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How to Fix 'This App Cannot Run on Your PC' Error on Windows
Question details
The user encounters a system error preventing a specific application from launching on their Windows computer.
- Product
- Windows OS
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Launching a newly downloaded, outdated, or corrupted application on a Windows PC.
- Observed behavior
- Windows displays a blue or gray dialog box stating 'This app cannot run on your PC' and blocks the program from opening.
Before proceeding, determine the exact version of the application you are trying to open and check whether your Windows operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Verify App and System Architecture Compatibility
Ensure that the application's architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) matches your Windows operating system version, which is the most common cause of this error.
A 32-bit Windows system cannot run 64-bit applications. If you accidentally downloaded the 64-bit installer for a 32-bit PC, Windows will block it from running.
Press the 'Windows key + I' to open Settings. Navigate to 'System' and click on 'About' at the bottom of the left pane. Look for the 'System type' under Device specifications.
Visit the software developer's official website and verify if the application you downloaded is the 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) version.
If you have a 32-bit system, ensure you download the 32-bit version of the app. If you have an ARM-based PC, look for an ARM-compatible or 32-bit version.
Run in Compatibility Mode and as Administrator
Resolve the issue by granting the application administrative privileges and forcing Windows to simulate an older operating system environment.
Reinstall from a Verified Source
Fix corrupted or incomplete application files that are triggering the startup error.
Switch to WPS Office to Avoid Software Compatibility Issues
If you are encountering the 'This app cannot run on your PC' error while trying to open older document processing software, consider upgrading to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, modern, and free alternative that runs seamlessly on all Windows versions.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the free download button to get the universal Windows installer.
- 2. Run the Setup: Double-click the downloaded setup file and follow the one-click installation process.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without compatibility errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows say this app cannot run on my PC?
This usually happens when there is a mismatch between the app's architecture (e.g., a 64-bit app on a 32-bit system), the installation files are corrupted, or the app is too old and incompatible with your current Windows version.
Can I force a 64-bit application to run on a 32-bit Windows system?
No, it is physically impossible for a 32-bit operating system to process 64-bit instructions. You must find and download the 32-bit (x86) version of the application.
Does Windows Defender SmartScreen cause the 'App cannot run' error?
While SmartScreen typically shows a 'Windows protected your PC' warning rather than 'This app cannot run', aggressive security settings can sometimes block unrecognized executables. If you trust the file, you can right-click it, go to Properties, and check 'Unblock' at the bottom of the General tab.
How do I fix this error if it happens with built-in Windows apps?
If default Windows apps (like Calculator or Photos) show this error, you may need to reset the Microsoft Store cache. Press 'Win + R', type 'wsreset.exe', and press Enter. You can also repair the specific app via Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Advanced options > Repair.
