This App Can’t Run on Your PC” error in Windows 11 or 10 can be frustrating. It prevents you from running programs or processes you need. Don’t panic, the guide below describes rightfully why the error happens and has easy procedures on how to correct it.
Why Does This Error Happen?
This is the error that Windows displays when it believes an application won’t work on your device.It can read:
- Access is denied (you don’t have permission).
- Cross-check with the software publisher (the software is not supported by your system).
- Game error (older games aren’t compatible with new Windows).
- Windows Store error (Microsoft Store app issues).
- Antivirus error (antivirus software prevents the program).
The following are the common causes:
- Incorrect version of app: The app is not supported under your Windows category (e.g., 32-bit app installed on 64-bit computer).
- Old Windows: App updates must be done to make it functional.
- Permission problem: The app needs admin permission to function.
- Harm to system file: Windows files get corrupted.
- Intercept by antivirus: Antivirus applications like Avast or Kaspersky blocks the app.
- Bad installation: The app wasn’t installed correctly.
Let’s repair this step by step. In order to be safe , always save your files first before attempting these repairs.
Easy Ways to Fix the Error
1. Run the App as an Admin
At times, the app requires additional permission to execute. Granting it “admin” permission may work.
How to do it:
- Locate the app’s icon or file in File Explorer.
- Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
- If a pop-up requests permission, click Yes.
- If it does, make it run always as an admin:
- Right-click on the application, go to Properties, and then click on the Compatibility tab.
- Set Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Tip: If this doesn’t work, try the next fix.
Make Sure the App Is Compatible with Your PC
The application might not work if it is made for another version of Windows or PC type (32-bit or 64-bit).
How to do it:
- Verify your PC’s type
- Press Windows + I keys to launch Settings.
- In System > About, verify the System type (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Make sure the app is compatible with your PC’s type. The 64-bit app will not run on a 32-bit PC.
- Go to the app’s site and download a suitable version.
- If the application is old, use compatibility mode:
- Right-click the application, choose Properties, and go to Compatibility.
- Check Run the program in compatibility mode and choose an older Windows (like Windows 7).
- Click OK and Apply, then try to open the app.
Tip: If still not working, the app might need a newer version.
Update Windows and Microsoft Store
Older Windows or Store apps could be the reason behind this error. Updating them could fix it.
How to do it:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click Windows Update > Check for updates.
- Install updates and restart PC.
- Update Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- Click Library > Get updates to refresh Store apps.
- Try opening the app again.
Tip: Check on the app’s website for updates if that does not work.
Reinstall the App
If the app files are corrupted, reinstalling the app will fix the problem.
How to do it:
- Uninstall the app:
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app, click on the three dots, and go to Uninstall.
- You can download the updated version from the app website or Microsoft Store.
- Install and attempt running it.
Tip: Download from a safe place to prevent complications..
Temporarily Disable SmartScreen
Windows SmartScreen may stop the app from running if it perceives it to be unsafe.
How to do it:
- Press Windows + S, type SmartScreen, and click App & browser control.
- Under Check apps and files, click Off.
- If there is a pop-up, press Yes.
- Attempt to open the app.
- Reset SmartScreen back to Warn after trying for safety.
Tip: Turning off SmartScreen can be risky, so turn it back on after.
Repair Damaged System Files
If Windows files get corrupted, applications will not work. You can fix this by using a tool named System File Checker (SFC).
How to do it:
- Press Windows + S, enter cmd, and right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Enter sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Just wait for the scan to finish (might takes a few minutes).
- Restart your device and attempt the app.
Tip: If this doesn’t work, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in Command Prompt and try again.
Make a New Admin Account
Your user account could be the issue. Creating a new one may fix it.
How to do it:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Accounts > Family & other users.
- Click Add account under Other users.
- Make a new account with admin rights.
- Log into the new account and then try out the app.
Tip: If it works, move your files to the new account or fix the old one.
Perform a Clean Boot
Other apps or services might be conflicting with the app. A clean boot starts Windows with minimal settings.
How to do it:
- Windows + R, type in msconfig, and Enter.
- In System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Select the box labeled Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
- Now, Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Uncheck all the startup items, and then exit Task Manager.
- Click OK in System Configuration and restart the PC.
- Test the app..
Tip: If it works, try enabling services and startup items one by one to figure out the problem.
FAQ: “This App Can’t Run on Your PC” Error
Q1: Why does this error happen with Microsoft Store apps?
A: It could be outdated apps or a broken Store cache. Update the Store, reset the app, or reinstall it.
Q2: Can my antivirus cause this?
A: Yes, apps like Avast or Kaspersky might block the app. Turn off the antivirus or add the app to its safe list, then try again.
Q3: What if all apps show this error?
A: If many apps fail, your system files might be broken. Run SFC or DISM scans, or reset Windows as a last step.
Q4: How do I check if my PC is 32-bit or 64-bit?
A: Go to Settings > System > About and look at System type. Make sure the app matches it.
Q5: Can I fix this without resetting Windows?
A: Yes, try running as admin, using compatibility mode, or fixing system files. Resetting Windows is only for when nothing else works.
Q6: Why doesn’t it work after all these steps?
A: The app might not work with your Windows version or PC. Check with the app’s maker for a new version or another option.