Locked Windows 10 LTSC/LTSB unclosable 'pick an app' window problem!

[Suvam4549]

Check the screenshot:

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Steps to reproduce the issue:
1. Create a second user account without Administrative privileges.
2. Log onto the non-admin account and get into a situation where Windows 10 pick an app asks for an app from Windows store (Provided you don't have a application with that protocol installed already). (E.g. Open IDM, Then under the 'help' menu, click on 'Tell a friend' in my situation)
3. This window sticks on to the center of the screen with no way to close. It can't even be terminated using Task Manager. If you try to kill the process, it'd say you aren't admin!
Under normal circumstances, it'd just open the Windows store with a search for the protocol (e.g. mailto here). Or on builds without Store, it can be closed without any hassle on ADMIN accounts. The only fix so far is to LOG OUT, then LOG ON again. Not a feasible solution for annoyance so small, right? Please suggest a fix!

 

[Yash Dedhia]

I would say its difficult to find the cause until you deeply research check everything from start.. which i would not prefer i would try restoring your windows where previously it worked fine otherwise just get an updated windows iso from here & do a fresh install to have a clean pc without issues

 

[Cyler]

Based on the window I see, your issue is you don't have a default pop3/mapi mail client installed. Whenever you click on any link in a web page or program that requires email communication, windows try to open the default mail client, and since you don't have any... error message. 2 ways to solve if the above is the case.

1. Install pop3 client (many on net and/or store) and associate in default apps with mapimail
2. Don't click on the mail link.

Hope it helped

 

[Cumulonimbus]

I don't use an email client. I just have my default set to open Chrome and Edge Chromium for my Gmail.

 

[Cyler]

We are talking about 2 different mail triggers here. One that happens within a web page (mailto: link) and one that happens from a program (most often in about help/contact sections).

Windows 10 Pro/Ent has a mail client by default and its a cut-down version of outlook (same as with calendar too). Windows LTSC/LTSB doesn't have a default client for IMAP/POP3 mail and a user must install one if they want to use such function.

Examples of IMAP clients are Thunderbird from Mozilla, eM Client, Outlook (the app), windows mail, etc. The problem the original poster has (I think) is when you click on a mailto link or option and don't have a client set up in associations. One can also set the webmail (Gmail, etc) to be a mailto valid link.

 

[Suvam4549]

do a fresh install to have a clean pc without issues

It's a fresh install bro...

2. Don't click on the mail link.

I know but the bug was the unremovable alert in case of the missing program.. It should vanish by clicking anywhere else on the screen -- that should be the default behavior.... Anyways.. This thread should be closed now. @SiteWizard @vdogeek

 

[Cyler]

Try pressing ESC, it worked for me.

Upon request, the thread is closed.

 

[SiteWizard]

@Suvam4549 thank you for the info
Closing this thread on request from thread starter