Fix the 'This App Will Not Work on Your PC' Windows Error for Word and Excel
Question details
The user needs to resolve the Windows compatibility error 'This app will not work on your PC' that prevents Outlook, Word, Excel, and other Windows applications from opening after a disk repair, with error code 0xc000007b.
- Product
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) on Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user opens Office and other installed applications after a recent disk repair.
- Observed behavior
- Windows displays the compatibility error and applications fail to start; the reported code is 0xc000007b.
Record the exact error message and any error code, and check whether programs outside Microsoft Office are also affected. If a disk repair was performed recently, keep those repair details available because Windows support will use them to assess the drive.
Check Windows system files with SFC and DISM first
Use this when the error appears across multiple Windows applications and includes code 0xc000007b, because the cause is usually at the Windows system level rather than an Office-specific fault.
When a disk repair is involved, the 'This app will not work on your PC' error often indicates damaged Windows system files or a corrupted drive. Start with read-only diagnostics and avoid advanced repair tools until the Windows installation has been assessed.
Press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait until the scan finishes and do not close the window.
Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Let the operation complete.
Write down any errors or 'unable to repair' messages so you can include them in a Windows support post.
Collect diagnostics and post the exact error in a Windows support forum
Use this if the built-in checks do not resolve the problem and all applications remain affected.
Use WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative After Windows Is Stable
WPS Office cannot repair a Windows disk or system file error, but it gives you a free, lightweight way to open and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files when your Windows installation is stable. It uses a familiar ribbon interface and maintains Microsoft Office format compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Go to the official WPS Office download page and click Download WPS Office Free.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation.
- 3. Open your Microsoft Office files: Launch WPS Writer, Spreadsheets, or Presentation, then use Open to select your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this error mean my Microsoft Office installation is damaged?
Not necessarily. If the same error appears for other Windows applications and includes code 0xc000007b, it usually points to Windows system files or disk integrity. Start by recording the exact error and running SFC and DISM before repairing Office.
Should I reinstall Word, Excel, or Outlook to fix the error?
Reinstalling Office is unlikely to help when the issue affects all Windows applications. A Windows-level problem must be diagnosed first, especially if a disk repair was performed recently.
Can I run chkdsk to repair the drive?
Avoid advanced chkdsk or third-party disk repair operations until the drive and Windows installation are assessed. Include the exact error and recent disk-repair details in a Windows support post so a specialist can recommend safe next steps.
Can WPS Office open my files if Word and Excel will not start?
Yes, if Windows itself is otherwise stable. WPS Office can open and save .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files. If Windows is also failing for many programs, restore system integrity first.
What information should I include when posting to Windows support?
Include the full error message, code 0xc000007b if present, the recent disk-repair history, whether non-Office apps are affected, and any SFC/DISM or System Information results.
