How To Bring Back Missing Default Apps/Programs On Windows 11?

By default, Windows includes a few programs. They are already comes pre-installed in Windows with lots of useful applications to get the basic work done., so you don’t need to manually install them. But what if these default programs are absent from your Windows device? The absence of the default apps can occur for due to several reasons, but it typically occurs appears after installing a newly upgraded build the new OS update.

This issue could also arise if you upgrade from an outdated operating system to a new one. In addition, Additionally, a Windows device problem bug could be the cause of several default apps being absent. This post will demonstrate how to restore Windows 11‘s missing default apps.

How To Bring Back Missing Default Apps On Windows 11?

Try the following workarounds to “Fix Default Apps Missing on Windows 11 PC/Laptop”. 

1. Reinstall Faulty Applications

For the majority of the users, reinstalling the apps should help in recovering the missing apps on Windows 11. Checking to see if the default programs are still installed on your computer should be your first step. To do this, go to the Start menu and run a name-based search for the app.

You’ll need to install it, if you cannot find  if it isn’t listed it listed in the search results. It’s possible that the app’s file is damaged, defective, or has a serious issue bug. Hence,  it if it shows up in the search results but cannot be accessed. You will need to remove the application in this such a situation and then reinstall it through the Microsoft Store app. To do this, take these actions:

Step 1: Select Installed programs from the menu list by pressing Win + X.

Step 2: Find the app you wish to uninstall in the right pane.

Step 3: Once you’ve located it, click the three dots and choose “Uninstall.”

Step 4: Click Uninstall once again if a confirmation popup occurs.

Step 5: Launch the Microsoft Store app after you have removed the program and install it once again. 

2. Install All Default Applications With Powershell

Try reinstalling all of your default programs using Windows PowerShell in case the issue on your device is still present persists on Windows 11. This is the procedure: .

Step 1: In the Start menu, type “PowerShell” to find it.. 

Step 2: The Right-click to choose the Run As Administrator option.  is selected.

Step 3: Select Yes to proceed when UAC is displayed.

Step 4: Type the following command in the PowerShell window:  once you’re there:

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

Step 5: Press Enter to restore the Windows Operating System’s default programs.

Step 6: Please be patient as this task may take some time to finish. Restart your computer and hopefully you will be able after the procedure is finished to return to the default programs.

3. Activate Run The Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

You can try running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter if your default apps aren’t showing up on Windows 11. This built-in tool can assist in resolving issues with apps that aren’t functioning correctly,  or lack certain files or have become inaccessible. The steps below should be followed to run the troubleshooter:

Step 1: Navigate to System Settings.

Step 2: Select the System tab in the left pane.

Step 3: In the right pane, select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Step 4: Next, you need to click the Run button when you’ve scrolled down next to Windows Store Apps.

Step 5: Your PC will be checked by the troubleshooter for any potential problems, and it will attempt an automatic fix. 

You will receive a notification stating that the troubleshooting was successful. 

4. Run DISM Scan And System File Checker

The failure of default apps on Windows could be due to an issue with the system files. It’s recommended to run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans in these situations. Follow these instructions to use these tools:

Step 1: Open the Run command dialogue box by pressing Win + R. 

Step 2: Type “cmd” in the search box and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Step 3: When UAC prompts you, select Yes to launch the command prompt as an administrator.

Step 4: Enter the following command in the Command Prompt CMD window: 

sfc /scannow

Step 5: Be patient as the scan may take some time to complete.

Step 6: Restart your computer and check to see if you can access the default programs. 

Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management command line tool to fix any corrupted system images if the problem persists. Take these actions:

Step 1: As previously mentioned, launch Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Enter the command Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth into the 

command prompt window when it appears..

Step 3: It can take some time to finish the procedure.

Step 4: Restart your computer after using the DISM command to see if the issue is resolved. 

The Final Word

The advice workarounds mentioned above can be used are effective to resolve the the issue if you discover that your “Windows 11 machine lacks the Default Apps” function problem. Reinstalling the missing programs will usually solve the problem for maximum users. However, in some cases you might need to reinstall your operating system if neither none of these fixes works.

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish  troubleshooting advice, tricks, and solutions to resolve common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.