How to Reset and Re-register Settings App in Windows 11

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The Settings app is the heartbeat of Windows 11, central to managing everything from user preferences to essential system configurations. Occasionally, however, users may find that this critical application becomes sluggish, unresponsive, or entirely fails to launch. In these instances, resetting or re-registering the Settings app can serve as an effective remedy to restore its functionality. This guide will explore various methods for resetting and re-registering the Settings app in Windows 11, with detailed steps for using PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Settings, and the PSTools utility.

Table of Contents​

1. Introduction to the Settings App
2. Resetting with PowerShell
3. Resetting with Command Prompt (CMD)
4. Resetting Within the Settings App
5. Using PSTools for Resetting
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Conclusion

   Introduction to the Settings App​

   The Settings app in both Windows 11 and Windows 10 is fundamental for managing configurations critical to the functionality and user experience on the operating system. Its capabilities encompass a wide range of settings, including network preferences, system updates, privacy controls, and hardware configurations. When the Settings app misbehaves, users may be unable to access vital functionalities necessary for ensuring their operating system runs smoothly. Common Issues:
   • The Settings app fails to open or becomes unresponsive.
   • Certain settings within the app do not save or revert unexpectedly.
   • The app crashes when specific features are accessed. To mitigate these issues, it can be helpful to reset or re-register the Settings app. Both processes essentially restore the application to its default state without affecting the overall system. Here’s how to navigate these fixes.

     Resetting with PowerShell​

     PowerShell is an advanced command-line tool that can facilitate various administrative tasks within the Windows operating system, including resetting applications.

     Steps to Reset:​

   []Open Windows Terminal:
   • Right-click the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin) to launch it with administrative privileges.
   []Switch to PowerShell:
   • Within Windows Terminal, click the downward arrow next to the tab name and select Windows PowerShell from the dropdown.
   []Execute the Reset Command:
   • Enter the following command:

      Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage

   • Press Enter to execute the command. This action will reset the Settings app effectively. The PowerShell method can be particularly efficient due to its ability to handle system-level commands that may be restricted in other interfaces.

     Resetting with Command Prompt (CMD)​

     If you prefer a more traditional command-line interface, the Command Prompt offers another viable method to reset the Settings app.

     Steps to Reset:​

   []Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Click on the Start menu, type cmd, and right-click the Command Prompt option. Select Run as administrator.
   []Enter the Reset Command:
   • Type the following command:

      powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage"

   • Press Enter. Similar to the PowerShell method, this command will reset and re-register the Settings app. This method is straightforward and can be beneficial for users comfortable with the command line.

     Resetting Within the Settings App​

     For those who prefer not to use command-line tools, the Windows 11 Settings app allows for a direct reset through its user interface.

     Steps to Reset:​

   []Open the Settings App:
   • Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
   []Navigate to Apps:
   • From the left-hand menu, select Apps, then click on Installed apps or Apps & features based on your version.
   []Find and Reset the Settings App:
   • Scroll to locate Settings in the list of installed apps. Click on the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
   • Scroll down to find the Reset button and click it. Confirm any prompts to complete the reset action. This GUI-based method is user-friendly and does not require familiarity with command-line tools, making it accessible for all users.

     Using PSTools for Resetting​

     PSTools, a suite of command-line utilities provided by Microsoft, can be utilized for resetting the Settings app, especially for advanced users or IT professionals managing multiple systems.

     Steps to Reset with PSTools:​

   []Download PSTools:
   • Acquire the PSTools suite from the official Microsoft website and extract it to a directory on your computer.
   []Open PowerShell as Administrator:
   • Right-click on the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
   []Navigate to the PSTools Directory:
   • Type cd followed by the path to the folder where you extracted PSTools. Press Enter.
   []Run the PsExec Command:
   • In the PowerShell window, enter the following command:

      .\PsExec.exe -i -s cmd.exe

   • This opens a Command Prompt window with system-level privileges.
8. Re-register the Settings App:
   • In the new Command Prompt window, type:

      powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage"

   • Press Enter to execute the command. Utilizing PSTools can be particularly beneficial when requirements necessitate higher privilege levels than those available to standard administrator accounts.

     Frequently Asked Questions​

     What if the ‘Reset’ option is greyed out in the Settings app?​

     Ensure you have administrative rights, close the Settings app and try again, or restart your computer to eliminate any lingering processes that may block the reset.

     Can resetting the Settings app affect other installed applications?​

     Resetting the Settings app primarily affects its own settings and configurations. Other applications are not directly impacted; however, global settings made through the app may revert to defaults.

     How can I restore my custom settings after a reset?​

     Post-reset, you will need to manually reapply your configurations. It’s advisable to document your settings beforehand for easy restoration.

     What should I do if resetting doesn’t resolve my issues?​

     Consider employing system repair tools like System File Checker (SFC) or DISM to resolve underlying issues. If problems persist, a full system reset may be warranted.

     Is there a way to back up my Settings app configurations before resetting?​

     Windows does not support direct backups of Settings app configurations. However, creating a system restore point can safeguard your settings across the entire system.

     Does resetting require an internet connection?​

     No, the reset process is entirely local. You do not need internet access to reset the Settings app.

     How often should I reset the Settings app?​

     Resetting should be considered a last resort after other troubleshooting methods have failed. Regular maintenance often suffices to keep the app functioning optimally.

     Conclusion​

     The ability to reset and re-register the Settings app is a valuable skill for Windows 11 users. Whether opting for command-line methods through PowerShell or Command Prompt, utilizing the built-in settings, or leveraging PSTools, restoring the functionality of the Settings app can resolve many common issues and enhance the overall user experience on Windows. By understanding these processes, users can maintain better control over their systems, ensuring that their configurations and preferences are easily managed and accessible. Regular updates and careful management of system settings can mitigate issues before they escalate, keeping your Windows 11 experience smooth and efficient. Source: WinBuzzer How to Reset and Re-Register the Settings App in Windows 11