Introduction
This tech support guide is designed to help users understand how to check the currently running Microsoft Store apps on their Windows system. Sometimes, users may encounter issues where a command in the Start Shell (cmd) finishes immediately after executing an app's shortcut, while the app itself still appears to be running. This guide aims to provide a detailed context on this issue and offer potential solutions.
Understanding Currently Running Apps
Microsoft Store apps are installed and managed through the Microsoft Store platform on Windows. Users can check which apps are currently running by following these steps:
- Press the
Ctrl + Shift + Esckeys to open the Task Manager. - Switch to the
Appstab to view the list of running Microsoft Store apps.
Possible Start App Issue
When a command in the Start Shell finishes immediately after executing an app's shortcut, it may seem that the app isn't starting properly. However, this might not always be the case. Here's a possible explanation:
Cmd Command Finished Immediately
When you type and execute a command in the Start Shell (cmd) followed by the shortcut of a Microsoft Store app, the command may finish executing before the app has a chance to start. This is because the command itself doesn't take long to finish, while the app might still be launching in the background.
Windows App Started
After the command finishes executing, the Windows operating system starts the corresponding Microsoft Store app. This is why the app window may appear shortly after the command prompt closes.
Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing issues with Microsoft Store apps not starting properly, try the following steps:
- Restart the app by clicking on its icon in the Start menu or the Taskbar.
- Check for app updates by opening the Microsoft Store app and clicking on your profile picture. Click on "Downloads and updates" and then "Get updates."
- Reset the app by right-clicking on its icon in the Start menu or the Taskbar and selecting "More > App settings > Advanced options > Reset."
- Reinstall the app by uninstalling it and then downloading and installing it again from the Microsoft Store.
Summary and References
In this guide, we covered the issue of Microsoft Store apps seemingly not starting after executing a command in the Start Shell (cmd). We explained that the app might still be launching in the background, and the command prompt may close before the app window appears. We also provided troubleshooting steps for users experiencing issues with Microsoft Store apps not starting properly.