How to Fix and Restore PC settings and "Change PC settings" in Windows 8.1
Information
This tutorial will show you how to restore PC settings on the Apps screen, and fix the "Change PC settings" link in the Settings charm winkey: + I) in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.
EXAMPLE: "Change PC settings" in Settings charm and PC settings on Apps screen
Here's How:
1. Double check to make sure that access to PC settings has not been disabled.
2. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, copy and paste the path below into Run, and click/tap on OK.
%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
3. Check to see if you have the PC settings (aka: Immersive Control Panel) shortcut. (see screenshot below)
4. Do step 5 or 6 below depending on if you already have the PC settings shortcut.
5. If you do have the PC settings shortcut, then go to step 7 below.
6. If you do not have the PC settings shortcut, then click/tap on the download button below to download the PC_settings.zip file below for a clean copy.
A) Save the .zip file to your desktop.
B) Open the .zip file, extract (drag and drop) the Immersive Control Panel (aka: PC settings) shortcut to your desktop.
C) Move the Immersive Control Panel (aka: PC settings) shortcut into the Programs folder in step 2. (see screenshot below step 3)
D) If prompted, click/tap on Yes, Yes, Continue (UAC), Yes, and Yes to approve. (see screenshots below)
E) Test to see if you are able to open PC settings now.
F) If you are still not able to open PC settings, then go to step 7 below.
G) If you are able to open PC settings now, then you're finished and can stop.
7. Open an elevated command prompt.
A) In the elevated command prompt, copy and paste the command below, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
Code:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRoot\ImmersiveControlPanel\AppxManifest.xml
Note
If you get the 0x8007064A error in quotes below, then it means that the Packages registry key below does not have System set as it's owner. For how, see step 3 in Option Four here. Afterwards, try again.
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppModel\Repository\[COLOR=#ff0000][B]Packages[/B][/COLOR]
error 0x8007064A: Cannot register the request because the following error was encountered while initializing the windows.repositoryExtension extension: The
configuration data for this product is corrupt. Contact your support personnel.
8. Test to see if you are able to open PC settings now.
9. If you are still not able to open PC settings, then see: Fix Store Apps and Tiles that are Not Working or Responding in Windows 8 and 8.1
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
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- How to Restore Missing "Desktop" Tile on Start and Apps Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Restore Modern Internet Explorer on Start and Apps Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1
- How to Restore Missing "Store" Tile on Start and Apps Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1
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