Cannot Open Settings or Steam now.

If you are unable to access the settings app you are blocked form most of the available troubleshooting methods, the best option is to perform an in-place repair with the Windows 11 ISO to stabilize the Windows installation.

Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

to download the Windows 11 ISO

When the ISO file completes downloading

Disconnect from the Internet

Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

Based on similar Windows 11 issues where Settings and other apps would not open, a practical fix is to re‑register the Settings app and all built‑in apps using PowerShell, then restart.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator
   • Press Windows key + X.
   • Select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Re‑register the Settings app
   • In the PowerShell window, run:

      Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}
   

3. Re‑register all built‑in apps
   • In the same PowerShell window, run:

      Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
   

   Red error messages may appear during this process; let it complete.
4. Restart the PC
   • After both commands finish, restart the computer and then try opening Settings and Steam again.

If Settings opens after this, Windows Update and other troubleshooters can then be used for any remaining issues.

References:

• Network settings crash settings app, wifi and Ethernet not working or appearing - Microsoft Q&A