Why does this app say it can't run on my PC, and how to fix it?
Jul 10, 2025 am 11:04 AMApplication failure to run on a computer is usually caused by compatibility issues, insufficient system requirements, or software building restrictions. First, check the system requirements of the application, including Windows version, RAM, CPU and available disk space. If it is close to the minimum requirement, try to close the background program and release resources; secondly, try to run the program in compatible mode, right-click "Properties-Compatibility" and check the old version of Windows mode and administrator privileges to run; then confirm whether dependent components such as .NET Framework, VC runtime library are missing, which can be solved by updating Windows or reinstalling related libraries; in addition, check the 32/64-bit matching problem, if you run a 32-bit application for a 64-bit system, you need to use a virtual machine; finally troubleshoot the installation file corruption or antivirus software conflict, try to download and install again and temporarily close the security software. In most cases, just adjust one to solve the problem.
The app says it can't run on your PC because of compatibility issues, missing system requirements, or restrictions in how the software was built. It's not always about your machine being “too old” — sometimes it's a tweakable problem.

Here are some common reasons and what you can do about them:
Check the System Requirements
Most apps list minimum and recommended specs for a reason. If your PC doesn't meet those, the app might refuse to launch even if everything looks fine.

- Look at the app's official website or store page and compare its requirements with your PC's specs.
- Pay attention to: Windows version, RAM, CPU type, and available disk space.
- If you're close but not quite there (eg, slightly less RAM), sometimes closing background apps or freeing up space can help temporarily.
If your hardware is way below the bar, no amount of tweaking will fix it — time to consider upgrading or looking for lighter alternatives.
Run the App in Compatibility Mode
Sometimes, an app was built for an older version of Windows and doesn't recognize newer systems right away.

To try compatibility mode:
- Right-click the app's shortcut or EXE file
- Go to Properties > Compatibility
- Check “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and pick an earlier Windows version (like Windows 10 or 8.1)
- Also try checking “Run as administrator” while you're here
This trick often works for older games or utilities that haven't been updated in years.
Missing Runtime Components or Dependencies
Some apps rely on extra software like .NET Framework, Visual C Redistributable, DirectX, or Java. If these are missing or outdated, the app won't start.
- Check the error message closely — sometimes it tells you exactly what's missing
- Try reinstalling or updating common runtime libraries (Microsoft offers easy installers for most of these)
- Run Windows Update — it may install needed components automatically
This is one of the more common but invisible issues — your system looks good, but something under the hood isn't right.
32-bit vs. 64-bit Mismatch (Less Common Now)
Some older apps were built only for 32-bit systems and won't run on a 64-bit version of Windows — which is what most people use today.
- To check: Go to Settings > System > About , look under “Device specifications”
- If your OS is 64-bit and the app is 32-bit-only, your options are limited
- You could try running the app in a virtual machine with a 32-bit OS (not ideal, but possible)
Most modern apps are built for 64-bit now, so this is becoming rare, but still pops up with very old software.
Corrupted Installation or Conflicting Software
Even if your PC meets all the conditions, a bad download or interference from antivirus/firewall can block an app from running.
Try these steps:
- Reinstall the app from a fresh download
- Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall
- Run the installer as administrator
- Make sure no other apps are interfering (especially performance monitors or overlays)
Sometimes just giving the installer full control gets things working again.
Basically that's it.
You don't always need to be a tech expert to get a stubborn app running — often it's just one small mismatch holding things up. Start with the easiest fixes first, and work your way through the list.
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