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters and run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.
Addressing User Experiences
Gathering testimonials can help build a communal understanding of the issue. Engaging with forums or communities can yield valuable insights into how others are managing similar problems. Share your experiences or reach out for advice to enrich the collective user experience.
Keeping an Eye on Updates
As Microsoft continues working on fixes, staying updated with the latest Windows updates is crucial. Users should regularly check the Windows Update settings and set their systems to receive updates automatically when they are available.
Conclusion
Experiencing UWP apps that refuse to function can be a significant hindrance in the daily use of Windows 11. By understanding the nature of these issues and applying the troubleshooting techniques outlined above, users can restore functionality to their UWP applications. Your feedback is invaluable, so make sure to engage with Microsoft through the Feedback Hub and share your experiences. Let’s work together as a community to navigate these challenges until a permanent solution is rolled out.
By following this guide, Windows 11 users can tackle the frustrating issues surrounding UWP apps and improve their overall experience with the platform.