Windows 8 introduced a native, modern Dictionary app that integrated seamlessly with the operating system’s search charm. However, many users experience sudden crashes where the app freezes on launch or closes unexpectedly during a search.
These crashes are usually caused by corrupted local app data, sync errors with your Microsoft account, or outdated system files. You can resolve these issues and restore your app to perfect working order using the troubleshooting steps below. Run the Official Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a built-in tool specifically designed to scan and repair modern app errors. Press the Windows Key + W to open your settings search.
Type Troubleshooting into the search bar and select it from the results. Click on Hardware and Sound. Select Windows Store Apps at the bottom of the list.
Follow the on-screen prompts to automatically detect and apply fixes. Clear the App Cache and Reset Settings
Corrupted temporary files within the app data folder frequently cause instant startup crashes. Resetting the app will clear these files without deleting your personal data. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
A blank Command Prompt window will open; wait a few moments for it to clear your store cache and close automatically. Next, go to your Start screen and open the Dictionary app.
Swipe from the right edge of the screen (or press Windows Key + C) to open the Charms bar.
Click Settings, select Options, and click the Reset App or Clear History button if available. Re-register the Dictionary App via PowerShell
If the app framework files are damaged, you can force Windows to re-register and reinstall the application package through the command line.
Press the Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the power user menu.
Type or paste the following command into the window:Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -NameDictionary* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “\((\)_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Press Enter and wait for the deployment operation to complete. Restart your computer and test the app. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
If the Dictionary app relies on a corrupted system component or universal runtime library, running a system repair scan will replace the broken files. Open Command Prompt (Admin) by pressing Windows Key + X. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan reach 100%.
If errors are found but cannot be fixed, type the following command next:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Reboot your system once the process finishes to finalize the repairs.
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