Did your computer display “TWINUI” when you attempted to open a PDF file, an image, or a link? Many other users also encounter the issue, but there is a solution now. In this guide, we will teach you how to fix the TWINUI error in Windows 10.

What Is the TWINUI Bug on Windows 10?

TWINUI is a core component of the Windows Shell that’s always confused for an email client or a PDF reader. It helps to launch applications for opening links and PDFs, but it will appear as the default program for opening files when there is an issue.

TWINUI is possibly an abbreviation for Tablet Windows User Interface. It isn’t easy to accurately decipher what the real name is, and that’s because Microsoft didn’t include the title when it added the program to Windows 8 and newer versions.

The TWINUI library isn’t independent – it’s part of the Windows Shell, and it opens files and links on behalf of other programs. Many users only encounter the error when trying to open a file or connect to a mail protocol; that’s why it’s often mistaken for a PDF reader or an email client.

What Causes the TWINUI Error on Windows 10?

The error occurs because of a corrupted system registry. When this happens, your computer will reset the default app settings to show TWINUI. If this is the case with your Windows PC, we have got you covered with easy solutions.

How to Fix the TWINUI Error in Windows 10

Before we start with the most common solutions, try the quick fixes below. After that, try clicking a link or PDF file to see if the issue has been resolved.

Here are the instructions to follow:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Upgrade your Windows OS if you are not using the latest version suggested by your computer.
  3. Update all the Microsoft Store apps.

Did any of the three quick fixes solve the problem? If no, one of the methods below should help.

Method 1: Reset Apps & File Associations to Their Defaults

If the error occurs, it means your computer has changed the app settings to display TWINUI when you open a link or a file. Restoring the Microsoft-recommended defaults may help to solve the problem at once.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Press the Windows logo + I shortcut to open Settings.Run the Windows app using Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Apps and click it.
  3. Go to Default apps.Select "Default apps" from the Settings menu.
  4. Click Reset.Click on the Reset button.
  5. Restart your computer to complete the action.

Did this resolve the issue? Go to the next method if you still see the error.

Method 2: Use Windows PowerShell

You can re-register UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps on your computer using the Windows PowerShell.

Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Press the Windows logo key + X to open the Power User menu.Open the Power User menu.
  2. Tap the A button on the keyboard to launch Windows PowerShell in admin/elevated mode.
  3. Type the command below into the PowerShell console and press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode – Register “$($ .InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Type Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode - Register "$($ .InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"} into Windows PowerShell.

Restart your computer and try opening a file or clicking a link. Did it work? If not, use the method below to resolve the issue. Hopefully, it will fix the problem at once.

Method 3: Delete the Contents of the Local State Library

It would help if you deleted the contents of the Local State library. Follow the steps below to do that:

  1. Press the Windows logo + R shortcut to open the Run dialog.
  2. Copy the code below and paste it into the Run dialog box and press Enter:

%appdata%\..\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.Photos_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState

  1. When the LocalState window opens, press CTRL + A to select all the items in the folder.
  2. Press the DELETE key on your keyboard.

(Note that it is advisable to copy the files to a folder in case you need to restore them.)

Restart your computer to effect the changes.

Has the issue been resolved now?

Still Unable to Fix the TWINUI Error on Windows 10?

Your Windows registry is likely corrupted if you still see the TWINUI error on your PC. Use a reliable registry cleaner to clear all the corrupt files so that your computer can start functioning properly again.

Auslogics BoostSpeed is a PC optimization tool that also helps to safely remove corrupt keys and invalid entries from the Windows registry. The software can boost your computer’s performance and make it easy to fix the TWINUI error on your PC.

Click Scan to run a full system scan with Auslogics BoostSpeed.

Auslogics BoostSpeed has plenty of other astonishing features; for example, it

  • automatically diagnoses issues on your computer,
  • cleans out junk files,
  • restores system stability,
  • speeds up computer processes,
  • guarantees privacy protection (by eliminating traces of your online activity), and
  • performs scheduled system maintenance.

On a Final Note

If you cannot resolve the TWINUI issue, please reach out to us and describe your problem. Leave a comment if the information in this guide was helpful. Also, it would help if you checked our blog for other useful tips on fixing Windows 10 issues.