Microsoft fixes problem preventing built-in apps from opening on Windows 11

Windows 11 Update Checkforupdate Dark (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

Microsoft fixed an issue that prevented some built-in apps on Windows 11 from opening.
The fix is available for Windows Insiders in the Beta and Release Preview Channels.
The problem is caused by a digital certificate that expired on October 31, 2021.

Microsoft recently released Windows 11 KB5008295 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview and Beta Channels. The update fixes an issue that prevents some built-in apps from opening on Windows 11. The Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Emoji Panel, and several other built-in apps are affected. The update also addresses an issue that prevents the Start menu and Settings app from opening on PCs in S-mode.

The apps won't open because of a digital certificate that expired on October 31, 2021. Microsoft partially mitigated the issue with the KB5006746 update, but the KB5008295 update appears to be a complete fix.

Microsoft shared a blog post detailing the update:

We fixed a known issue that might prevent some users from opening or using certain built-in Windows apps or parts of some built-in apps. This issue occurs because of a Microsoft digital certificate that expired October 31, 2021. This issue might affect the following applications:
Snipping Tool
Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel
Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
Getting started and Tips
We fixed a known issue that prevents the Start menu and Settings app from opening as expected (S-mode only).

The blog post notes that PCs won't show a revised build number or appear as an update in "winver." To make sure that the update has been installed, Insiders can check Settings > Windows Update > Update history.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.