How to Fix ‘This App Can’t Run on Your PC’ Error on Windows

Are you frustrated by the dreaded “this app can’t run on your PC” error message when trying to launch an application on your Windows computer? This common issue can occur for various reasons, but don’t worry – there are several solutions you can try to get your app up and running again. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the “this app cant run on your PC” error on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070643 Easily

Check System Requirements

Before attempting any fixes, first ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the application you’re trying to run. Check if your Windows version is compatible (32-bit or 64-bit) and if your computer has enough RAM, storage space, and processing power to handle the app. You can usually find the system requirements on the app’s official website or documentation.

Run as Administrator

Sometimes, apps require administrative privileges to function properly. To run the app with admin rights:

1. Right-click the app’s shortcut or .exe file.
2. Choose “Run as administrator” from the right-click menu.
3. Click “Yes” if User Account Control asks.

If the app launches successfully, you can set it to always run with admin rights by going to its Properties > Compatibility tab and checking “Run this program as an administrator”.

Use Compatibility Mode

Older apps may have trouble running on newer versions of Windows. Compatibility mode allows you to run an app using settings from a previous Windows version. Here’s how:

1. Right-click the app and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Tick the box for “Run this program in compatibility mode for.”
4. Select an earlier Windows version from the dropdown menu.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Launch the app again to see if compatibility mode resolves the issue.

Run Compatibility Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix compatibility issues with apps. To use it:

1. Right-click the problematic app and select Properties.
2. In the Compatibility tab, click “Run compatibility troubleshooter.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and select “Try recommended settings.”
4. Test the app to see if it works properly.

If the troubleshooter doesn’t help, you can try manually adjusting compatibility settings.

Also Read: How to Permanently Disable Remote Desktop on Windows

Update Windows and Drivers

Keeping your Windows OS and device drivers up to date is crucial for maintaining system stability and compatibility. To check for updates:

1. Open the Settings app (Win+I).
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click “Check for updates” and install any updates that are available.

Additionally, visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your hardware components.

Scan for Malware

Malicious software can interfere with app functionality and cause the “this app can’t run on your PC windows 11” error. Run a full system scan using your antivirus program to detect and remove any malware. You can also use Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus:

1. Launch Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click “Scan options” and select “Full scan.”
4. Click “Scan now” to start the scan.

Address any threats found during the scan.

Repair or Reset the App

If the problematic app is from the Microsoft Store, you can try repairing or resetting it:

1. Access Settings and navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
2. Locate the app in the list and click on it.
3. Select “Advanced options.”
4. Under the Reset section, click “Repair.” If that doesn’t work, click “Reset.”

Note that resetting an app will erase its data, so back up any important information first.

Reinstall the App

If none of the above solutions work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic application:

1. Go to Settings and ”select/choose” Apps > Apps & features.
2. Select the app and click Uninstall.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
4. Get the latest version of the app from the official website or your app store.
5. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to install the app, ensuring it’s placed in a location with adequate permissions.

Check for Disk Errors

Corrupted system files or hard drive errors can prevent apps from running correctly. Run a disk check using the CHKDSK command:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter (replace C: with the drive letter of your system drive if it’s different).
3. You may be prompted to schedule the scan for the next reboot. Type Y and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer. The scan will run automatically during startup. This process may take some time, depending on your hard drive’s size.

This will check for and attempt to fix any errors on your hard drive .

Update or Reinstall .NET Framework

Many applications rely on the .NET Framework, a software framework developed by Microsoft. An outdated or corrupted .NET Framework installation can lead to the “this app can’t run on your pc” error. Check for updates or reinstall it:

1. Check for Updates: Open the Control Panel, go to Programs and Features, and then click “View installed updates”. Look for .NET Framework updates and install any pending updates.
2. Reinstall: If updates don’t resolve the issue, you might need to reinstall the .NET Framework. You can download the latest version from the official Microsoft website. Be sure to download the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) to match your system architecture. After downloading, run the installer and follow the instructions. A system restart may be required.

Check for Conflicting Software

Certain software programs might conflict with the application you’re trying to run. Consider temporarily disabling any recently installed programs or antivirus software to see if this resolves the issue. Remember to re-enable them afterward. This is a helpful troubleshooting step, but remember to only disable software temporarily and not permanently unless you’re certain it’s the source of the problem.

Create a New User Account

In some cases, a corrupted user profile can cause application compatibility issues. Creating a new user account can help determine if the problem is specific to your current profile:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click “Add someone else to this PC.”
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up a new user account.
4. Log into the new account and attempt to run the problematic application. If it works, your original user profile may be corrupted, and you might need to transfer your data to the new account.

Perform a System Restore

If the problem started recently, a System Restore might help revert your system to a previous point in time before the error occurred.

1. Type “Create a restore point” in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Click “System Restore”.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point from before the issue began.
4. Restart your computer.

Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) utility scans for and repairs corrupted system files. This can help fix underlying issues that might be causing the “this app can’t run on your pc” error.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
4. Restart your computer.

Consider a Clean Install of Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a clean installation of Windows is the most drastic but sometimes necessary solution. This will wipe your hard drive clean, so be sure to back up all important files before moving forward. Consider this a last resort after exploring all other options.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “this app can’t run on your PC” error and get your applications running smoothly again. Remember to restart your computer after each significant troubleshooting step to ensure changes take effect. If you continue to experience problems, consider seeking further assistance from the application’s support team or a computer technician.