Software Easy ~5 min

Application Crashing or Not Opening

Steps to try when an application is crashing, freezing, or will not open.

Application Crashing or Not Opening – Self-Service Guide

Self-service troubleshooting for application crashes and launch failures.

Step 1
Question

What is happening with the application?

Select the option that best describes the problem.

Choose an option

1

Application Not Working – What to Try First

Self-service steps for when an application crashes, freezes, or will not open.

Easy

Step 1 – Force-close and reopen the application

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Task Manager. Find the application in the list, right-click it → End Task. Then reopen the application normally.

Step 2 – Restart your computer

A restart clears temporary issues that cause application crashes. Save any other open work first.

Step 3 – Check for updates

Open the application → check for an "Update" or "Check for Updates" option in the Help or Settings menu. Alternatively, check if Windows Update has any pending updates that could be affecting the application.

Step 4 – Check available disk space

Open File Explorer → right-click C: drive → Properties. If less than 10% free space remains, some applications will crash. Empty the Recycle Bin or contact IT to help free up space.

Step 5 – Note any error messages

If the application shows an error message when it crashes, take a screenshot or note the exact text. This will help IT diagnose the issue faster.

When to contact IT

Contact IT if the application is still not working after the above steps. Please tell IT:

  • The name and version of the application
  • Exactly what happens (crashes immediately, freezes after a few minutes, shows an error, etc.)
  • Any error messages shown
  • Whether this started after a Windows Update or other recent change

If these steps don't resolve your issue, try the tab for an interactive walkthrough.

Before you submit a support ticket

1 Try the tab — it will walk you through the most common fixes for this issue.
2 Check Known Issues to see if this is a reported outage or known problem.
3 Note the exact error message (if any) and take a screenshot if possible.
4 Note when the issue started and whether it affects only you or others too.

AI Ticket Note Generator

Describe your issue and we will draft a clear support ticket

If the issue persists, please submit a support ticket through our ticketing system. Include as much detail as possible to help IT support resolve the issue quickly.

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