Fix Windows Calculator Not Working

The Windows 10 Calculator app is a popular tool for many users. It offers a range of parts, including standard and scientific calculations, currency conversion, and more. Unfortunately, several users have reported encountering issues with the Calculator app, including malfunctions and failure to start. 

If you are experiencing problems with your calculator, such as freezing, not opening, or other issues, you have come to the right place. This blog will provide answers and solutions to help you fix your calculator in just a few minutes.

Pros of Using the Windows Calculator

• The app features Microsoft’s app theme setting and rounded edges like other Windows 11 applications.
• There is a standard calculator for basic math and an upgraded scientific calculator for more complex math.
• Programmer Mode is a new feature that handles tasks specific to programming and engineering.
• A graphing mode is also included, which lets you visually analyze a graph to identify key features.
• The new calculator features a converter that can flip between more than 100 different units and currencies.

How to Fix Windows Calculator Not Working

Method 1: Re-register Windows 10 apps via PowerShell

Suppose the Calculator app in Windows 10 is not working. In that case, you can repair it by re-registering the Windows 10 apps through PowerShell. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Open the search tool by pressing the ‘Windows + S’ keys on your keyboard and search for “PowerShell.”
2. Select Windows PowerShell by right-clicking on it and selecting “Run as administrator.”
3. If a prompt appears, click Yes to allow PowerShell to change your device.
4. Copy and paste the following script into PowerShell, then press Enter to run the script: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}

Once the Windows 10 apps are re-registered, try using the Calculator app again.

Method 2: Reset the Calculator app from your settings

You can reset the Calculator app directly from the Windows 10 settings if that doesn’t work. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap on the Start menu and choose Settings. Alternatively, use the ‘Windows + I’ keyboard shortcut.
2. Tap on the Apps tile and wait for all your applications to appear on the list.
3. Type “calculator” into the search bar via your keyboard to look for the app.
4. Click on Calculator and select the Advanced options link.
5. Scroll to the “Reset” section, click the Reset option, and wait for the process to end.

Check if the Calculator app is working correctly.

Method 3: Reinstall the Calculator App

If the previous methods didn’t work, you should remove the Calculator app and reinstall it from an official Microsoft installer. Again, this is a straightforward process that can be accomplished as long as you have access to the Microsoft Store.

Here’s how to reinstall the Calculator app:

1. Click the Start menu and choose the “Settings” option. The ‘Windows + I’ keyboard shortcut also works.
2. Click on the Apps tile and wait for your applications to appear on the list. Depending on the number of apps you have installed, this may take some time.
3. Type “calculator” into the search field to locate the app.
4. Click on Calculator and then click on the Uninstall button. Wait for the operation to finish and then exit out of Settings.
5. Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys on your keyboard to bring up the search utility and type in “Microsoft Store.” Then, launch the Microsoft Store app from the search results by clicking on it.
6. Click on the Search button in the window’s top-left corner and type in “calculator.”
7. Select Windows Calculator by Microsoft and click on the Get button.
8. Click the Install option and wait for the app to download and install. You will now be able to use it without any issues.

Method 4: End the RuntimeBroker.exe Process

If you’re experiencing issues with the Calculator app, it may be caused by background processes like the Runtime Broker (RuntimeBroker.exe). Here’s how you can try ending this process to see if it resolves the issue:

1. Right-click on any space in your taskbar and select Task Manager. Alternatively, you can use the ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager.
2. If your Task Manager opens in compact mode, click on the More details button in the bottom-left corner to expand the window to full view.
3. Make sure you’re on the “Processes” tab and scroll down until you find an instance of “Runtime Broker.” Note that there may be multiple instances, but don’t worry.
4. Right-click on Runtime Broker and select End task. If there are multiple instances, be sure to repeat this step for each one.
5. Once you’ve ended all instances of the Runtime Broker process, check if you can use the Calculator app without issues.

Method 5: Run SFC Command

The System File Checker is a Windows utility that scans for corrupt system files and attempts to repair them. To run the SFC command, follow these steps:

1. On your system, search and launch the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
2. Type this command and hit the Enter key: sfc/scannow.
3. The scanning would start, and it would take some time to complete depending on your system configuration.
4. After the scan, if it found any problem, the solution would be automatically applied.
5. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your system.

Method 6: Run DISM Command

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a Windows utility that can be used to repair system files.

Here is how to run the DISM command:

1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
2. Type the following command and press the enter key: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. The scan would take some time to finish.
4. After the scan is completed, restart the device.

Method 7: Create a new user account

Suppose all the previous methods fail to fix the Calculator app issue. In that case, you can create a new user account and check if the problem persists. This is because sometimes the problem may be specific to your user account.

Let’s see the steps to create a new user account in Windows 11:

1. Click the Start menu and choose the “Settings” option. The ‘Windows + I’ keyboard shortcut can also be used. 
2. Tap on the Accounts tile.
3. Switch to the Family & other users tab using the panel navigation on the left side.
4. Scroll down and click on the Add someone else to this PC button.
5. Select the option to create a new user account without a Microsoft account.
6. Type in a username and password (optional) and click Next.
7. Once the new user account is created, log in to the latest version and check if the Calculator app is working correctly.

Final Words

In conclusion, fixing the Calculator app not working issue in Windows can be frustrating. Still, there are several methods you can use to solve the problem. Each method has unique advantages and disadvantages, from resetting the app to reinstalling it or using PowerShell to re-register the Windows apps.

The method you choose to fix the Calculator app will depend on the underlying cause of the issue. Still, these methods should help you get the app running again. Remember to test the app after each technique to ensure it works correctly.

Peter Brown

Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.