This problem applies only to Windows 10.
Before you do anything else,start your box.This step often corrects errorswith the operating system.
Try different ways to openSettings.
If that doesnt work, try right-clicking theStart Menuand selectingSettingsfrom the menu.
The keyboard shortcut to the tweaks app isWin+I.
Select theAction Center iconon the taskbar and selectAll Settingsat the bottom of theAction Center.
If any of these methods works, within Windows configs, chooseUpdate & Security>Troubleshoot.
Continue with any of the listed problems that match the problem youre experiencing.
If none of these methods works, try the solutions below.
To scan for missing or corrupted system files,run a system file checkas an administrator.
Within the Command Prompt, executesfc/scannow.
After thesystem file checkcompletes, start your rig and check to see if prefs is working.
Download and spin up the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
You may need administrator permissions to fire off the troubleshooter.
Upgrade an account toadministrator statusif needed.
You’ll need to do this in PowerShell as an administrator.
Press theWindows key + Xand then selectWindows Powershell (Admin).
Restart Windows and check to see if theSettingsapp works.
Log on to your setup using another users login credentials.
double-check the user has administrator rights.
If that account doesn’t encounter problems, create a new account for yourself and delete your original account.
To create the new account, clickSearchand typecmd.
Right-clickCommand Prompt, and selectRun as administrator.
At the command prompt, typenet usernewusername newpassword/add.
(Replacenewusernameandnewuserpasswordwith the actual user name and password you intend.)
Then, sign out of the active account and enter to the new one.
As a last resort, you may need toreinstall Windows 10.
This method erases everything on your hard drive and installs a new copy of Windows.
Correction 1/28/2022: Corrected Step 5 to include information about opening PowerShell as an administrator.
