A Mesmerizing Fix for Calculator Not Working in Windows 10

It usually happens mid-task. You are doing VAT figures, budgeting at the kitchen table, or sorting invoices on a rainy Tuesday in Leeds. You click Calculator… and nothing. Or worse, it flashes, then disappears. If you find your calculator not working in windows 10, do not panic. I have seen this happen on many PCs in my time. It is a real pain when you just want to sum up some bits. Most times, it is a quick fix that only takes a few taps. Let’s get your sums back on track with these easy steps.

Why the Calculator App Stops Working in Windows 10

Small apps like the calculator can act up for many reasons. Most times, it is not your fault. Windows 10 is complex. Sometimes a small file gets stuck or an update goes a bit wonky. I often find that the app just needs a quick “nudge” to wake up again.

Most Common Causes

• Corrupted app files: Files can break during a sudden shutdown.
• Windows update conflicts: New patches might clash with old app versions.
• Microsoft Store glitches: The store handles the app’s health and can fail.
• User profile corruption: Your own login settings might be blocking the app.
• Background services: Vital services might not be running as they should.

Symptoms UK Users Report

• App won’t open at all when clicked.
• It opens and then closes in a blink.
• You see a blank white or grey screen.
• You can’t type numbers with your keyboard.

Diagnostic Table – What’s Actually Wrong?

After fixing many Windows machines in offices across the UK, I see clear trends. The issue is rarely a total mystery. This table helps you spot the cause fast.

Symptom	Likely Cause	Difficulty	Time Needed
Won’t open	Corrupted app	Easy	5 mins
Crashes instantly	Update conflict	Medium	10 mins
Blank screen	Store issue	Easy	10 mins
No keyboard input	Profile glitch	Medium	15 mins

First Things to Try (Before Advanced Fixes)

Before you try any big technical moves, start small. Many fixes take less time than making a nice cuppa. I always tell my friends to try the “off and on” trick first.

Restart Your PC

This clears out temporary bugs. It also restarts the services that keep apps running. It is the oldest trick in the book for a reason.

Check for Windows Updates

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click Check for updates. Sometimes a fresh patch fixes the calculator not working in windows 10 bug instantly.

Run the Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in doctor.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Look for Windows Store Apps.
• Run it and let it find the fault for you.

Resetting the Calculator App

Resetting the app is a very safe move. You won’t lose your files or photos. It just wipes the app’s memory and sets it back to “Day One.”

How to Reset Calculator

1. Click Start and go to Settings.
2. Tap on Apps.
3. Find Calculator in the list.
4. Click Advanced options.
5. Hit the Reset button.

When Reset Doesn’t Work

If a reset fails, the files might be too far gone. You might need to delete it and grab a fresh copy from the store.

Reinstalling the Calculator via Microsoft Store

If the app is truly broken, a fresh start is best. This is like getting a brand new calculator from the shop, but it is free.

Steps to Uninstall

• Open your Start menu.
• Find Calculator.
• Right-click it and choose Uninstall.

Reinstall via Microsoft Store

• Open the Microsoft Store app.
• Search for “Windows Calculator“.
• Click Get or Install. This often cures the calculator not working in windows 10 issue for good.

Fixing Calculator Using PowerShell (Advanced)

If the app still refuses to work, we can use a “magic” command. This sounds like tech-talk, but it is just a bit of code. It re-registers the app with the system.

Re-register Calculator Command

Open PowerShell as an Admin. Paste this in:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.WindowsCalculator | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "(_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Common Mistakes

• No Admin rights: You must right-click PowerShell and “Run as Administrator.”
• Typos: It is best to copy and paste the code exactly.
• Patience: Let the process finish before you close the window.

Expert Insight – Why Built-in Apps Fail

Built-in apps are part of the system’s core. When your PC gets a bit messy, these apps are often the first to show cracks. It doesn’t mean your PC is dead. It just means it needs a bit of a tidy-up.

Expert Quote: “Most Windows app failures are about permissions. The app is fine, but Windows has forgotten how to talk to it.” — Mark Wilson, Systems Engineer.

Creating a New User Profile (If Nothing Works)

If the app works on another person’s login, your profile is the problem. This is rare but happens if a setting gets stuck deep in your account.

Steps to Create a New Account

• Go to Settings > Accounts.
• Click Family & other users.
• Add a new local user.
• Log in there and test the app.

It’s Usually a Simple Fix

Most times, your calculator is back in ten minutes. Do not let it spoil your day. Use the reset trick first, and you will likely be fine. Keep your Windows updated and your apps clean.

Final Recommendation

I hope this helps you fix your calculator not working in windows 10 today. It is quite a relief when those buttons finally click again. Just stay calm and go through the steps one by one. If you still have trouble, let me know. I can check for more tech tips for you. 

FAQs