The error message “This software can’t operate on your PC” is one of the most well-known error messages that has ever plagued Windows 10 users.
This error message can appear in a variety of ways and affect a wide range of products, from default Windows applications to third-party software developed for the Windows Operating System.
Causes of “This App Can’t Run On Your PC”
1. Incompatible Architecture
If you’re using a 64-bit operating system, trying to run a 32-bit application could trigger this error.
2. Corrupted Files
Corrupted or incomplete application files can cause this error message to pop up.
3. Administrative Restrictions
Sometimes, administrative restrictions can prevent certain apps from running, leading to this error.
4. Malware or Security Software
Security software might wrongly flag an application as malicious, thus preventing it from running.
5. Outdated Windows Version
Some apps require the latest Windows updates to function correctly. An outdated operating system can lead to this issue.
Fix: “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” Error Message On Windows 10
The “This app can’t operate on your PC” error can occur with any Windows software or app, making it extremely inconvenient. Thankfully, this error message may usually be removed if the affected individual follows the correct procedure for their specific situation.
The following are some of the most effective techniques for attempting to remove the “This app can’t run on your PC” error message and resolving this issue:
Method 1: Run an SFC Scan
An SFC scan looks for corruption and other types of damage on a Windows PC and all of its system files. If SFC detects corrupted or otherwise damaged system files, it either fixes them or replaces them with cached copies.
An SFC scan can help you resolve whatever issue is producing the “This app can’t run on your PC” error message. Simply follow this guide to conduct an SFC scan on a Windows 10 PC.
Method 2: Check The Program Version
Every single type of Windows 10 has two different versions: a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. As a result, every third-party application for Windows 10 that can take advantage of everything that the 64-bit edition of Windows 10 has to offer has both a 32-bit and a 64-bit version.
If you get an error notice that says “This app can’t run on your PC” when trying to launch a third-party app. One of the first things you should do is make sure you have the correct version of the program for the version of Windows 10 you have installed.
You’ll need the 32-bit version of the program if you’re running a 32-bit version of Windows. If you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows, you’ll need the 64-bit version of the application. Here’s how to figure out which version of Windows is on your machine.
Step 1: To open the search bar, press Windows + S. Open the application by typing “system information” into the dialogue box.
Step 2: Once the application is launched, go to the left navigation panel and pick “System Summary” then look for the “System Type” section on the right side of the screen.
Step 3: Check that the program you’re trying to launch is compatible with your machine now.
Method 3: Windows Store Must Be Updated
Step 1: Open the Windows Store app.
Step 2: Select the Options option (represented by three horizontal dots and located in the top right corner of the window).
Step 3: Updates and downloads are now available.
Step 4: To get updates, select Get updates.
Step 5: Wait for the Windows Store to scan for and download any updates that are available, then install any updates that it finds.
Step 6: Close the Windows Store and check to see if the problem still exists.
Method 4: Enable App Side-loading
Another partially successful solution to a multitude of different permutations of the problem is enabling app side-loading, which is enabled when a Windows 10 user activates Developer mode for apps.
“This app can’t run on your PC” problem message. On a Windows 10 PC, you must do the following to allow app side loading:
Step 1: By tapping the Windows key, the Start Menu will appear.
Step 2: Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: By clicking on it, you may access Update & Security.
Step 4: Select For developers from the left pane of the window.
Step 5: Locate and enable the Developer mode option in the right pane of the window under the Use developer features section.
Step 6: The Settings app should be closed now.
App side-loading will be enabled after Developer mode has been activated on the affected machine. Whether that’s the case, restart your computer and see if the “This app can’t run on your PC” error notice has vanished.
Method 5: Disable SmartScreen
SmartScreen is a feature in Windows 10 that protects users from many types of outside intrusions, such as malware and phishing assaults. SmartScreen is a feature in Windows 10 that is primarily intended to protect and assist users, although it can sometimes cause more harm than good.
SmartScreen, for example, is one of the most common sources of the “This software can’t run on your PC” problem message that appears on Windows 10 customers’ machines.
If SmartScreen is causing the “This app can’t run on your PC” issue, simply turning it off should cure the problem. To turn off SmartScreen, do the following:
Step 1: To start a search, press the Windows Logo key + S.
Step 2: In the Search field, type SmartScreen.
Step 3: Change SmartScreen settings is the first search result.
Step 4: Go to the section titled “Security.”
Step 5: Change settings may be found under Windows SmartScreen.
Step 6: Choose Don’t do anything (turn off Windows SmartScreen).
Step 7: To preserve the changes you’ve made, click OK.
Step 8: Your computer should be restarted.
Check to see if the problem is still present when the computer starts up.
Method 6: Switch To a Different User Account
If none of the options listed and discussed above have solved your problem, the problem could be related to your computer’s user account.
If that’s the case, switching to a new user account on your computer is the only way to get rid of the “This software can’t run on your PC” error notice short of a clean installation of Windows 10.
On a Windows 10 PC, you must complete the following to create a new Administrator account:
Step 1: Select Settings from the Start Menu.
Step 2: Go to Accounts and choose it.
Step 3: Click on Family & other users in the left pane of the window.
Step 4: Click Add someone else to this PC in the Other user’s section of the right pane of the window.
Step 5: Select This person’s sign-in information is not in my possession.
Step 6: Select You can add a user who does not have a Microsoft account.
Step 7: For the new user account, enter a name and a password.
Step 8: In the Other user’s area, the newly created user account should now display. Click on Change account type after clicking on the new account.
Step 9: Select Administrator from the Account type selection menu, then click OK.
When your computer restarts, login in with the newly created Administrator user account. Check to see if the “This app can’t run on your PC” error message appears when you utilize the new user account.
How Do I Allow Apps to Run on My Computer?
1. Run as Administrator
Right-click on the application and select “Run as Administrator” to bypass some permissions issues.
2. Compatibility Mode
Right-click the application, go to ‘Properties’, then ‘Compatibility’, and run the program in compatibility mode for a different version of Windows.
3. Disable SmartScreen
Go to Windows Security settings and disable SmartScreen, which sometimes blocks unrecognized apps. However, proceed with caution as this will lower your security defenses.
4. Whitelist in Security Software
Add the application to the whitelist in your security software to prevent it from being flagged and blocked.
How Do I Allow an App Through My Firewall?
1. Open Windows Firewall
Go to the Control Panel and click on ‘Windows Defender Firewall’.
2. Allow an App
Click on ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’ on the left-hand side.
3. Add New App
Click on ‘Change settings’, then ‘Allow another app’, and browse to add the application executable (.exe) file.
4. Confirm
Once added, make sure to tick both ‘Private’ and ‘Public’ checkboxes, and click OK.
How to Install Apps on PC
1. Download the Installer
Download the application’s installer (.exe or .msi file) from a trusted source.
2. Run the Installer
Double-click on the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Complete Installation
Click on ‘Finish’ or ‘Complete’ at the end of the installation process. Some apps might require a system restart.
4. Run the App
Locate the newly installed application in the Start menu and run it.
Conclusion
Are you prepared to fix the problem with the help of the guide? If this app won’t operate on your computer, contact the software’s publisher, Windows 10, and see if there are any issues or other effective remedies you’ve successfully executed.
The “This App Can’t Run On Your PC” error can be caused by various issues, from incompatible architecture and corrupted files to administrative restrictions and outdated Windows versions.
Understanding these causes is key to finding the right solution, which might include running apps as an administrator, allowing them through your firewall, or properly installing them on your PC.
