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This app can't run on your PC

Anonymous
2022-09-03T00:41:44+00:00

My PC keeps giving me a message that says, "This app can't run on your PC. To find a version for this PC check with software developer." I disregarded it the first time and just closed it but it keeps coming back. I've looked for solutions everywhere and none of them work. I feel like I've been having problems all the time ever since I upgraded to windows 11. I don't know what to try anymore to get rid of this.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-09-03T01:14:43+00:00

    Hi Stefano

    I am Juliet and it's my pleasure to help you today. :)

    When you try to run older games and software on your computer, you may receive the "This app cannot run on your PC" error. To fix it, go to the app's properties and enable Compatibility mode.

    Right-click the executable file of the app and select Properties. Open the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for, and then use the drop-down menu to select a different Windows version. To save the new settings and try running the app, click Apply > OK.

    I hope it helps! Let me know the results.

    Have a nice day ahead and Stay safe always :)

    47 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2022-11-24T01:01:21+00:00

    I am experiencing the exact same problem that has been reported by the original poster. Upon attempting to run a small, simple executable file that has worked on all previous versions of Windows without fail, I receive the same "app can't run on your PC" message. After navigating to properties > compatibility on the exe. file, I have tested the following:

    • Checking the option to run as an administrator (despite already being the admin account)
    • Running in compatibility mode for,
      • Windows Vista
      • Windows Vista service pack 1
      • Windows Vista service pack 2
      • Windows 7

    These have all been tested independently of one another, and in combination. Each iteration led to the same error message. Using the troubleshoot option was unfortunately as useless as it has always been, as it simply attempts to run the exe. in compatibility mode for Vista service pack 2 (which was my first test). This is the first time I have encountered an instance on Windows where no option is given to override exe. blocking attempts from the OS. Please provide a more in depth solution, thanks.

    124 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2022-11-25T01:20:07+00:00

    Hello Juliet, I'm having this issue with Command Prompt and checked properties in cmd.exe in the system files, it doesn't have the compatibility tab, any suggestions?

    32 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-01-03T17:09:20+00:00

    Having a similar issue but it started happening when I updated my Windows 11 from 21H2 to 22H2. Compatibility mode doesn't seem to fix the problem for me.

    72 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-01-13T20:28:51+00:00

    I'm having a similar issue... after shutting down my computer without updating, I turned it back on and attempted to run a program that was open and working fine right before the shutdown, but was met with this same error. Should I follow the same instructions? I do have a recent update available and I am on windows 10.

    13 people found this answer helpful.
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