How to Fix It When the Windows 10 Calculator Is Not Working

When you want to perform some quick calculations, but the Windows 10 calculator won't open, opens and then immediately closes, or crashes soon after you start using it, you could pull out your phone or rifle through your desk to find another calculator. However, finding out why the Windows 10 calculator went missing and getting it to work again will save you from similar headaches in the future.

Causes of Windows 10 Calculator Not Working

Windows 10 calculator being missing or crashing might be caused by a handful of issues. It could be the result of settings messed up by a recent update. System files that are corrupt or missing might make the calculator glitch. Even something as simple as using the wrong account to log in to the computer could be the culprit.

How to Fix Windows 10 Calculator Missing

Troubleshooting the most common causes of a non-working calculator by using some built-in tools, changing some settings, and perhaps reinstalling some files are your best bet to get it up and running again the way that it should.

1. Run the calculator as an administrator. If the settings for the calculator app are problematic, opening it this way could resolve the issue. If not, continue troubleshooting.

2. Log in to the computer as a different user. If you only have one account set up in Windows, create an additional one, and use the calculator after logging in to the second account.

3. Run the Microsoft Accounts Troubleshooter. Using this tool is especially helpful if the calculator worked in an alternate Windows 10 user account. If the original account settings are corrupt or other issues exist, the troubleshooter could identify and fix these problems. If the calculator is still missing, it is likely a different issue.

4. Run the Apps Troubleshooter in Windows 10. The problem might not have anything to do with your user account and everything to do with the calculator app. Windows 10 includes multiple troubleshooting tools that are tucked away in the settings. Select Windows Store Apps at the bottom of the Troubleshoot window to check for and fix any problems with the calculator (or other apps). If no problems are found, continue troubleshooting.

5. Check for app updates. Although most updates are installed automatically, there's a chance that a new update is available that could fix the Windows 10 calculator.

6. Reset or reinstall the calculator. A convenient reset button exists in the Calculator section of the Window 10 Apps & Features settings. If resetting it doesn't do the trick, uninstall the existing software and reinstall a fresh version of the calculator app. After reinstallation, the calculator should open. If not, it is time to dig deeper.

7. Run a System File Checker scan. The tool scans a computer to locate corrupted or incorrect protected system files and replaces those files with the correct Microsoft versions. Reboot and try the calculator again before moving on.

8. Run the sfc /scannow command. This tool inspects important Windows files and replaces any damaged or missing files it finds. After restarting the computer, open the calculator. If it is still missing or crashing, try one more system tool.

9. Use the DISM tool. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM.exe) is a command-line tool that can find and repair any corruption inside the local image. Reboot the computer before continuing.

10. Check for and install available Windows Updates. There might be a known issue with the calculator app for which a service pack or patch provides a solution. If no updates exist or this does not resolve the problem, you have another option.

11. Perform a System Restore. This utility transports the computer to a time and date (of your choosing) when the calculator was working fine. This process undoes the most recent major change to the system, which could have caused the calculator to stop working. You also have the opportunity to restore the system to any other restore points that were created.