Windows cannot find 'ms-settings:'

When you encounter the prompt "Windows cannot find 'ms-settings:'", the system settings page usually cannot open normally. The solution is as follows: 1. Check the integrity of the system file and run the sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth commands as administrator; 2. Reset the default protocol handler, and confirm that the default application of ms-settings is "Settings" in "Default Application By Protocol"; 3. Check whether the registry key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ms-settings exists and is complete, and import the registry backup of the normal system if necessary; 4. Use the system to restore or reinstall the system components, such as through the "Reset this PC" function or finally reinstall the Windows system. The above steps usually solve this problem.

When you encounter the prompt "Windows cannot find 'ms-settings:'", you usually fail to try to open the system settings page (such as triggered by command line, shortcuts, or some third-party software). This problem is common on Windows 10 or Windows 11 systems.

The reasons for this error may be due to system files, abnormal registry configuration, or insufficient user permissions. Below are some common troubleshooting and solutions, you can try it in order.

Check system file integrity

System file corruption can cause many strange problems, including the ms-settings protocol not being recognized. You can use the system's own tools to fix:

• Open a command prompt (run as administrator)
• Enter the following command and press Enter:
  • sfc /scannow
  • If the prompt that the repair is not successful after the scan is completed, run again:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the execution to restart the computer and see if the problem is solved.

Reset the default protocol handler

ms-settings is a URI protocol, similar to http:// or mailto:, which can also cause this problem if the default handler of this protocol is broken.

You can try the following:

• Open "Settings" → "Apps" → "Default Apps"
• Scroll down to find "Default App By Protocol"
• Find ms-settings item, click it, and select the correct default application (usually "Settings")

If you don't see ms-settings , or the option is not available, you may need to use the registry to fix it.

Check if the registry key is normal

The ms-settings protocol relies on specific entries in the registry. If you are familiar with the Registry Editor, you can check whether the following path exists and the content is complete:

 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ms-settings

If the key does not exist or the content is incomplete, you can try to export this registry key from a normal Windows system and import it into the current system.

⚠️Note: There are risks in modifying the registry. Please back up the registry in advance or create a system restore point.

Use system to restore or reinstall system components

If none of the above methods work, you can also consider:

• Fall back to an earlier system restore point
• Use "Reset this computer" in "Settings" → "System" → "Recover" to keep the files but reinstall the system components
• As a last resort, try reinstalling the Windows system

These operations will be more thorough, but also time-consuming. It is recommended to try it after other methods are invalid.

Basically, these are the directions that can be done. Sometimes the problem seems complicated, but in fact it is just a small link that makes mistakes. Patiently investigate step by step, and in most cases it can be solved.

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