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HomeSystem TutorialWindows Series'This App Can't Run On Your PC' Windows 11 Error - Fixed

Complete guide to fix Windows 11 “This app can’t run on your PC” error

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Key Points

  • "This app can't run on your computer" errors are caused by compatibility issues, corrupted system files, or security settings restrictions.
  • Try reinstalling the app, running as administrator, or updating Windows.
  • If the quick fix does not resolve the issue, perform a clean boot, enable developer mode, run SFC and DISM tools, or temporarily disable SmartScreen.

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The “This app can’t run on your PC” error message on Windows 11 may appear due to the following reasons:

  • Compatibility issues
  • System file corruption
  • Conflict with third-party software
  • Strong security settings

Luckily, I can show you how to fix this problem and get your application running smoothly again.

Let’s start looking for solutions.

Quick Fix

First, try these steps:

  • Reinstall the app: Right-click on the Start menu > Installed Apps > Click on the three dots next to the app > Uninstall > Go to the official website and reinstall Install.
  • Update Windows: Press the Windows key I > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates > to download and install any available updates.

Perform a clean boot

Clean boot starts Windows using only necessary system services and drivers. This way, you can determine if third-party software or background processes are causing the problem. Please follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key R, type msconfig and press Enter to open the system configuration window.

  1. Click on the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable All.

  1. Go to the Launch tab and click to open Task Manager .

  1. In Task Manager, right-click each startup item and select Disable.

  1. Close Task Manager and click OK in the system configuration window.

  1. Restart your computer and check if the application is running properly.

Run the application as administrator

Some applications may require elevated permissions to function correctly. Running it as administrator may resolve permissions related issues. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on the application’s shortcut or executable file.
  2. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.

  1. If User Account Control (UAC) prompts you, click Yes.

Run SFC and DISM scans

Corrupted system files may trigger error messages like “This application can’t run on your PC” on Windows 11. Running SFC and DISM tools can help fix them. Please follow these steps:

  1. Right-click Start Menu and click Terminal (Admin).

  1. In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete and allow SFC to fix any detected issues.

  1. When finished, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

  1. Allows DISM to scan and fix any issues in the system image.

Restart your computer after both scans are completed and try running the application again.

Run the app in compatibility mode

If the program is designed for an older version of Windows, try running it in compatibility mode. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click the application's shortcut or executable file and select Properties.

  1. Go to the Compatibility tab. Check the box next to "Run this program in compatibility mode". From the drop-down menu, select an older version of Windows (for example, Windows 10 or 8).

  1. Click Apply and then OK.

Create a new administrator account

If the issue is related to a corrupted user profile, creating a new administrator account can help resolve the issue. Please follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click Account and select Other User.

  1. Under Other Users, click Add Account.

  1. SelectI don’t have login information for this person.

  1. Select Add users who don’t have a Microsoft account.

  1. Enter the username and password for your new account and click Next.

  1. Once created, select it, click Change Account Type, and select Administrator.

  1. Log out of your current account and log in to a new administrator account.

Try running the app again to confirm if the issue is resolved.

Enable developer mode

Enabling developer mode can help you install apps outside of the Microsoft Store, which may resolve issues with some programs. Here are the steps:

  1. Press Windows I to open the Settings app.
  2. Select System>For Developers.

  1. Toggle the switch to turn on Developer Mode.

  1. Click Yes to confirm the changes.

  1. Restart your computer and try running the application again.

Temporarily disable SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen is a security feature that may prevent some applications from running even if they are secure. Temporarily disabling it may resolve the issue.

  1. Press the Windows key S, type Smart screen, then click under Reputation-based protection settings to open .

  1. CloseCheck Apps and Files and SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge.

  1. Try running the program again.

NOTE: Disabling SmartScreen may expose your computer to potential security risks, so be sure to re-enable it after resolving the issue.

The “This app can’t run on your PC” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but now you know how to deal with it. Before moving on to more complex solutions, try a quick fix first.

Additionally, learn how to fix other Windows 11 issues like blurry screen and inability to create new folders.

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