In this instruction, it is detailed about why it may be impossible to start the application and how to fix it, as well as about some additional options for the same error, as well as videos with explanations. See also: This application is locked for protection when starting a program or game.
Why it is impossible to start the application in Windows 10
If when you start a program or game in Windows 10, you see the specified message that it is impossible to start the application on your PC, the most common causes of this are.
- You have installed a 32-bit version of Windows 10, and 64-bit is required to start the program.
- You downloaded .exe program file for ARM processors (for example, when downloading components of Visual C ++ Redistributable and try to run vcredist_arm.exe - such files will not start on the usual computer)
- The file is damaged (for example, after recovery or due to the drive problem) or is not executable file (for example, you simply renamed the file by setting it the extension .exe).
- The program is designed for some of the old versions of Windows, for example, XP.
Other options that will be discussed in the last section of the manual are possible.
Error correction
In the first case, everything is enough (if you do not know a 32-bit or 64-bit system installed on your computer or laptop, see how to know the Bigness of Windows 10): Some programs have two executable files in the folder: one with the addition of x64 in the title , Other - without (use to start a program, the one without), sometimes two versions of the program (32 bits or x86, which is the same and 64-bit or x64) are presented as two separate downloads on the developer's website (in this case, download the program For x86). In extreme cases, change Windows 10 32-bit on 64-bit.
In the second case, you can try to look at the official website of the program, is there a version compatible with Windows 10. If the program has not been updated for a long time, then try to start it in compatibility mode with previous versions of the OS, for this
- Right-click on the executable program file or by its label and select "Properties". Note: With a shortcut on the taskbar it will not work like this, and if you have a shortcut only there, you can do this way: find the same program in the list in the Start menu, click on it right-click and select "Advanced" - "Go to the location of the file." Already there you can change the properties of the application label.
- On the Compatibility tab, check the "Run Program in Compatibility C" mode and specify one of the available previous versions of Windows. Read more: Windows 10 compatibility mode.
Below - video instructions for correcting the problem.
As a rule, the centered items are enough to solve the problem, but not always.
Additional ways to correct the problem with the launch of applications in Windows 10
If none of the methods helped, it is possible to use the following additional information useful:
- If there is reason to assume that the .exe file with the program was damaged, try to download it again, possibly from another source.
- Try running the program on behalf of the administrator (right click on the executable file or label - launch from the administrator name).
- Sometimes the problem may be caused by errors from the developer - try more old or newer version of the program.
- Check the computer for malicious programs (they may interfere with the launch of some software), see the best means to remove malicious programs.
- If the Windows 10 store application is launched, but not loaded from the store (and from a third-party site), then the instruction should help: how to install .appx and .appxbundle in Windows 10.
- In versions of Windows 10 to Creators Update, you could see a message that the startup of the application is not possible, since account control is disabled (UAC). If you encounter such an error and the application must be launched, turn on the UAC, see the control of Windows 10 accounts (the instruction describes disconnection, but it can be turned on in the reverse sequence).
I hope one of the proposed options will help you solve the problem with "Unable to run this application." If not - describe the situation in the comments, I will try to help.