Fix “This app can’t run on your PC” error

“This app can’t run on your PC” is a Windows 10 error that might occur when working with various programs. Indeed, there are numerous problems with the recent Microsoft’s operating system. However, if you are questioning whether you have not made a mistake by upgrading from the older OS version; we can assure that you made a right choice.^[1] Despite all the flaws and problems, it’s the safest version of Windows. For instance, the massive WannaCry ransomware attack on May hadn’t affected any Windows 10 users.^[2] Therefore, you can just simply fix “This app can’t run on your PC” error on your computer and enjoy the benefits of this operating system.^[3]

The example of “This app can't run on your PC” error

Methods to fix “This app can’t run on your PC” error on the computer.

Usually, the error message occurs when users attempt to use a recently installed program. It is reported that this problem happened using simple programs, such as, Task Manager. However, users report having problems with Autodesk, Simple Assembly Explorer and other programs. The list of the “troubled” apps are long. Therefore, anyone can expect to encounter this error message:

This app can’t run on your PC
To find a version for your PC, check with the software publisher.

Once you hit “Close” button, you have to check if the program that triggered the error does not have updates. Sometimes the source of the problem is missing updates.^[4] Once you install available updates, you should try to use the program again. If the error is gone, congratulations! If not, below you can find a bunch of methods that will help to fix “This app can’t run on your PC” error.

Method 1. Create a new administrator account

Create new user’s account by clickin on “Add someone else to this PC”

Sometimes the error occurs due to the problems with user’s account and creating a new administrator’s account might be the solution you are looking for. Therefore, follow these steps:

1. Access Settings app and go to Accounts, and choose Family & other users option.
2. Under the Other users section, click Add someone else to this PC option.
3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Then choose Add a user without a Microsoft account option.
5. Type the name and password for the new administrator account.
6. Now you should see this new account in Other users section, so click on “Change account type” button that allows giving administrative rights to this new account.
7. Choose Administrator from the Account type menu options and click OK to save the changes.

Now you should use the problem that caused an error from the new account. If the error is gone, you have to transfer all the information from the old to new administrator’s account.

Method 2. Disable SmartScreen

SmartScreen feature is supposed to protect Windows 10 users from malware and phishing attacks.^[5] However, it might misleadingly block legitimate programs. So you should disable it to check if it was responsible for the “This app can’t run on your PC” error.

1. Enter smart screen in Windows search box. Choose Change SmartScreen settings from the appeared search results list.
2. Navigate to Security and find Windows SmartScreen option.
3. Go to Change settings option and choose Do not do anything (turn off Windows SmartScreen) option. In order to save the changes click OK.

Method 3. Turn on App Side-loading

Choose “Developer mode” in order to solve the error

Enabling App Side-loading feature might help to run programs on the computer smoothly. As a result, this bothersome error might be fixed as well.

1. From the Settings app go to the Update & Security section.
2. Open For developers tab.
3. Select Developer mode under Use developer features section.

Method 4. Create a copy of program’s .exe file

If the “This app can’t run on your PC” issue occurs when you try to use a particular program, you can create a copy of its executable (.exe file). Copy and paste it (or use Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V shortcut). Then run the program from the new executable. Hopefully, the error won’t show up again.

Method 5. Reinstall the program.

If none of the previously described methods worked for you, there’s one more solution left to fix this annoying Windows 10 error. You have to uninstall the program and install it again. In order to uninstall the program follow these steps:

1. Open Start and go to Control Panel. If you cannot find it, take advantages of built-in Windows search box.
2. When in Control Panel, go to Programs and access Programs and Features.
3. In the list of programs find the one that caused an error and right-click on it. Choose Uninstall option from the appeared drop-down menu.
4. Then follow the uninstallation guide and agree to delete all information related to the app.
5. Once the program is removed, you can install it again. Go to the official website and download it from there, insert CD or use Windows App Store.

When you reinstall the program, This app can’t run on your PC error should be gone for good.