Fix: Windows 11 Settings App Crashes or Closes When Changing Options

If the Settings app in your Windows 11 device closes automatically or crashes when you try to change some options or open a particular page, this article will help you in fixing the crashing issue.

Recently I faced this strange issue in my Windows 11 computer. Whenever I tried to change privacy settings such as turning on/off contacts permissions, the Settings app crashed and closed automatically.

The Settings app crashing problem might occur many times in a Windows 11 device. For example, it might crash when you are trying to open any specific page such as power or battery settings, etc. Sometimes it might crash while turning on/off toggle options as it was happening in my device.

Following animated image shows the Settings app closing while enabling/disabling contacts access permission in Windows 11:

Most of the times, the Settings app crashing issue occurs due to corrupted or missing Registry keys or system files. We can resolve the issue by using various methods such as resetting Settings app, system files repair or a complete system repair.

Here are a few working solutions which can be followed to fix Settings app crashing problem in Windows 11 operating system:

SOLUTION 1: Enable Sensor Service Using Services Manager in Windows 11

It was a known issue in previous Windows 11 builds when many users were facing Settings app crashing issue while trying to access or change power and battery options. Enabling Sensor service fixed the issue for users.

So first of all, make sure Sensor service is enabled and running in your device with the help of following steps:

STEP 1: Press WIN+R keys together to launch RUN dialog box. Now type services.msc and press Enter. It’ll open Services Manager.

STEP 2: In right-side pane, scroll down and look for Sensor Service.

STEP 3: Double-click on Sensor Service and select “Automatic” option from the “Startup type” drop-down box.

STEP 4: Click on Start button given under Service status option to immediately start the service.

Apply the changes and now try to access Settings app and it should no longer crash.

SOLUTION 2: Reset or Repair the Settings App in Windows 11

You can also try to repair or reset the Settings app which should fix the crashing issue. We’ll use a hidden secret trick to repair/reset the Settings app which we shared long time back in following article:

[Fun Tip] Reset Windows 10 Settings App Using Settings App Itself

Following steps will help you in repairing or resetting Settings app in Windows 11 devices:

STEP 1: Open Start Menu and type Settings in search box.

The Start Menu will show Settings app information in search results. Click on App Settings option given under Settings app information.

STEP 2: It’ll open Settings app information page in a new window. Scroll down and you’ll see 2 buttons to repair and reset the Settings app just like any other built-in or native app.

First try the repair option. If it doesn’t solve Settings app crashing issue, you can try the Reset option.

It should permanently fix the crashing issue in Settings app.

SOLUTION 3: Try SFC /SCANNOW Command to Repair Corrupt System Files

SFC (System File Checker) is a built-in system file repair tool which comes bundled with all Windows versions. We can use this tool to automatically detect and restore corrupt or missing system files.

You can use SFC tool to repair the Settings app to fix the crashing issue.

STEP 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator using any method given in this article.

STEP 2: Now type sfc /scannow command and press Enter.

It’ll start system file scan process to search for corrupt or missing system files.

If it finds missing or corrupted system file, it’ll automatically restore the default or fresh copy of the file.

The file scan will take a few seconds to finish and it should fix the Settings app crashing issue in your device.

SOLUTION 4: Repair or Reset Your Windows 11 Device Without Losing Data

This is the final solution which will work 100% and will fix all kind of issues you are facing in your device. There are 2 methods to repair or reset your Windows 11 PC without losing any file or setting.

Check out following exclusive articles to learn the methods in details:

How to Repair or Reinstall Windows 11 Without Losing Files and Settings

[Tip] How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade on Windows

Once you follow these methods, it’ll fix the Settings app crashing issue along with many other problems in your Windows 11 device.

Also Check:

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