Alex Ruben
How to Fix “Application Failed to Start Because Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect” on Windows
If you’re encountering the error message “Application Failed to Start Because Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect” on your Windows 10 or 11 machine, this guide will help you resolve the issue quickly. In this tutorial, you’ll learn about the root causes of this error, how to install the necessary Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, and commands to repair system files. By the end, your applications should run smoothly again.
Step 1: Understand the Cause of the Error
This error typically occurs when the application can’t find the required Visual C++ Redistributable files or if the application doesn’t have the necessary configurations to run on your system. Understanding the source can help you troubleshoot the issue more effectively.
Step 2: Check and Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
To ensure your applications have the necessary components, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Microsoft site to download the most recent Visual C++ Redistributables.
- Download the relevant versions based on your system architecture (x86 for 32-bit or x64 for 64-bit).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 3: Use SFC Command to Repair System Files
If the error persists, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) to repair corrupted files:
- Press Windows + X to open the Quick Access menu.
- Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the terminal, type the following command and hit Enter:
sfc /scannow - Wait for the process to complete; it could take some time.
Step 4: Use DISM to Repair Windows Image
If SFC did not resolve the issue, use the DISM tool to fix the Windows image:
- In the same terminal window, enter the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Allow the process to finish running; this may also take a while, depending on your system.
Step 5: Advanced Troubleshooting
If the error still persists after following the above steps, consider:
- Checking for updates via Windows Update to ensure your system is running the latest version.
- Uninstalling and reinstalling the affected application to refresh its configuration.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips to avoid common pitfalls:
- Always install both x86 and x64 versions of Visual C++ Redistributables if you’re unsure about your application architecture.
- Ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated to avoid incompatibility issues.
- Backup your files before performing system commands or installations to prevent data loss.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you should now be equipped to resolve the “Application Failed to Start Because Side-by-Side Configuration is Incorrect” error. Remember, maintaining your system with the latest updates and redistributables is key to preventing similar issues in the future. For further assistance or related topics, explore our other guides.
