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How to Fix the “This App Can't Run on Your PC” Error in Windows 10 & 11 (2026 Guide)

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How to Fix the “This App Can't Run on Your PC” Error in Windows 10 & 11             (2026 Guide)

How to Fix the “This App Can't Run on Your PC” Error in Windows 10 & 11 (2026 Guide)
How to Fix the “This App Can't Run on Your PC” Error in Windows 10 & 11  (2026 Guide)


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Struggling with “This app can’t run on your PC” on Windows 10 or 11? Learn why it happens in 2026 and how to fix it—easy, step-by-step, and reliably.

Introduction

If you’re seeing the dreaded “This app can’t run on your PC” message on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you're not alone. This is a common and frustrating error that can prevent you from opening programs, installing applications, or even launching critical software. In 2026, as apps evolve and Windows continues to update, compatibility issues and system restrictions can still trigger this message. But understanding why it happens — and how to resolve it — can help you get your applications running smoothly again. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the causes, symptoms, and proven solutions to fix this error.

What Does the “This App Can’t Run on Your PC” Error Mean?

At its core, the message “This app can’t run on your PC” means that Windows refuses to execute a particular application — usually because it determines that the app is incompatible with your system. This isn't necessarily a bug in the app itself; often, it’s a mismatch between the app and your system architecture, a permissions problem, or a built-in Windows security barrier. In 2026, with more powerful hardware and newer Windows updates, you could face this message if the software you're trying to run was built for a different CPU, a different Windows version, or is simply not trusted by your operating system.

Causes and Symptoms of the Error

Common Causes

  1. Architecture Mismatch

    • Trying to run a 64-bit application on a 32-bit version of Windows.
    • Running an application compiled for ARM-based CPUs when your PC uses an x86 or x64 architecture.
    • Using very old or obsolete executables (such as 16-bit apps) that modern Windows simply doesn't support.

  2. Permission Issues

    • The application requires elevated privileges (administrator), but you're launching it normally.
    • User Account Control (UAC) settings are too restrictive or blocking the launch.

  3. Corrupt or Damaged System/App Files

    • Core system files might be corrupted, preventing Windows from executing certain programs.
    • The app itself may have damaged installation files.

  4. Security Tools and Settings

    • Windows SmartScreen or other security layers block the app as “untrusted.”
    • Antivirus or firewall software falsely flags the application, preventing it from running.

  5. Compatibility Settings

    • The app was designed for older versions of Windows and isn’t fully compatible with Windows 10 or 11.
    • Windows Compatibility Mode isn’t configured properly.

  6. User Profile Corruption

    • The account you're using might be corrupted, leading to permission issues.
    • Group Policy settings (in Pro / Enterprise editions) may block certain app types.

  7. Side-loading / Developer Mode Disabled

    • Some non–Microsoft Store applications (especially UWP apps) require Developer Mode to be enabled.
    • App side-loading might be disabled, which stops installation from untrusted sources.

Symptoms You Might Observe

  • The error dialog appears immediately when launching the app.
  • The message might say: “This app can’t run on your PC. To find a version for your PC, check with the software publisher.”
  • The app fails to start at all.
  • The pop-up may reappear repeatedly, even with commonly used apps.
  • Certain apps run only after copying or renaming the .exe file.
  • The issue may be specific to one user account but not others.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Error

Here are practical, step-by-step solutions to resolve the “This app can’t run on your PC” error on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Check System Architecture

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings → Go to System → About.
  2. Look under Device Specifications for System type to see if your OS is 32-bit or 64-bit.
  3. Compare this with the version of the app you are installing — they must match.
  4. If there’s a mismatch (e.g., 64-bit app on 32-bit OS), download the correct version or update your Windows to a compatible architecture.

2. Run the App as Administrator

  1. Locate the application's .exe or shortcut.
  2. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
  3. If that fixes the issue, you can make the app always run with administrator privileges:
    • Right-click → Properties → Compatibility tab → check Run this program as an administrator, then apply and OK.

3. Use Compatibility Mode

  1. Right-click the .exe file → Properties → Compatibility tab.
  2. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: → select an older Windows version (e.g., Windows 7 or 8).
  3. Click Apply ⇒ OK, then try running the app again.
  4. If it works, you can save this compatibility setting permanently.

4. Run Program Compatibility Troubleshooter (Windows 11)

  1. Right-click the app shortcut → Properties → Compatibility tab.
  2. Click Run compatibility troubleshooter.
  3. Follow the tool’s recommended settings.
  4. Test the program; if it works, save the settings.

5. Enable Developer Mode (for Side-Loading)

  1. Press Windows + I → Settings → Privacy & security (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10).
  2. Go to For developers → turn on Developer Mode.
  3. Confirm any prompts “Yes” or “OK,” then restart your PC.
  4. Try launching or installing the app again. This is especially helpful for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps or unsigned installers.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps you eliminate third-party software conflicts:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  2. In System Configuration, go to the Services tab → check Hide all Microsoft services → click Disable all.
  3. Switch to the Startup tab → open Task Manager → disable third-party startup apps.
  4. Restart your PC and try running the problematic application. If it works, gradually re-enable services/startup items to isolate the culprit.

7. Scan for System File Corruption (SFC and DISM)

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Run the command: 
    sfc /scannow
    Wait for it to complete.
  3. After SFC finishes, run DISM (on Windows 10/11): 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth  
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth  
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    These commands check and repair Windows image issues.
  4. Reboot and retry launching your app.

8. Scan for Malware

  1. Open Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection.
  2. Choose Scan options → Full scan → click Scan now.
  3. Remove any detected threats, then restart and try the app again.

9. Temporarily Disable SmartScreen or Security Filters

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → App & browser control (or Reputation-based protection).
  2. Turn off SmartScreen temporarily.
  3. Try running the app again. If it works, re-enable SmartScreen afterward. (Be cautious: disabling security features exposes more risk.)

10. Repair, Reset, or Reinstall the App

  • Repair or Reset (for UWP / Microsoft Store apps):
    1. Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & features.
    2. Find the specific app → click the three-dot menu → Advanced options.
    3. Choose Repair first; if that fails, try Reset.
  • Reinstall the App:
    1. Uninstall from the same Apps & features menu.
    2. Download the latest, correct version (matching your system architecture) from the official site.
    3. Install it again and test.

11. Create a New User Account

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.
  2. Add a new local user account (without Microsoft account) if possible.
  3. Sign into the new account and attempt to run the application.
  4. If it works here, your original user profile might have configuration or permission corruption.

12. Edit Group Policy Settings (Windows Pro / Enterprise)

If you're using a Pro or Enterprise version of Windows:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Navigate to: 
    Computer Configuration  
→ Administrative Templates  
→ Windows Components  
→ App Package Deployment
  3. Locate “Allow all trusted apps to install”, double-click it, and set it to Enabled.
  4. Apply, then restart your PC.

Expert Tips and Best Practices

  • Always match app architecture: Before installing any app, confirm whether your Windows is 32-bit, 64-bit, or ARM-based. Using the wrong version often causes this error.
  • Use the official source: Download software only from trusted, official sources to avoid corrupted or malicious installers.
  • Back up data: If you're troubleshooting by reinstalling or resetting, back up any important data first.
  • Enable Developer Mode carefully: Only enable Developer Mode if you trust the source of the app—you’re allowing more permissive installs.
  • Protect your PC: After disabling SmartScreen or turning off antivirus temporarily, re-enable them as soon as you're done testing.
  • Regular maintenance: Run SFC/DISM scans periodically, and perform malware scans weekly or monthly to catch issues early.
  • Document your fixes: If you solve the problem once, note down what you did. This will help you (and others) if the issue recurs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Forgetting to check system architecture: If your machine is 32-bit, trying to run 64-bit apps will fail.
  2. Over-disabling security: Permanently turning off SmartScreen or antivirus leaves your system vulnerable.
  3. Running old or unsupported software: Using outdated apps designed for Windows XP or earlier can cause compatibility issues.
  4. Skipping clean boot: Jumping to drastic solutions without ruling out third-party interference can lead to wasted effort.
  5. Using incorrect installer: Downloading the wrong build (for example, ARM instead of x64) is a common cause.
  6. Not updating Windows: Missing system updates can cause compatibility problems for newer apps.
  7. Neglecting backups: Resetting or reinstalling without backing up can result in data loss.

Conclusion

Encountering the “This app can’t run on your PC” message on Windows 10 or 11 can be frustrating, but it's usually fixable. Whether it’s a permissions issue, a compatibility mismatch, or a security barrier, the solutions listed above cover most scenarios. By systematically working through architecture checks, running as administrator, enabling developer mode, and using built-in tools like SFC, you can restore functionality and run your applications without error. With the right approach, you'll not only fix the problem but also strengthen your system’s resilience against future compatibility issues.

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Written by Joseph Kouri | Tech Blogger at muhrah.net

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