16 Ways to Fix Pinterest Not Working on Windows 11 24H2

Whether you want to explore eye-catching photos and videos or wish to catch up with some out-of-the-box ideas, Pinterest will live up to your expectations with aplomb. That’s the reason why we can’t help but adore this noted social networking platform. Depending on your needs, you can use this platform via the fully optimized app or access it through your favorite browser – at your own pace. For all being pretty intuitive, it goes out of track and tends to throw unexpected tantrums once in a while. Keeping this very reason in mind, I’ve jotted down the 16 best tips and tricks to fix Pinterest not working on Windows 11 like a pro. Read on…

Best Tips & Tricks Fix Pinterest Not Working on Windows 11

So, what makes the Pinterest app to ill-function on your Windows PC? Having been on the receiving end of this issue a few times, I can easily pinpoint the culprits that trigger it.

  • Internet Connection
  • Outdated App
  • Browser Cache
  • Corrupt Cookies
  • VPN Interference
  • Firewall Settings
  • Compatibility Mode
  • Account Glitch
  • Server Outage
  • App Permissions

On most occasions, you can overcome this hurdle by fixing your sluggish internet connection, taking control of your greedy VPN, or getting rid of the unruly security shield. And that’s precisely what I’m going to break down in this troubleshooting guide.

1. Check Internet Connection

Bear in mind that a below-par or unstable internet connection can hurt the functionality of Pinterest and prevent it from loading up.

  • Therefore, make sure your Windows device is connected to a strong and stable internet connection.
  • If there is a minor glitch hurting your Wi-Fi connection, you can resolve it by turning off/on Wi-Fi and restarting your router.
Disable or enable Wi Fi on Windows

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Always keep an eye on the corrupted cache or outdated cookies as they could also be interfering with website functionality.

  • In Chrome/Edge, head over to the Menu at the top right > Settings > navigate to Privacy and Security, then clear browsing data, including cache and cookies.
  • After that, restart the browser and try accessing Pinterest again.
Clear edge cache

3. Update the Browser to the Latest Version

Outdated browsers may not support the latest web technologies used by Pinterest.

  • Launch Chrome/Edge > Click on the triple-dot icon at the top-right > head over to the help section.
  • Choose “About Google Chrome/About Microsoft Edge” to check for updates > install any available updates and restart the browser.
Update Google Chrome on Windows PC

4. Disable Browser Extensions

Some browser extensions, especially ad blockers or privacy tools, can interfere with website functionality.

  • Open the Chrome/Edge browser and head into the Extensions section.
  • After that, temporarily disable all extensions and get rid of the useless ones.
  • Then, relaunch the browser.
  • If Pinterest works, enable the extensions one by one to find the problematic one.

5. Try a Different Browser

Compatibility issues with a specific browser might be causing the problem.

  • Open Pinterest in an alternative browser like Chrome, or Firefox to see if the issue persists.
  • If the social networking platform is able to load up and work without any glitches at all, your browser is at fault.

6. Check Pinterest Server Status

Pinterest servers may be down, causing connectivity issues.

  • Visit websites like Downdetector to check if Pinterest is experiencing an outage. If so, wait for Pinterest to resolve the issue.

7. Disable VPN or Proxy

It’s worth pointing out that VPNs or proxies can cause regional restrictions or connectivity issues. Therefore, turn it off to ward off unwanted interference.

  • On your device, go to the Settings app > Internet & network > VPN/Proxy and turn it off.
Network and internet section on Windows 11

8. Flush DNS Cache

An outdated DNS cache can trigger a hell lot of connectivity issues, which might be causing Pinterest to malfunction.

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator > run the command and then relaunch the browser.
ipconfig /flushdns

9. Reset Network Settings

If your PC is embroiled in stubborn network-related glitches, resetting the network settings may work in flushing out the culprits and restoring the full functionality of Pinterest.

  • On your Windows 11 device, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Restart your PC after resetting.
Reset Network on Windows 11

10. Disable Hardware Acceleration

For all being so helpful for boosting performance, hardware acceleration is often at the heart of unexpected issues.

  • Open your Chrome or Edge browser, click on the menu icon at the top right > Settings > System > disable hardware acceleration, and restart the browser.
Disable hardware acceleration in Chrome on Windows 11

11. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can lead to security certificate errors, preventing Pinterest from loading.

  • On your Windows device, head over to Settings > Time & language > Date & time, and activate the “Set time automatically” option.

12. Clear Windows 11 DNS Cache

A corrupt DNS cache on Windows can cause network-related issues. Restart your PC.

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run: 
ipconfig /releaseipconfig /renew, and ipconfig /flushdns

13. Reset Pinterest App

More often than not, you can bring the malfunctioning Pinterest app back on track by flushing out its cache and cookies. If you haven’t cleaned up this app for a while, there is a decent chance that the malicious cache could be affecting the app.

  • On your Windows device, head straight into the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Find the Pinterest app and hit the triple-dot icon right next to it > Choose Advanced Options.
  • After that, hit the Reset app and confirm to clear the entire cluster of the app’s cache.
  • Then, reboot your PC and relaunch the social networking app.

14. Reinstall the Pinterest App

If you haven’t updated the Pinterest app for ages, there is a decent chance that the outdated version is the crux of the issue.

  • Dive into the Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Locate the Pinterest app and click on the triple-dot icon next to the app.
  • Choose Uninstall in the menu and confirm the deletion.
  • Then, reinstall the social networking app from the Microsoft Store.

15. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows Troubleshooter can go to the root cause of the issue, detect the culprits, and offer the right way to eliminate them.

  • On your Windows 11 device, launch the Settings app > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
  • After that, run the Internet Connections/Windows Store Apps troubleshooters and follow the instructions to fix the detected issues.

16. Disable the Firewall

Can’t bring Pinterest to work on your PC yet? Ensure that your Firewall or antivirus settings are not blocking the path of the social networking platform.

  • On your Windows device, navigate to the Settings app > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection and turn it off.
Firewall settings on Windows 11
  • Now, try launching Pinterest in your browser to find out if the issue is gone. If it has started working, make an exception for the social networking platform inside the Firewall setting.

Wrapping up…

And that’s about it! I hope the Pinterest app has returned to form and so has your pleasing experience of exploring awesome photos and videos. Before setting your sights on a game-changing idea, feel free to let me know the tips that have helped restore the social networking app on your PC.

Posted by
Rashmi Mishra

Founder/CEO: Rashmi Mishra is a new-age entrepreneur and a die-hard tech lover. Though Rashmi has a special liking for iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch, she loves to take the hottest Android smartphones and Windows laptops for a spin. When she is not reading stories that are breaking the Internet, you will find her either crafting designs or fixing lives for good!

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