Getting “This app can’t run on your PC” when trying to run a program? Here’s how to fix this compatibility error.
Why This Happens
- 64-bit app on 32-bit Windows (or vice versa)
- App designed for different processor (ARM vs x64)
- Corrupted download
- Blocked by Windows security
- App requires older Windows version
- Missing dependencies
Check Your System
32-bit vs 64-bit
- Settings > System > About
- Look at “System type”
- Note: “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor”
- Or: “32-bit operating system”
What This Means
- 64-bit Windows: Can run both 32-bit and 64-bit apps
- 32-bit Windows: Can only run 32-bit apps
- Most modern computers are 64-bit
Download Correct Version
Get Right Architecture
- Go to app’s official download page
- Look for download options:
- “64-bit” or “x64” for 64-bit Windows
- “32-bit” or “x86” for 32-bit Windows
- “ARM64” for ARM-based Windows
- Download matching version
Common Examples
- Download page may show:
- Windows x64 (for most modern PCs)
- Windows x86 (for older 32-bit systems)
- Windows ARM (for Surface Pro X, etc.)
Run as Administrator
Try Admin Rights
- Right-click the application
- Select Run as administrator
- Click Yes on UAC prompt
- Check if it runs
Always Run as Admin
- Right-click app > Properties
- Compatibility tab
- Check “Run this program as an administrator”
- Apply > OK
Compatibility Mode
Set Compatibility Mode
- Right-click application > Properties
- Compatibility tab
- Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”
- Select older Windows version:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Apply > OK
- Try running
Run Troubleshooter
- Right-click app > Properties
- Compatibility tab
- Click “Run compatibility troubleshooter”
- Try recommended settings
- Test the program
Unblock the File
If Downloaded from Internet
Windows may block downloaded files:
- Right-click the file
- Properties
- Look for “Security” section at bottom
- Check “Unblock”
- Apply > OK
- Try running
Using PowerShell
- Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Navigate to file location
- Type:
Unblock-File "filename.exe" - Try running
Re-download the File
Corrupted Download
- Delete the current file
- Clear browser downloads/cache
- Download again from official source
- Try different browser if needed
Verify Download
- Check file size matches expected
- If available, verify checksum/hash
- Ensure download completed fully
SmartScreen Block
Allow Through SmartScreen
If Windows SmartScreen blocks:
- Click “More info”
- Click “Run anyway”
- Program should start
Temporarily Disable SmartScreen
- Windows Security > App & browser control
- Reputation-based protection settings
- Turn off SmartScreen for apps (temporarily)
- Try running app
- Re-enable SmartScreen
Create New Admin Account
Test with Fresh Account
- Settings > Accounts > Other users
- Add account > Add other user
- Create local account
- Make it Administrator
- Log in to new account
- Try running app
Windows Features
Enable Required Features
Some apps need Windows features:
- Settings > Apps > Optional features
- More Windows features
- Enable:
- .NET Framework 3.5
- Windows Subsystem for Linux (if needed)
- Hyper-V (if needed)
- Restart
Enable Legacy Components
For older apps:
- Optional features > More Windows features
- Expand “Legacy Components”
- Enable DirectPlay (for old games)
- OK and restart
Developer Mode
For Certain Apps
- Settings > System > For developers
- Turn on Developer Mode
- Confirm the prompt
- Try running app
ARM-Based Windows
Check If ARM Device
Surface Pro X and some devices use ARM processors:
- Settings > System > About
- Check “System type”
- If “ARM-based processor”
ARM Compatibility
- x64 apps may not run on ARM
- Look for ARM64 version of app
- x86 (32-bit) apps run via emulation
- Some apps won’t work at all
Specific Scenarios
Old Software
For very old programs:
- Try compatibility mode
- Use Windows 7 or XP mode
- Consider running in virtual machine
- Find modern alternative
Games
- Check game requirements
- Install DirectX
- Install Visual C++ Redistributables
- Try compatibility mode
- Check for remastered version
Professional Software
- Check system requirements
- Ensure correct version for your OS
- Contact vendor support
- Check for compatibility updates
Check System Requirements
Before Installing
- Find app’s system requirements
- Compare to your system
- Check:
- Windows version
- Processor type (x64, ARM)
- RAM requirements
- Disk space
Virtual Machine Option
Run in VM
For incompatible apps:
- Install Hyper-V or VirtualBox
- Create Windows 10 or older VM
- Install app in VM
- Run from virtual environment
Windows Sandbox
For quick testing:
- Enable Windows Sandbox feature
- Open Windows Sandbox
- Copy app to sandbox
- Test if it runs
App Won’t Run? Our Dallas technicians fix application compatibility issues. We diagnose why apps won’t work and find solutions. Same-day service throughout DFW.
Prevention
- Check system requirements before downloading
- Download from official sources
- Choose correct architecture (32/64-bit)
- Keep Windows updated
Dallas-Fort Worth Computer Repair
We fix application compatibility issues throughout DFW including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Irving, Arlington, Richardson, and all surrounding areas.
