Encountering the message “This app can’t run on your PC” when trying to open software in Windows can be frustrating, especially when you’re confident the app is compatible. This error usually appears in a pop-up dialog, offering little explanation beyond suggesting you check with the software publisher. Fortunately, this problem has several known causes, and most of them are relatively easy to fix.
The most common reason for this error is a mismatch between the application architecture and your operating system. For example, trying to run a 64-bit application on a 32-bit version of Windows will result in this error. To verify your system type, go to Settings > System > About, and look for “System type.” If your system is 32-bit, you can only run 32-bit software. If it’s 64-bit, it can run both 32- and 64-bit applications.
Another frequent cause is corrupted or incomplete installer files. If you downloaded the program from the internet and received this error upon execution, try downloading the file again from the official source. Avoid using third-party download sites, as they often bundle software with malware or incompatible installers.
User Account Control (UAC) settings and lack of administrator privileges can also block an app from launching. Right-click the application and choose “Run as administrator.” If this works, consider adjusting UAC settings or modifying the shortcut to always run the program with elevated privileges.
In some cases, Windows SmartScreen may block unknown or unsigned apps. While this is a useful security feature, it can sometimes be overzealous. If you’re confident the file is safe, right-click the app > Properties, and under the “General” tab, look for a checkbox that says “Unblock.” Tick that box, click Apply, then try launching the app again.
Security software can also interfere. Antivirus programs may block execution if they suspect the app is dangerous—even if it’s not. Temporarily disable your antivirus and attempt to run the app again. If it works, add the program to your antivirus exclusion list.
Another fix is to create a new user account and test if the application runs there. Corrupted user profiles can sometimes prevent certain programs from launching. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC. Create a local account, log in, and try launching the app from there.
You should also consider compatibility settings, especially when trying to run older programs. Right-click the app, choose Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab. Enable “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select a previous version of Windows. Windows 10 and 11 are generally backward-compatible, but some legacy software still requires manual tweaking.
In rare cases, group policy or system-wide restrictions could be preventing app execution. This is more common in enterprise environments or shared systems. To check, press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options. Look for “User Account Control: Only elevate executable files that are signed and validated.” If enabled, this can block unsigned apps.
Additionally, corrupted system files can cause this error. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
These commands will scan and repair critical system files and Windows components.
If none of the above steps help, and the issue persists across multiple apps, you may have deeper OS-level corruption. In this case, consider performing a repair install using the Windows Media Creation Tool. This allows you to reinstall Windows over your existing setup without deleting your personal files.
In summary, the “This app can’t run on your PC” error typically stems from architecture mismatch, permission issues, antivirus interference, or system corruption. By methodically testing each possibility—checking your system type, re-downloading the app, adjusting UAC, and scanning for errors—you can resolve the problem in most cases. Always download software from trusted sources and keep your system updated to minimize compatibility issues.
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