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andyrey's avatar
andyrey
Brass Contributor
Jul 31, 2026

can not start phone link

I was not able to start phone link. I followed the instructions to uninstall it and then install it from the store. I restarted the computer after each step. I went into settings and enabled phone link and set the option to allow to tun on the background and restarted again. when I click on prone link on the application list I get the following 

What do I need to do?

5 Replies

  • andyrey's avatar
    andyrey
    Brass Contributor

    Problem solved. It turned out there were some corrupted files and fixed it with dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth followed by sfc /scannow

  • andyrey's avatar
    andyrey
    Brass Contributor

    The problem is that some of the apps in the library are corrupted. I started a new thread.

  • Riche's avatar
    Riche
    Tin Contributor

    This is the most thorough option. It essentially reinstalls Windows while keeping all your personal files, settings, and apps intact. It's highly effective for fixing corrupted operating system files that can cause this type of issue.

  • The screenshot shows Phone Link failing to launch with “This app can’t open,” so the problem points to the PC app or Store package, not phone pairing. Since reinstalling did not clear it, open Settings > Windows Update, install pending updates, and restart. Then open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates and let Store and Phone Link finish updating. Next go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Phone Link > Advanced options. Select Repair and test; if it still fails, select Reset, restart, and test again. If the message remains, press Windows+R, run wsreset.exe, wait for Microsoft Store to reopen, then return to Library and reinstall Phone Link once. Do not repeat pairing steps until the app opens normally. If it still cannot open, submit the screenshot and Windows build through Feedback Hub and Microsoft Support; the message alone does not identify the damaged package or dependency.

    • andyrey's avatar
      andyrey
      Brass Contributor

      I followed the instructions. When I go to library I see a lot of apps, including phone link, that say “Something went wrong”. I click on “Retry” it starts a download. It downloads some and goes back to something went wrong. If I click on retry again it resumes the download and it downloads another .8 mb or so and then back to something went wrong. It looks like something is wrong with the store. What should I do? By tge way, I checked and I have tons of space on the C drive