📅 February 1, 2025

Windows

Alex Ruben

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How to Fix ‘The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly’ Error on Windows

This guide will walk you through practical solutions to fix the error message “The application was unable to start correctly” that may appear when launching applications on Windows 10 or 11. You’ll learn how to address specific error codes like 0xc000003e, 0xc0000102, 0xc00000ba, 0xc0150002, and 0xc0000141, ensuring smoother operations of your applications.

Step 1: Terminate Background Applications

Sometimes, background applications may interfere with the launching process. Follow these steps to terminate any problematic applications:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Ensure you are in the Processes tab.
3. Scroll down to find the application (e.g., Zoom) and right-click on it, then select End task.
4. Now, try launching the application again to check if the issue persists.

Step 2: Scan for Viruses and Adware

Your system might be infected with malware, which can cause application errors. To scan for infections:

1. Use a reliable antivirus program to run a full system scan.
2. Follow the software’s instructions to remove any detected threats.
3. After cleaning, attempt to launch the application once more.

Step 3: Reinstall the Application

If previous methods didn’t resolve the issue, try reinstalling the problematic application:

1. Open Settings > Apps.
2. Locate the problematic application in the list.
3. Select it and click on Uninstall.
4. After removal, go to the official website to download and install the latest version.
5. Launch the application to see if the error is resolved.

Step 4: Create a New User Profile

If you encounter error code 0xc0000102, a corrupted user profile may be the cause:

1. Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click on Add someone else to this PC.
3. Follow the prompts to create a new user account.
4. Log into the new profile and try launching the application again.

Step 5: Run the App in Compatibility Mode

If you encounter an error with older applications, running them in Compatibility Mode may help:

1. Right-click on the application’s shortcut and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for:
4. Select an earlier version of Windows (e.g., Windows 7).
5. Click Apply and OK, then restart the application.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot may help eliminate conflicts with startup programs and services:

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type msconfig and hit Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, select the Services tab.
4. Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click on Disable all.
5. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
6. Disable the items that are enabled (right-click and select Disable).
7. Close Task Manager and restart your computer.
8. Try launching the application again.

Step 7: Install Pending Updates

Ensure your system is up to date, as missing updates can cause application errors:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click on Check for updates to install any pending updates.
4. Reboot your computer and try launching the application again.

Step 8: Repair the Corrupted Registry

If the registry is corrupted, follow these steps to repair it:

1. Back up your registry by opening the Run dialog and typing regedit.
2. Navigate to File > Export to save a backup.
3. Using a trusted registry cleaning tool, scan and repair the registry.
4. Reboot your system and check for the error.

Step 9: Run Microsoft Safety Scanner

If you suspect malware is affecting your applications, use Microsoft Safety Scanner:

1. Download Microsoft Safety Scanner from microsoft.com.
2. Run the downloaded tool following the on-screen instructions to detect and eliminate threats.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Ensure you are running the latest version of your applications and Windows for the best compatibility. Common issues to watch for include:

• Incorrect installation of the application.
• Missing dependencies or .dll files.
• Compatibility issues with other installed software.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “The application was unable to start correctly” error on your Windows machine.

Conclusion

Successfully troubleshooting the “Application unable to start correctly” error can improve your system experience and efficiency. Following the steps outlined in this guide will help you address the most common causes of this error. For continued support, explore related guides on Windows troubleshooting.

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