The Settings app in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is central to managing your system’s configurations, from user preferences to critical system settings. However, sometimes, this app may malfunction, becoming unresponsive or failing to open. When this happens, resetting or re-registering the app can be an effective solution to restore its functionality.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through several methods to reset and re-register the Settings app in Windows 11 or Windows 10. Whether you prefer using PowerShell, Command Prompt, or the built-in settings, we’ve got you covered. Each method is designed to resolve common issues with the Settings app, ensuring that you can regain control over your system’s configurations.
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in Windows 11 as it is in Windows 10. However, bear in mind that we’ll be using screenshots from Windows 11, so your UI may look a little different when navigating the settings app.
How to Reset and Re-Register the Settings App in Windows 11 with PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that allows you to execute advanced administrative tasks, including resetting and re-registering apps in Windows 11.
- Open Windows Terminal
To begin, right-click the Start menu and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” from the context menu. This will open the Windows Terminal with administrative privileges.
- Switch to PowerShell
Within Windows Terminal, click on the down arrow next to the tab name and select “Windows PowerShell” from the dropdown list if no PowerShell window is open already. This switches the terminal to PowerShell mode, which is required for the next steps.
- Execute the Reset Command
Copy and paste the following command into the PowerShell window:
Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage
Press Enter to execute the command. This command will reset the Settings app, effectively re-registering it on your Windows 11 system.
How to Reset and Re-Register the Settings App in Windows 11 with Command Prompt (CMD)
Using Command Prompt is another method for resetting the Settings app in Windows 11. This approach is ideal if you prefer the traditional command-line interface and need an alternative to PowerShell.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Click on the Start menu, type “cmd” into the search bar, and select “Run as administrator” under the Command Prompt option. This opens CMD with the necessary privileges.
- Enter the Reset Command
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage"
Press Enter to run the command. This will reset and re-register the Settings app, similar to the PowerShell method.
How to Reset and Re-Register the Settings App in Windows 11 Within Settings
If you prefer not to use command-line tools, you can reset the Settings app directly from the Windows 11 settings. This method is straightforward and user-friendly.
- Open the Settings App
Click on the Start menu and select “Settings” to open the app.
- Navigate to Apps
In the Settings app, go to “Apps” from the left-hand menu and then select “Installed apps” or “Apps & features” (depending on your exact Windows version).
- Find the Settings App and Reset It
Scroll through the list of installed apps until you find “Settings“. Click on the three dots next to it and select “Advanced options“.
- Reset and Re-Register Settings
In the next screen, scroll down and click the “Reset” button. Confirm when prompted to reset the Settings app.
How to Reset and Re-Register the Settings App in Windows 11 With PSTools
PSTools, a suite of command-line utilities from Microsoft, provides another method to reset the Settings app. This approach is useful for users familiar with advanced system tools. For IT professionals or advanced users managing multiple systems. It runs the required commands with SYSTEM account privileges, which are higher than those of a standard administrator. This can be particularly beneficial if certain operations are restricted even for administrators. The SYSTEM account has access to areas of the system that a normal administrator does not, potentially allowing for a more thorough reset and re-registration.
- Download PSTools
First, download the PSTools suite from the official Microsoft website. Once downloaded, extract the files to a directory on your computer. This directory will be used to run the necessary commands.
- Extract the PSTools Suite
After downloading, locate the PSTools zip file in your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves downloaded files). Right-click on the zip file and select “Extract All“. Choose a destination folder where you want to store the extracted files.
- Copy the PSTools Folder Path
Navigate to the folder where you extracted PSTools. Click on the address bar at the top of the window to highlight the full path, then right-click and select “Copy“. This will copy the folder path to your clipboard for later use.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click on the Start menu and choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)” to open PowerShell with administrative privileges. This step is necessary to ensure that you have the required permissions to run PsExec and other commands.
- Switch to the PSTools Directory
In the PowerShell window, typecdand then paste the folder path you copied earlier. Press Enter. This will change the current directory in PowerShell to the folder containing the PsExec tool.
- Run PsExec Command
In the same PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
.\PsExec.exe -i -s cmd.exe
This command opens a new Command Prompt window with system-level privileges, allowing you to run commands as if you were the system itself.
- Re-register the Settings App
In the new Command Prompt window that opens, type the following command:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage"
Press Enter to execute the command. This will reset and re-register the Settings app on your Windows 11 system.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Resetting the Windows Settings App
What should I do if the ‘Reset’ option is greyed out in the Settings app?
If the ‘Reset’ option is greyed out, ensure you have administrative rights as these are required to perform resets. Close the Settings app completely and retry, or restart your computer to ensure that no lingering processes are preventing the reset.
Can resetting the Settings app affect other installed applications?
Resetting the Settings app will only revert configurations within the app itself to their defaults and won’t directly affect the functionality of other installed applications. However, any system-wide settings adjusted via the Settings app will return to their original states.
After resetting, how do I restore my custom settings?
After a reset, you’ll need to manually reapply any previous configurations you had set up in the Settings app, as this process cannot be automated. It’s a good idea to note down or take screenshots of your customized settings before performing a reset for ease of restoration.
What should I try if resetting the Settings app does not resolve my issues?
If resetting doesn’t fix the problem, consider using system repair tools like System File Checker (SFC) or Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). These tools can fix files that are corrupted and could be causing issues with the Settings app. If these steps fail, a full system reset may be necessary, ensuring you back up important data first.
Can I undo a Settings app reset?
Once the Settings app has been reset, the action is irreversible. You will need to manually set your preferences again. Planning ahead by documenting your settings or creating a restore point before resetting can help restore your system to its previous state if necessary.
Is there a way to back up my Settings app configurations before resetting?
Direct backup of Settings app configurations isn’t supported by Windows. However, creating a system restore point before making significant changes or resets can help safeguard your configurations across the entire system, allowing you to revert the computer to a prior state if needed.
Does resetting the Settings app require an internet connection?
No internet connection is required to reset the Settings app. The process is performed locally on your computer using the Windows operating system’s built-in features.
How often should I reset the Settings app?
Ideally, resetting the Settings app should be a last resort when troubleshooting specific app-related issues. Regular maintenance and updates should suffice to keep the app and system functioning optimally without frequent resets.
What are the signs that might prompt me to reset the Settings app?
You might consider resetting when the app fails to launch, crashes repeatedly, behaves unexpectedly, or when changes in settings don’t seem to take effect after proper configuration.
Can I perform a Settings app reset from Windows Safe Mode?
Yes, you can reset the Settings app while in Safe Mode. This can be useful if a normal mode operation is hindered by errors or software conflicts, as Safe Mode only loads essential programs and drivers.
What PowerShell security settings should I check before running a reset command?
Before running PowerShell scripts, ensure that your execution policy permits it. You can view and set this by running Get-ExecutionPolicy and Set-ExecutionPolicy, respectively, in PowerShell with admin rights. Common policies for script execution are Restricted, AllSigned, RemoteSigned, and Unrestricted.
How long does it typically take to reset the Settings app?
Typically, resetting the Settings app takes only a few seconds to a minute, depending on your system’s performance. If there are underlying issues with your system, it might take slightly longer.
Can resetting the Settings app help improve system performance?
Resetting the Settings app can indirectly improve system performance if misconfigurations in the app are causing resource drains or stability issues, reverting these settings to their defaults might alleviate such problems.
What permissions are needed to reset the Settings app using PowerShell?
Administrator permissions are needed to perform resets via PowerShell. Ensure you launch PowerShell with administrative rights by right-clicking it in the Start menu and selecting Run as administrator.
If the Settings app still malfunctions after a reset, what should be my next steps?
Ensure your system is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, consider performing a more comprehensive system check with troubleshooting tools or seeking assistance from a professional tech support service.
Related: How to Use DISM and SFC to Repair Windows 11 or Windows 10
The SFC tool is a native Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted or missing system files. It’s a straightforward process that can quickly resolve many common issues with Windows 11 and Windows 10. DISM checks and repairs the Windows component store, a repository for system files. In our other guide, we show you how to use the SFC and DISM repair tools in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Related: How to Reset Windows 11 or Windows 10 (Normal or Factory Reset)
If you have a persistent issue with your PC that you have been unable to fix, the best option is to usually to reset your operating system. This will give you the option to keep your files (refresh), remove everything, or perform a factory reset. In our other guide, we show you how to factory reset Windows 11 and Windows 10 using both Advanced Startup Options and the OS’s in-built Settings apps.
Related: How to Reset Windows Update in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Windows Update is an essential feature of Windows 11 that ensures your system stays secure and up to date. However, at times, you may encounter issues where updates fail to install or the update process gets stuck. In our other guide, we show you three different methods for resetting Windows Update in Windows: using the WURESET tool, Command Prompt (CMD), and PowerShell.
