With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a redesigned setup application. The new Settings app makes it easy to find a particular setting you are looking for.
When you open the Settings app, you will see the System category first. All settings and options are divided into a total of eleven categories. You can click a category name on the left side to see subcategories and settings / options on the right side. There is also a search bar at the top left to quickly find settings.
The settings app in Windows 11 works mostly without problems. That being said, when you switch from the default light mode to dark mode or when you change the wallpaper, it may hang for a few seconds.
Users having problems with the Settings app can reset or repair it. For example, you can reset the Settings app if it won’t open. The Settings app can be reset through Settings or PowerShell.
Below are the two ways to reset the Settings app in Windows 11.
Method 1 of 2
Reset the Settings app in Windows 11
NOTE: Resetting the Settings app erases all data stored in the Settings app.
Step 1: Open the Start menu. At Pinned app section, perform a the right button of the mouse in the Settings app entry and then click the Application Settings option to open the advanced page of the Settings app.
If the Settings app isn’t pinned to the Start menu, you can search for it, the right button of the mouse in your input and click on the Application Settings option.
Step 2: Here, scroll down to see the Restart section. Click the Reset button.
Step 3: When you see the following confirmation, click the Restart to reset the Settings app. Once the reset work is done, the Settings app will close automatically. You can reopen the Settings app.
Note that you can also try the Repair option (present on the same page) if resetting the Settings app doesn’t fix the problem.
Method 2 of 2
Reset Settings App via PowerShell in Windows 11
Step 1: Look for Windows PowerShell. The right button of the mouse on your entry in the search results and then click on the Execute as an administrator option.
Click on the Yes when the User Account Control message appears.
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command and hit the Get into to reset the Settings app.
Get-AppxPackage * windows.immersivecontrolpanel * | Reset-AppxPackage
Tip 1: You can use the Windows + I hotkey to open Settings.
Tip 2: While using the Settings app, use the Alt + left arrow or the backspace key to go back to the previous page / main page.