Fix 1 — Safe Mode
Start PyCharm in Safe Mode
# Start PyCharm with all plugins disabled:
C:\> "C:\Program Files\JetBrains\PyCharm Community Edition 2026.1\bin\pycharm64.exe" --safe-mode
# If it opens in safe mode, a plugin is the problem.
# Disable plugins: Help > Find Action > "Disable all plugins"
Fix 2
Delete PyCharm settings folder
# Close PyCharm completely, then delete settings:
C:\> rmdir /s /q "%APPDATA%\JetBrains\PyCharmCE2026.1"
# This resets all settings. Projects are not affected.
Renaming rather than deleting lets you restore settings if needed: rename the folder to
PyCharmCE2026.1-backup.Other causes
Other reasons PyCharm won't open
PyCharm splash screen appears but freezes
Corrupted index or plugin error
File > Invalidate Caches or delete settings folderPyCharm not opening after Windows update
Windows update changed Java or system settings
Reinstall PyCharm; check Windows Event Viewer for detailsError: Failed to create JVM
Insufficient memory or JVM configuration
Edit %APPDATA%\JetBrains\PyCharmCE2026.1\pycharm64.vmoptions: reduce -Xmx valueFAQ
Not opening questions
pycharm not opening on Windows 11 after update
Windows updates can cause issues with JetBrains IDEs. Try: (1) run PyCharm as administrator, (2) start in Safe Mode, (3) delete the settings folder at %APPDATA%\JetBrains\PyCharmCE2026.1. If still failing, uninstall and reinstall PyCharm.