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4 Ways to Fix Telegram Desktop Not Opening in Windows 11

Quick Fixes
  • Launch the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter under Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Allow the Telegram Desktop app in the Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Repair or Reset the Telegram Desktop app.

Common Fixes

  • Check Telegram server status – Access Downdetector to check Telegram’s server outage in real time.
  • Launch Telegram as administrator – Right-click the Telegram Desktop app and select Run as administrator.
  • Force-close Telegram Desktop and reopen – Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, right-click Telegram Desktop, and select End Task. Re-open the app.
  • Update the app – Open the Windows Store, search Telegram Desktop, and click Update.

Fix 1: Launch Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter effectively solves issues with Telegram Desktop and other installed applications.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings, click System in the sidebar, and select Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Select Other troubleshooters.

11 other troubleshooting options

Step 3: Scroll down, click Run beside the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter, and wait a few seconds to let it resolve the problem.

12 launch Windows store apps troubleshooter

Fix 2: Enable Background Permissions for Telegram Desktop

By default, Windows 11 power optimizes all installed applications which might restrict the Telegram Desktop app from refreshing. Adjusting the background permissions for the app should resolve the issue.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Installed Apps, and open the associated system setting.

1 Windows search menu

Step 2: Locate Telegram Desktop, right-click the three-dot menu icon, and select Advanced options.

2 configure advanced options

Step 3: Finally, set Background apps permissions to Always.

3 enable background apps permissions

Fix 3: Permit Telegram Desktop in Windows Defender Firewall

If the Windows Defender Firewall restricts Telegram Desktop, the app won’t connect to Telegram servers. Configure the firewall settings manually to permit the app and resolve its not opening issue on Windows 11.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, open Control Panel, and click Windows Defender Firewall.

4 configure Windows Defender Firewall

Step 2: Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall in the left sidebar.

5 allow app through firewall

Step 3: Click Change Settings at the top, enable Telegram Desktop, and select OK.

6 modify firewall settings

Tip: If you can’t find Telegram Desktop in the list, click Allow another app and select the Telegram Desktop shortcut.

Fix 4: Repair or Reset Telegram Desktop

If nothing works, repair or reset the Telegram Desktop app to fix existing issues and restore normalcy.

Step 1: Search Installed apps in the Windows search menu and click the associated system setting.

Step 2: Locate Telegram Desktop, click its three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.

8 Telegram Desktop app settings

Step 3: Scroll down and click Repair. If repairing doesn’t solve the issue, click Reset and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: Resetting the Telegram Desktop app will clear all its data.

9 repair or reset Telegram Desktop app

Alternative: Switch to Telegram Web

If the above-listed methods didn’t solve the Telegram Desktop app not opening issue, switch to its lighter web version for an error-free browsing experience.

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Last updated on 02 May, 2024

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