This App Can’t Run On Your PC [22 FIXES 2023]

When launching apps and programs on a Windows computer, you might get the error message “This app can’t run on your PC,” which won’t let you open that particular application. Windows may show this error for several reasons, such as app incompatibility or corrupt files.

Key Takeaways

• “This app can’t run on your PC” error message appears when you try to launch old programs or old Windows 10 or 11 versions.
• The other causes behind this error are corrupted or incorrect system files, outdated Windows, security software interference, or rights limitations.
• You can fix the error by switching the user account to a secondary one or creating a new account and selecting the type administrator to run the programs. Try Windows tools like DISM, ADK, SFC, and Disk Cleanup, or enable Developers mode.

What Is The Error “This App Can’t Run On Your PC”?

If the application you’re trying to run needs a certain set of permissions to work properly, but your user account lacks such permissions, you could get this error. Moreover, your computer’s ability to run apps might need to be improved by corrupt or damaged registry entries.

Users who face the error will see the following message on the screen:

However, this error message has several different iterations. Here are some of them:

• This app can’t run on your PC. Access is denied.
• This app can’t run on your PC. Check with the software publisher.
• This app can’t run on your PC, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, or Avast.
• This app can’t run on your PC batch file.
• This app can’t run on your PC Windows Store error.
• This app can’t run on your PC.

Also Read: Make Sure OneDrive Is Running On Your PC

What Causes The Error

Here are several causes that trigger the error. 

• Incompatible application or driver
• Corrupted system files
• Incorrect file type
• Insufficient permissions
• Outdated Windows version
• Broken or incomplete application installation
• Conflicts with security software

How To Fix This App Cant Run Your PC

The error “This app can’t run on your PC” seems complicated, but you can easily resolve it with the below potential fixes.

Check The App’s Version

The app might only be compatible with your system if you downloaded and installed it after looking at its properties. Let’s say your PC is 64-bit, and you have downloaded an app of a 32-bit version. It won’t be able to run!

Always check for the app version before downloading it to your system to avoid any inconvenience.

If you are unaware of your system’s version, here’s how you can check it:

1. Go to your PC’s Settings.

   

2. Open System and look to the left to choose the About option. You can obtain your machine’s specifications, including the Windows version.

   

Run App As Administrator

The application might have a permission issue if it shows the error. You can resolve the error by launching the app as administrator. 

Here’s how:

1. Go to the app that is not running and right-click on its icon.
2. Click on Run as administrator.
3. When the User Account Control (UAC) asks for the confirmation, hit Yes.

If this fixes the problem and the app runs properly, then tweak the settings.

1. Go to the app and right-click on it.
2. Opt for Properties and open the Compatibility tab.

   

3. Look for the option Run this program as an administrator and click on the checkbox before it.

   

4. Click on Apply to keep this setting for the application permanently.

Run Executable File

Although this is not practical, eliminating an error is more important.

Here’s how to run a copy of an executable file:

1. Go to the application’s files and copy the executable file.
2. You can paste it anywhere, like the desktop.

Now, run that file and see if that makes the app work.

Update Windows Store

A temporary glitch might be causing an issue with the Windows Store app, and it won’t let it run. Updating it will resolve the error.

Here’s how:

1. Open Start and look for Microsoft Store.
2. On the right corner of the screen, look for three dots with a menu inside it. Click on it.
3. Now, from the menu, choose Downloads and Updates.
4. Opt for the option Get updates.

It will update the store, and the system will launch the app.

Run App From Another Account

If you encounter the error, try switching accounts to see if that works. It will resolve any problems with your user account settings. You must have an alternative or secondary account.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your profile and click Sign out.
2. Please choose a different user account and log into it.
3. Find the app that isn’t working and launch it.

If the app runs using the secondary account, your primary account has issues. Delete that account and sign up for a new one if you need more clarification on this problem.

Create A New Administrator Account

You might see the error message “This app can’t run on your PC” when running Windows default apps such as Task Manager. It might be due to any issues with your PC user account. Creating or switching to a different user account can resolve the error.

Here are the steps:

1. Access Windows Settings and jump to Accounts.

   

2. Select the option Family & Other People.

   

3. Now, opt for Adding someone else to this PC.

   

4. Look for the option I need to get this person’s sign-in information and click on it.
5. Go for the option Add a user without a Microsoft account.

   

6. Create an administrator account.
7. Enter username and password.

   

8. You will see the new account as soon as it is created in the Other Users list.
9. Now, choose the option Change account type and the one required.
10. Click on the Administrator and hit OK.

Repair PC’s Registry

The corrupted or damaged registry keys may be to blame if any application is not running on your PC. Manually fixing these files requires technical knowledge to avoid any mistakes.
The best is to use third-party apps like Auslogics Registry Cleaner or CCleaner to fix registry files.

Run Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Windows has a compatibility mechanism that enables you to execute software in a mode compatible with an old version of Windows. You can use Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter to find the appropriate version. You can use it to help you fix the problem by detecting and fixing the app’s incompatibility.

Here’s how to run the compatibility troubleshooter:

1. Right-click on the app icon that is unable to run.
2. Jump to the Properties tab and choose the option Compatibility.

   

3. Opt for the option Run compatibility troubleshooter and click on it.

   

4. Look for the Try recommended settings option and choose it.
    

   

5. To start the application in compatibility mode, go for the option Test the program.
6. If the application is successfully launched, click “Yes, save these settings for this program“. Otherwise, go for the option “No, try again using different settings” unless the app starts working!

Also Check: Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC

You can also run the Windows Programme Compatibility Troubleshooter through Windows settings. 

1. Go to Settings or hit Windows+I as a shortcut to open Settings.
2. Jump to the section Update & Security.

   

3. Now, open Troubleshoot followed by Additional Troubleshooter.

   

4. You will see Find and fix other problems. Look in that list for Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

   

5. Now, run it and follow the steps appearing on the screen.

Scan Viruses/Malware

Not compatibility issues are always a culprit, but a virus can cause the error and stop the app from running. Look for the viruses using built-in Windows scanning tools.

Here’s how to scan your PC:

1. Launch Windows Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security and opt for Windows Security at the left of the screen.

   

3. Select Virus & Threat Protection and hit Quick Scan.

   

4. It will take time to finish scanning your system, so wait patiently.

If the Windows scanner didn’t find anything and you suspected that there’s malware or virus, go for the third-party softwares such as Avast or Malwarebytes 

Run SFC Scan

Another built-in Windows tool is SFC. The System File Checker will find any corrupted or damaged files, and they will be quickly replaced.

Here’s how to run SFC:

1. Go to Windows search and type cmd.
2. You will see the options and open Command Prompt while opting for Run as administrator.
3. Enter the command sfc /scannow in the dialogue window.

   

4. SFC will fix if it finds any corrupt files and prompts a message with the details.

Disk Cleanup Tool

If you use the internet frequently, your computer saves so many junk files and will take up a lot of space, stopping apps from running properly. Cleaning up those files is the best action you can perform using Disk Cleanup.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on Windows search and type disc cleanup.
2. You will see Disk cleanup in the results and need to opt for Run as administrator.
3. When the program opens, choose the files you think are useless.

   

4. You can see how much space you’ll save after selecting the files.
5. Click OK to start the process.

Check Disk Errors

Checking for disc errors can determine the cause behind what is stopping the apps from running on your PC.

Here’s how to perform disk check:

1. Click on the Windows search box and type cmd.
2. Look for Run as administrator under Command Prompt results.
3. Now type the command chkdsk n: /f or chkdsk n: /r in the prompt after replacing n with the drive you want to run the checker for.
4. Once you press Enter, the process of checking the drive will start.

If you are uncomfortable doing it manually, use the reliable Disc-checking software available online, such as Disk Drill or Paragon Partition Manager.

More Error Fixes: Your PC Can’t Project To Another Screen

Use Windows ADK

Windows ADK tool (Assessment and Deployment Kit) helps determine whether the operating system is blocking the app that is not running on your PC. Let’s eliminate the error using this method, but remember that while installing the program, we must add a compatibility component and ensure your PC is getting an internet connection. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Microsoft website and download the correct version of Windows ADK.
2. Now, go to PC downloads, run the exe file and check the option Application Compatibility Tools.
3. When the tool finishes installing, access the application not running on your PC and right-click on its icon.
4. Hit Disable Entry from the menu and attempt to relaunch the application.

If it’s not running, turn off the computer for a while, then restart. Now, launch the app, and the issue will be resolved!

Run Windows DISM Tool

The DISM tool (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans for and fixes issues through the Windows Imaging Format that are stored in the system and cause issues with system files.

Here’s how:

1. Launch the Command Prompt by pressing the shortcut keys Windows+R.
2. Copy this command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth. Paste it in the cmd dialogue box and hit Enter.

   

3. The DISM tool will start the process. Restart the PC as soon as it is done with the scanning and fixing.
4. Launch the app that was triggering an error to see if it is running now.

Enable Developer Mode

If you face the error “This app can’t run on your PC”, Windows Developer Mode will enable you to run it. Even the application is from an unknown source.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to Windows Settings and opt for Update & Security.

   

2. Choose For Developers.

   

3. Look for the option Developer Mode and click on the toggle button to turn it on.

   

Note: If you downloaded the program from a reliable source, only enable the Developer Mode and do not put your PC at risk.

When you activate Developer mode for programs or apps, a feature called Sideload apps will be there. You can also enable it to check if that makes the apps running.

Turn Off Antivirus Software

Sometimes, antivirus programs could be the reason to stop the apps from running. Antivirus software should be temporarily disabled, then try launching that application to see if that solves the problem. If this resolves the issue and the app runs, add it to the antivirus exception list, which won’t stop it from running next time.

Disable SmartScreen

As malware and scams are becoming common, your PC should be properly loaded with the security software. One such app is the SmartScreen tool in Windows 10, which sometimes prevents certain apps from running. Turn it off and launch the app to see if that is why you are getting the error.

Here’s how to disable it:

1. Click on the Windows search and type SmartScreen.
2. Click on the option App & Browser Control.
3. You will see a Windows Defender Security Centre.
4. Go to the Check Apps and Files tab and check off.
5. You will see a pop-up for the administrator approval; click Yes.

Now, try running the application. If it is still not running, revert the settings and enable the Windows SmartScreen option.

Disable VPN/Proxy

VPN or Proxy may prevent some apps from running, so you need to turn off any such software to resolve the error. However, this can put your PC at risk.

If necessary, here’s how to disable a VPN:

1. Access your PC’s Control Panel and opt for the option Internet Options.

   

2. Go to Connections and choose LAN settings.

   

3. Now, search for Use a proxy server for your LAN and click on it.

   

Disable Shell Integration Of Daemon Tool

Disabling Daemon Tools‘ shell integration is another option that might address the issue. The Shell extension manager app is required to perform specific tasks, and you can revert the changes.

Here’s how:

1. Download the Shell Extension Manager setup.

   

2. Go to your PC downloads, and the setup file should be at the start of the downloaded items.
3. Click it for the program’s installation.
4. Find and choose these 3 entries:
   DaemonShellExtDrive Class
   DaemonShellExtImage Class
   Image Catalog
5. After selecting all the entries, go to the top menu, click on File and hit Disable Selected Items.

It must have fixed the error, and the apps start running ultimately.

Reinstall App

You should reinstall the program if you still get the error “This app can’t run on your PC.”

Here’s how to reinstall it:

First, uninstall the application:

1. Go to the Windows settings.
2. Open Apps and jump to Apps & Features.
3. Now, look for the app that is not running. Click on More and then Uninstall.

When the app is uninstalled, clear browser caches before reinstalling. Here’s how:

1. Open the browser and click on More.
2. Click on Clear browsing data.
3. Select a time limit or All time to clear history from the start.
4. Put a tick on the checkboxes in front of the options “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached Images and Files“.
5. Also, uncheck important data such as Passwords to keep them safe.
6. Now click on Clear Data to remove any saved files.

For more details on this method, please read: How To Clear Browser’s Cache?

Next, you need to reinstall the application. Here’s how:

1. Open your browser and go to the application website or website having setups.
2. Download the setup and install it from the downloads folder of your PC.
3. Now, your application will run successfully.

Clean Boot

In the clean boot, Windows starts with only the necessary services and programs to run Windows. It can assist you in figuring out whether a third-party software or service is interfering with running the programs.

Here’s how:

1. Launch the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows+R shortcut key.
2. Type msconfig and Enter.
3. Jump to Services and opt for the option Hide all Microsoft services.
4. Now, click on the Disable all.
5. Move to the taskbar, click on it and opt for Task Manager.
6. Start turning off all the third-party applications from here by selecting one and pressing the Disable button.
7. Now, run the app that was having issues, and if it launches normally, then it must be a third-party program causing the problem.

To get rid of that interfering program, start removing all the ones you have installed recently and check if the program is running or not after the one you have uninstalled to figure out which one is that. Unfortunately, there’s no other way of doing this process!

Update Windows

Updating Windows is another potential solution to the problem. But, before starting the update process, create a backup of your system drives to keep the important data safe. For backups, you can use trusted third-party software such as EaseUS Todo.

Note: It is a reminder that Microsoft often releases Windows updates to enhance operating system stability and address various issues. Consequently, ensure that you are using the most recent OS update.

Let’s move to Windows update. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to System Settings.
2. Jump to Update & Security and look for the available updates.

   

3. Download if you find any updates and install them.