Check for corrupted system files

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 25 views

Can't Re-open Window or Make Changes to Settings on Windows: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Are you experiencing issues with your Windows settings window, where you can't re-open it or make changes to settings? You're not alone. Many users have reported this problem, and it can be frustrating, especially when you need to make important changes to your system settings. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes of this issue and provide you with troubleshooting steps and solutions to resolve the problem.

When you minimize the settings window on Windows, it becomes impossible to re-open it by clicking on its icon in the taskbar. Mousing over the icon shows a transparent, empty window, indicating that the window is not responding. This behavior is not limited to the settings window; it can occur with other windows as well.

Closing and Re-opening the App

One possible solution to this issue is to close and re-open the app. This simple step can often resolve the problem and allow you to make changes to your settings again. However, this is not a permanent fix, and the issue may recur when you toggle the "re-open this window" option to off.

The "Re-open this window" Option

The "re-open this window" option is a feature that allows you to re-open a window that has been minimized or closed. However, when you toggle this option to off, it can cause issues with the settings window, making it impossible to re-open or make changes to settings. This option is not a permanent solution, and closing and re-opening the app can often resolve the problem.

Settings Impossibility

When the settings window is not responding, it becomes impossible to make changes to settings. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to make important changes to your system settings. The issue is not limited to the settings window; it can occur with other windows as well.

There are several possible causes of this issue, including:

Corrupted system files: Corrupted system files can cause issues with the settings window, making it impossible to re-open or make changes to settings.
Conflicting software: Conflicting software can cause issues with the settings window, making it impossible to re-open or make changes to settings.
Outdated drivers: Outdated drivers can cause issues with the settings window, making it impossible to re-open or make changes to settings.
Malware or viruses: Malware or viruses can cause issues with the settings window, making it impossible to re-open or make changes to settings.

To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

Close and re-open the app: Close and re-open the app to see if it resolves the issue.
Check for corrupted system files: Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to check for corrupted system files.
Update drivers: Update your drivers to the latest version.
Scan for malware or viruses: Scan your system for malware or viruses using an anti-virus software.
Reset settings: Reset your settings to their default values.

If the troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, try the following solutions:

Re-register the settings app: Re-register the settings app using the following command: powershell -Command "Add-Type -AssemblyName Microsoft.VisualBasic; [Microsoft.VisualBasic.Interaction]::AppActivate('Settings'); [Microsoft.VisualBasic.Interaction]::AppActivate('Settings');"
Reset Windows Update components: Reset Windows Update components using the following command: net stop wuauserv && net stop cryptSvc && wuauserv.exe && cryptSvc.exe && net start wuauserv && net start cryptSvc
Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool: Run the SFC tool to check for corrupted system files.
Run the DISM tool: Run the DISM tool to check for corrupted system files.
Reinstall the settings app: Reinstall the settings app using the following command: powershell -Command "Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.WindowsSettings | Remove-AppxPackage"

The issue of not being able to re-open the settings window or make changes to settings on Windows can be frustrating, especially when you need to make important changes to your system settings. By following the troubleshooting steps and solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and make changes to your settings again. Remember to always keep your system up-to-date and scan for malware or viruses regularly to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
Can't Re-open Window or Make Changes to Settings on Windows: Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the issue of not being able to re-open the settings window or make changes to settings on Windows. We provided troubleshooting steps and solutions to resolve the problem. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What causes the settings window to become unresponsive?

A: The settings window can become unresponsive due to various reasons, including corrupted system files, conflicting software, outdated drivers, and malware or viruses.

Q: How do I know if my system files are corrupted?

A: You can check for corrupted system files by running the System File Checker (SFC) tool. To do this, follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command: sfc /scannow
Press Enter to run the scan.

Q: What is the "re-open this window" option, and how does it affect the settings window?

A: The "re-open this window" option is a feature that allows you to re-open a window that has been minimized or closed. However, when you toggle this option to off, it can cause issues with the settings window, making it impossible to re-open or make changes to settings.

Q: Can I reset my settings to their default values?

A: Yes, you can reset your settings to their default values. To do this, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app.
Click on the "System" icon.
Click on the "About" tab.
Click on the "Reset" button.

Q: How do I update my drivers to the latest version?

A: To update your drivers to the latest version, follow these steps:

Open the Device Manager.
Expand the category of the device you want to update.
Right-click on the device and select "Update driver."
Follow the prompts to update the driver.

Q: Can I reinstall the settings app?

A: Yes, you can reinstall the settings app. To do this, follow these steps:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following command: powershell -Command "Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.WindowsSettings | Remove-AppxPackage"
Press Enter to remove the app.
Type the following command: powershell -Command "Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.WindowsSettings | Install-AppxPackage"
Press Enter to reinstall the app.

Q: What if none of the troubleshooting steps and solutions work?

A: If none of the troubleshooting steps and solutions work, it's possible that the issue is more complex and requires professional assistance. In this case, you may want to contact Microsoft support or a professional IT technician for further assistance.

We hope this Q&A article has provided you with the information you need to resolve the issue of not being able to re-open the settings window or make changes to settings on Windows. Remember to always keep your system up-to-date and scan for malware or viruses regularly to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.