15 Best Ways To Fix “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” Issue

When you try to open an app on your PC, does it indicate “This app can’t run on your PC”? This is most likely due to the app’s incompatibility with your computer. Other factors, however, could be at play.

15 Best Ways To Fix "This App Can't Run On Your PC" Issue In Windows

It’s one of the most well-known error messages, and it’s afflicted many Windows 10 customers. This problem can occur in a variety of apps, including default Windows applications, older games, and third-party software for the Windows Operating System.

What Is the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” Issue?

The screen filter error “This app can’t run on your PC” is common among Windows 10 and 8 users. It makes it impossible for users to save harmful programs, web pages, or websites. The filter can become overly sensitive at times, preventing users from accessing essential apps that are expected to be error-free.

The problem can also happen if the user account isn’t set up correctly. The problem has also been reported in files with the.bat or. cmd file extensions.

Why “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” Occurs On Windows?

  • Errors throughout the game: You cannot play some of your favorite games.
  • The system is blocking errors in the Windows Store Some Windows Store applications.
  • Virus protection software: This error can also be caused by anti-virus software.
  • Access has been restricted. If your user account isn’t set up correctly, you’ll get this error. It should be fixed by creating a new administrator account.
  • A batch document In administrator mode, run your batch files. Follow the instructions in our tutorial if the error persists.
  • The error message “Contact the software publisher” is prevalent among Windows users, prohibiting them from utilizing some software items.

Fix “This App Can’t Run On Your Windows 10 PC” Installation Error Message?

Try the solutions below if you’re having problems with the error “this software can’t run on your PC” in Windows 10.

  1. Create A New Administrator Account
  2. Check Whether the PC Is 32-bit or 64-bit
  3. Disable SmartScreen
  4. Update Windows OS
  5. Enable App Side-Loading
  6. Run An SFC Scan
  7. Scan For Malware Or Virus
  8. Repair Your Registry
  9. Disable Proxy Or VPN
  10. Update Windows Store
  11. Clean Temporary Files And Folders
  12. Check Disk For Errors
  13. Clear Browser Cache
  14. Use the Compatibility Troubleshooter
  15. Create Copy Of .Exe File You’re Trying To Run

1. Create A New Administrator Account

When trying to access some of the primary applications in Windows 10, such as Task Manager, the error “This software can’t run on your PC” may display. This could be compelled by a problem with the computer’s user account.

  • To access the Account option, go to Settings and select Account.
Account option
  • Pick Add someone else to this PC from the Family & another person menu.
Add someone else
  • I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, so click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
  • Now select Add a person who does not have a Microsoft account.
  • Fill in the new administrator account’s username and password.
new administrator account's username and password
  • This new account will be listed under Other users. Simply click it and select the Change account type.
  • Select Administrator from the type selection on the pop-out box and click OK.
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

2. Check Whether the PC Is 32-bit or 64-bit

There are two versions of Windows 10: 32-bit and 64-bit. Because your PC is running a 32-bit version of Windows and the software is 64-bit.

  • By tapping the Windows + I keys simultaneously, you may access the Settings app.
  • On the Settings screen, go to System.
  • Select About from the left sidebar by scrolling down.
Check Whether the PC Is 32-bit or 64-bit
  • Look at the System type field in the right-hand window, under Device specs.

If it shows a 32-bit operating system yet your app is 64-bit, you’ll need to upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Your PC manufacturer’s website should be able to tell you if your system supports a 64-bit operating system.

  • If you’re not certain if your app is 32-bit or 64-bit, look for the following information:
  • Select Properties from the menu when you right-click your program.
  • Select the Compatibility tab at the top of the Properties window.
  • Check the box for “Run this program in compatibility mode.”
Run this program in compatibility mode
  • Underneath the checkbox, select the dropdown option. If Windows 95 is at the top of the dropdown menu, your app is 32-bit. 
  • Your app is 64-bit if the dropdown menu starts with Windows Vista.
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

3. Disable SmartScreen

SmartScreen is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that protects you from phishing and malware attacks. According to complaints, this feature might sometimes result in an error “This app can’t run on your PC,” therefore it’s probably best if we turn it off.

  • To open the search box, press Win + S and type SmartScreen.
  • From the search results, select App & browser control.
  • The Security Center of Windows Defender will appear. Then, in the Check apps and files area, select Off.
Disable SmartScreen
 Check apps and files area
  • A tiny popup will appear asking for administrator clearance before proceeding. To proceed, simply click Yes.
  • Reinstall the app that won’t open to determine whether the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue persists with it not running on your PC.

4. Update Windows OS

Windows OS isn’t updated if some of your apps aren’t working on your PC.

  • In the lower-left corner, click on the Windows logo.
  • After that, choose the gear icon.
  • The Settings application will launch. Select Update and Security from the drop-down menu.
  • Check the screen for any suggested updates once you’ve entered Windows Update.
  • Click the Check for Updates button if there are no updates available.
Update Windows OS
  • Windows 10 will check the Microsoft website for the most recent updates, innovations, and patches.
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

5. Enable App Side-Loading

This method is also a viable option for dealing with numerous variations of the “This app can’t run on your PC” issue. When you enable Developer mode for apps or programs, you’ll be able to enable App Side-loading.

This is another viable solution to the “This app can’t run on your PC” issue. When you enable Developer mode for apps or programs, you’ll be able to enable App Side-loading.

  • Go to Start, Settings, Update & Security, and then OK.
  • In the left panel, go to For developers and check the Developer mode option under the Use developer features section.
Enable App Side-Loading
  • App Side-loading will be allowed after Developer mode is activated.
Enable App Side-Loading
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

6. Run An SFC Scan

Corrupt files can cause various problems on your computer, including app failure. It’s challenging to locate and repair faulty files manually, but there is a tool to assist you.

A tool in Windows 10 allows you to detect and repair all faulty files on your computer. While you must type and execute the command, the command will correct the corrupt files. You don’t have to deal with the corrupt files manually.

  • Use the Command Prompt utility on your computer to run the command.
  • Open Command Prompt in the Start menu and choose Run as administrator.
  • In the User Account Control prompt, choose Yes.
  • Write the command into the Command Prompt window that appears and hit Enter:
    • SFC /scannow
Run An SFC Scan
  • Wait for the command to scan and repair your PC’s corrupt files.
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

7. Scan For Malware Or Virus

Even if the software you’re trying to open is entirely acceptable, a virus or malware can cause your PC to display the “This app can’t run on your PC” message. Use Windows’ built-in virus scanner to detect and eliminate viruses and other dangers in this instance.

  • Explore Windows Security in the Start menu and choose it from the results.
  • Select Virus and threat protection from the Windows Security screen.
  • On the next screen, select Scan choices.
  • Pick “Full scan” from the menu, then Scan Now at the bottom.
Scan For Malware Or Virus
  • Wait for your computer’s system to scan and remove numerous threats.
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

8. Repair Your Registry

When your registry is defective or corrupted, it might result in various issues. You can also get an error message, “This software can’t run on your PC on Windows 10.”

Many Windows users have experienced problems with the registry. You’ll need to use a dedicated utility to fix your operating system’s registry. Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

9. Disable Proxy Or VPN

Your proxy or VPN settings may be preventing you from accessing Windows Store.

Disable Proxy

  • Select Control Panel from the Start menu.
  • Go to Connections under Internet Options.
Disable Proxy Or VPN
  • Look for the LAN settings. Uncheck For your LAN, use a proxy server.
use a proxy server
  • Confirm your modifications.

Disable VPN connection

  • Locate the Control Panel tile in your Start Menu and click it.
  • Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center.
  • Find the “Change adapter settings” option in the left pane and click on it.
  • Find the location of your VPN connection. Select Delete with a right-click.
  • Log back into your account and launch the app that isn’t working.
  • Now, check if the “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” issue is solved or not.

10. Update Microsoft Store

If the Windows Store app doesn’t launch on your Windows 10 PC, the current version of the Store may have a temporary problem. Then, to eradicate faults and glitches, the most effective option is to update it right away.

  • To discover and open the Microsoft Store window, go to the Start menu and search for it.
  • Go to Settings in the Microsoft Store from the upper right corner.
app settings
  • To get updates, click the Get updates button.
app settings

11. Clean Temporary Files And Folders

Temporary files can harm your computer. If your system is clogged with them, it will slow down your processing performance and cause various issues.

Clean your temporary files and reinstall the software that gives you the “this app can’t run on your PC” message.

  • Open the Disk Cleanup utility by going to the Start Menu and typing Disk Cleanup.
  • Choose the partition that needs to be cleaned.
Clean Temporary Files And Folders
  • Choose “Clean up system files” from the menu.
Clean up system files

12. Check Disk For Errors

Disk problems are another reason why apps won’t launch on your PC. A disc check can help you find and fix these faults in minutes.

  • You may use Command Prompt in Windows 10 to perform a disc check.
  • Start Command Prompt as administrator, type the command chkdsk C: /f /r, and press Enter. Substitute the letter “C” with the letter of the partition on your hard drive.
Check Disk For Errors
  • If you don’t use the /f parameter, chkdsk will display a notice saying that the file needs to be fixed, but it won’t.
  • The chkdsk C: /f command discovers and fixes logical problems with your hard drive. Run the /r parameter as well to fix physical difficulties.

13. Clear Browser Cache

The cache and cookies in the browser may cause ”This app can’t run on your PC” in Windows 10 since they may have corrupted the program’s download.

I suggest clearing the browser cache and reinstalling the program. Here’s what you should do if your browser isn’t working correctly.

Microsoft Edge

  • Open your Microsoft Edge browser.
  • In the top right, click the star icon.
  • Then, on the clock icon, click.
  • Select the option to clear all history.
  • Cookies and stored website data; Cached data and files; Browsing history
  • Finally, close your browser by clicking Clear.

Google Chrome

  • In the address bar, type chrome:/settings/clearBrowserData.
chrome:/settings/clearBrowserData.
  • Configure your browser to erase the following data once you’ve reached the ‘Clear browsing data window:
  • Cookies and other site data; Cached pictures and files; Browsing history; Download history; Cookies and other site data
chrome:/settings/clearBrowserData.
  • As Time Range, choose All Time.
  • When the process is finished, click Clear data and close the browser.

Firefox

  • Go to the History menu in Firefox.
  • Select Clear Recent History from the menu.
  • Pick Everything from the ‘Time range to clear:’ menu.
  • Go to Details and click the arrow next to it to go down.
  • Select all of the items, then click Clear Now.
  • Shut off your browser.

14. Use the Compatibility Troubleshooter

The compatibility troubleshooter is one of the several troubleshooters included with Windows 10. This will help you figure out why your app isn’t opening.

15. Create Copy Of .Exe File You’re Trying To Run

If you get the error “this program can’t run on your PC,” you can try to solve it by making a copy of the file you’re trying to run.

  • Simply right-click the file and select “Copy” from the menu. Right-click on the same folder or place and select “Paste.”
  • Try running the copied file to check if the error persists.

Conclusion

When trying to launch a software product in Windows 10, you may receive the message “this app can’t run on your PC.” This scenario is pretty inconvenient. With all the solutions given above, you can quickly fix this issue.