Error when running certain programs: Windows cannot find..... (Windows 10)

Question

I tried running a few programs like Discord, iTunes, NordVPN and Steam and kept getting the same error:  "Windows cannot find...".  Even when I went directly to the .exe I got the same error.  I ran a few scans like Malwarebytes and others but nothing came up.  I got them to work by changing the name but can someone help me figure out what caused this?  It seems to only affect specific programs.

Answer 1

Hi Tim_1890, My name is Jeremy, a Windows Community Member. I'll be happy to help you out today. Let’s see what I can do. :)

I understand your frustration there and I apologize for any inconvenience it may cause you. Rest assured that I will do my best to help you

It seems That the “Windows cannot find” error can also occur for programs that aren't Store apps.

Here's some steps to fix it

Fix 1 – By selecting ‘This PC’ option in File Explorer

Search for “File Explorer” in the windows search bar, select ‘File Explorer Options’ icon from the search results.

File Explorer View

2. In the next window, click on This PC from the drop-down menu under the “Open File Explorer to” section.

Selecting This Pc

3. Click on Apply and OK.

Fix 2 – By Re-Registering Windows 10 Apps

Re-registering will reset all built-in Windows apps and can fix the problem.

Follow these steps to re-register apps in windows 10.

1. Search for ‘Windows PowerShell’ in the windows search bar located on the lower left-hand side of the screen.

Powershell Search

2. Now, right-click on the ‘Windows PowerShell ‘ icon from the search list and select ‘Run as administrator‘.

Administrator

3. In the PowerShell Window, copy and paste the command –

‘Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage – DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”}’

Copy And Paste Command

4. Press Enter key.
5. Restart the system to check if the “Windows cannot find‘ problem is solved.

Fix 3 – Run Windows Store App Troubleshooter

Windows Troubleshooter detects the error and provides fixes for the issues. Steps to run Windows App Troubleshooter:

1. Search Troubleshoot in the Windows search bar.

Click on the Troubleshoot settings icon.

Troubleshoot Settings

2. Scroll down and select ‘Window Store Apps ‘ present at the bottom of the screen.

Now, click on Run the troubleshooter icon.

Running The Troubleshooter

3. The troubleshooter will search for the source of the problem in order to solve it.

Fix 4 – By Renaming EXE Files

You can rename EXE files by following steps –

1. Open File Explorer to locate the program which shows the problem.

Or right-click on its desktop shortcut, and select ‘Open file location‘ from the expanded menu.

File Location

2. In the File Explorer, scroll down to the program’s EXE file.

Now, right-click on it and select Rename from the expanded menu.

Renaming

3. Enter the desired name for the file and hit the return key. The EXE file is renamed.

If you are struggling with these, here's the link to provide you some screenshots to help you better

https://thegeekpage.com/fix-for-windows-cannot-...

Please let me know if this helps

Regards,

Jeremy

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.