There are so many Windows error codes out there and “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” is yet another error message you may get on your PC. It affects users on the newest version of the operating system, Windows 10, so it is not an issue that has already been fixed. However, you can fix it yourself, as there are several techniques that I will give you in this article.
What Is This Error?
Before solving it, I think that it’s important for you to first understand this error, as it will help you solve it more effectively; hence the purpose of this section. So the title of this error message is pretty self-explanatory, which is refreshing. Many times error codes will be confusing with a line of code that you have no idea what it means, like Ntkrnlmp or 0xc000007b. It’s nice that for once an error message tells you exactly what is happening, and in this case, whatever app you are trying to run is not running on your PC.
When It Happens
This error will occur when you either just downloaded a new application or updated one that you previously had. It will happen when you try to open it and will display a message like the one shown above. It can happen with really any app, but the ones most commonly reported are iTunes, Lotus SmartSuite, Simple Assembly Explorer, AutoDesk, and Daemon Tools. Therefore, if you are experiencing problems with one of these apps just know that you are not alone.
What Is Causing It?
It’s all good to know the basic of this error but what frustrates people is not knowing what is causing it. There are several possible things that can cause this error, which will be specific to each of the solutions that I list down below. I won’t discuss them now because it’s not really possible to be able to tell what is causing this error before you try the steps. Therefore, let’s start with the solutions, so you can pinpoint what is causing it and how to correct it.
“We had the Windows app store in Windows 8, but one of the big changes in the design of Windows 10 is to make sure that the app store is front and center where our usage is, which is the desktop.” – Satya Nadella
How to Fix It
There are several possible solution techniques that I will get into and they are listed in order of what you should perform them first to last. This is based on two factors; the time it takes and effectiveness. So let’s just get into these solutions. Note that after trying each of these tricks to restart your computer and then try to open up the app again. If the error persists, simply just go to the next solution listed here and repeat until you’ve corrected it.
Trick #1 – Check for Updates/Reinstall Application
This is by far the simplest one and a step that you may have actually already tried. It may not work, but it is definitely worth trying because of how quickly it takes. First, go to the site of the developer of the app and see if there are any updates available. Sometimes this error is caused by a bug within your file and many times developers will be notified of this by people submitting reports or complaints.
If the version of your software is completely up to date and you are still receiving this error then just completely delete the application and then re-download it. I know these steps may be somewhat common sense, but I had to include them. Now onto the more intuitive and creative techniques you probably didn’t think of.
Trick #2 – Create a new administrator account
This solution will correct the error it if is being caused by a problem with your user account. In order to fix this issue, you’ll need to create a new administrator account. If you have no idea what I am talking about, don’t worry. It’s a simple process and I give you all the steps here.
- Open Settings and go to Accounts and then Family & other users.
- Navigate to Other users section and click on Add someone else to this PC.
- Next, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
- Now choose to Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter the name and password for the new administrator account. This can obviously be whatever.
- You should now see this new account available in the Other users section.
- Select this new account and click the Change account type button.
- Choose Administrator from Account type menu and click OK.
Those are the steps for you to create a new administration account. Restart your computer and then sign in with this account and test out the app. If it works, then that was the problem and you’ll want to delete your account and just use the new one. Note that you’ll need to move your personal files and folders to this account, as they won’t automatically be there, but the applications should.
Trick #3 – Disable SmartScreen
SmartScreen is a built-in Windows 10 feature that most people have never heard of or use, but it is constantly running unless you disable it. It is designed to protect you from phishing attacks and malware. Which yes, is good in principle and should be used. However, it has been noted by Microsoft that something SmartScreen is what is responsible for this error, as it will block the application. Therefore, you’ll need to disable it. To disable SmartScreen do the following:
- Press the Windows Key + S and enter smart screen in the search bar. Choose Change SmartScreen settings from the list of results.
- Go to the Security section and locate Windows SmartScreen.
- Click on Change settings and then select Do not do anything (turn off Windows SmartScreen). Click OK to save changes.
Generally, you’ll want SmartScreen to run most of the time, but if this works then it’s apparent that’s the issue with this particular app. This is a good short term solution but as far as long term goes, you’ll want to keep it enabled but at the same time use your app. Consider contacting Microsoft or the program developer about this issue and they may be able to fix it.
Trick #4 – Enable App Sideloading
Some apps require sideloading to start up. Therefore you’ll need to enable it. I won’t go into the specifics of what that particular function is, but if you want to learn more about it, I suggest reading this article. To enable app sideloading, do the following:
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- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Update & Security section.
- Go to For developers tab and under Use developer features select Developer mode. That will automatically enable sideloading.
Trick #5 – Make a copy of .exe file you’re trying to run
One final thing you might want to try is creating a copy of that application’s .exe file. There may be an error in its normal file, so doing this has been proven to get rid of this error.
To do that, just select the .exe file of the application you’re trying to run and use Ctrl + C (copy) and Ctrl + V (paste) shortcut. You should see a new .exe file available. Try running the newly created .exe file and check if the issue still persists.
From these five tricks, you should find one that works for you. However, in the unusual situation when whatever you try isn’t working, I’d suggest contacting the support for whatever application you are trying to run and then Microsoft support if that still doesn’t help. At least you’ll be able to say you’ve done all of these solutions to the customer support, so they’ll be able to help your quicker.
Summary
Windows 10 is the new and improved PC operating system and it is the most widely used, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its flaws. This error is a perfect example of this, as it can affect any application that you try to download from the Internet. It won’t allow you to open the application which means that you’ll need to fix this error as quickly as possible if you want to use the application any time soon.
I would say that compared to Mac it seems that Windows has more error codes that happen more frequently. I’m not trying to diss PC users, as it is still a great operating system that offers a plethora of features different from others. Just be aware that when using it you may experience some errors occasionally. Don’t panic, though; this errors are all easy to fix and can be done by almost anyone just by following simple instructions. If you get another Windows error or one of any kind, make sure you come back to our site, and in the top right-hand corner, you can search for whatever code you receive.
If you got the error message “This app can’t run on your PC” while using Windows 10, fear not because you’ll be able to fix this problem with solutions that I gave above. I tell people the most is to be patient when going through these steps. It might take you til the fourth solution to fix this error, but it will be well worth it, as you feel as sense of accomplishment and you’ll now be able to use the app.
