How to Open a Closed App in Windows

To open an app that is currently closed in Windows, you need to launch it from its location on your computer. This is different from switching between apps that are already running in the background.

Here are the most common ways to open a closed app:

Common Methods to Launch a Closed App

When an application is not running, you can start it using one of these standard Windows methods:

• Using the Start Menu:

  • Click the Start button (usually the Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  • Scroll through the list of apps to find the one you want. They are typically listed alphabetically.
  • Alternatively, use the search bar at the top of the Start Menu (or accessible by pressing Windows key + S) and type the name of the app.
  • Click on the app's icon or name in the results to open it.

• From the Taskbar:

  • If the app is pinned to your taskbar, simply click its icon there.

• Using Desktop Shortcuts:

  • If you have a shortcut for the app on your desktop, double-click its icon to launch it.

• Via File Explorer:

  • Navigate to the app's installation folder using File Explorer (Windows key + E).
  • Find the app's executable file (it often ends with .exe).
  • Double-click the .exe file to run the app.

Accessing Currently Open Apps (Based on References)

The references provided describe a method for interacting with apps that are already running or currently open, rather than launching an app that has been completely shut down. This process involves a specific "Open apps" view or screen, which might be found in certain Windows environments like Tablet mode or custom interfaces.

According to the references:

1. From the Home screen, tap the Open apps icon to display apps that are currently open.
2. From the Open apps screen, tap or click an app to start using that app.

This method does not start a new instance of a closed app. Instead, it allows you to easily switch to or bring forward an app that is already active in the background, similar to using the standard Windows Alt+Tab shortcut or Task View, but accessed via a dedicated icon and screen as described. The "X" mentioned in the references is used to close a running app from this same view.

In summary, to open a closed app, you initiate its launch from its location (Start Menu, Taskbar, etc.). To access an app that is already running (as described in the references), you would use the "Open apps" icon and select the app from the list of currently open applications.