Fix: Windows 10 Action Center Won’t Open

New Windows updated always bring improved features and options to its large base of users and that is probably why they have been able to stay at the top of the operating system market for so long. Each new version of Windows has been simplified and its user interface has been worked on and improved significantly. However, the problem with Windows OS is that error messages you receive are sometimes too annoying and you can’t really know how to fix the problem immediately. However, that is what we are here for so check out the solution for the following issue.

Action Center Fails to Open

Action Center has introduced when Windows XP first came out. It is sort of a notification system you would see on a smartphone and it lets you know what is currently going on with your computer via small popup messages and alerts. You can review these alerts simply by clicking on the Windows Action Center icon which looks similar to a message icon. Users have reported that they are experiencing and issue where they can’t access the Action Center at all or they receive notifications about new actions but when they open it, nothing is there. Let’s find out how to fix this.

Solution 1: Changing the Name of Usrclass.dat File

This first fix is recommended by Microsoft experts and it has helped a lot of people deal with their Action Center problem. Don’t be upset if this one doesn’t work out for you as there are many more you can try.

1. Open up your Run dialog box by clicking the Windows Key + R or by typing run in the Search box.
2. Copy and paste the following text in the box and click OK:

%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows

3. The Windows folder should open so you should look for a file named UsrClass.dat. The easiest way to find is to search for it or to click the “U” button on your keyboard until you find it.
4. Rename it to UsrClass.old.dat.
5. Restart your PC and checker whether the issue persists.

Solution 2: Fix the Issue with Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell main purpose it to automate certain tasks and configure Microsoft’s framework. It contains a command-line shell and it is built using .NET Framework. We’re going to use certain command to fix the Action Center issue.

1. In order to open Windows PowerShell, use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc combination to bring up Windows Task Manager.
2. Select File >> Run new task and type “powershell” in the Open box. Check the box saying “Create this task with administrative privileges” and click OK.
3. When the PowerShell windows opens, copy and paste the following command and click Enter:

Get-AppxPackage | % { Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppxManifest.xml” -verbose }

4. Restart your computer check to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: The Simplest of Them All

The third solution is probably the easiest of them all but, surprisingly, a lot of people claim that is fixed their Action Center issue magically. Try it out, you have nothing to lose!

1. Open Task Manager by clicking Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Locate the Windows Explorer, right-click on the process, and select Restart.
3. The issue should be solved.

Solution 4: Tweaking Taskbar Settings

Users have reported that tweaking certain taskbar settings enabled them to fix this issue easily.

1. Right-click anywhere on your taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. The Settings app should open.
3. Locate the Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode option and disable it.
4. Try to open the Action Center.

Solution 5: Using ShellExView

This unlikely solution actually helped a lot of users. It seems that the cause of their issue was some of the context menu items which caused the Action Center to malfunction. ShellExView is not the only app that will work since you can use any tool which is able to tweak context menu settings.

1. Download ShellExView from Nirsoft’s official site.

1. Open this helpful app and locate the following context menu items: Security & Maintenance.cpl and Windows Management Instrumentation.cpl.
2. Disable them for a couple of seconds and then re-enable them promptly.
3. Save these changes and restart your computer in order to see if the issue remains.

Solution 6: Hard Shut Down

Even though this solution sounds too simple to be effective, a lot of users actually benefited from it and fixed their issue.

1. Hold the Power button long enough to make your PC shut down. Make sure you have closed all programs and applications before hand to make sure you don’t lose your progress.
2. Turn on your PC by clicking the Power button again and see if the problem is solved.

Solution 7: Checking Your Disk and System for Errors

If none of the solutions listed above seem to help, the problem may be with your system files or with your hard disk. Follow the instructions below to fix this.

1. Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the Search box. Right-click on the result and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Copy and paste the following commands one by one.

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

sfc /scannnow

Solution 8: Resetting Your PC

Unfortunately, this may be your last chance of solving this issue but don’t worry because Windows 10 lets you refresh your Windows 10 installation without losing any personal files. Know what most of your apps and installed programs will be deleted so make sure you backup everything vital to you.

1. Open the Settings app by clicking the Windows Key + I simultaneously.
2. Navigate to Update & Security >> Recovery.
3. Under the Reset this PC section, click on the Get started button.
4. Choose the “Keep my files” option.
5. Please be patient until the process finishes and check to see whether the Action Center is finally working properly.