Last updated on August 21st, 2024 at 01:58 am

It is really frustrating when we want to install/run an application on our Windows 11 PC, and it shows an error. Yes, recently I’ve also faced this issue.

When I try to install the Spotify app on my Windows PC, it shows an error message that says, “This app can’t run on your PC.” Well, this isn’t something that I want to be stuck in.

However, after researching through internet I’ve found some potential fixes to this problem. So, in case you are also facing the same, I’ve some good news for you.

Here in this guide article, I’ve mentioned all those fixes that I’ve tried to resolve the app installation error on my Windows 11 PC.

Why Am I Getting The “This app can’t run on your PC” Error Message?

When I started getting the “This app can’t run on your PC” error message on Windows 11, I got frustrated. But, on investigation I found some reasons behind this problem.

However, as per my investigation, I find that this error typically occurs due to compatibility issues between the system and the application. Well, here are some common reasons why you may also encounter this error:

1. Incompatible Architecture
2. Missing System Requirements
3. Outdated Software
4. Corrupted Installation
5. User Account Control (UAC) Settings
6. Antivirus or Security Software
7. Corrupted System Files
8. Software Conflicts
9. Application Dependencies
10. Developer Limitations

How I Fix “This app can’t run on your PC” Error Message on Windows 11

Now you know the reasons behind this problem; therefore, let’s dive into the fixes that potentially helped me resolve the “this app can’t run on your PC” in Windows 11 problem:

Fix 1: Check System Requirements

Initially, as per my investigation, the “This app can’t run on your PC” error message while installing any application on a Windows 11 PC can occur just because your device doesn’t meet the system requirements that the particular application needs.

So, I suggest you compare your device specification to the application minimum requirements such as RAM, processor speed, OS version, etc.

However, in case your device meets the required specification, then jump to the next fix I have mentioned. 

Fix 2: Run as an Administrator

There are cases where you can find that running the application is difficult as it lacks certain permissions. Therefore, to give it the required permissions, using admin rights will help.

So, I also tried this and found this fix really helpful. Thus, you can also try this out using the steps I’ve mentioned below:

1. Right-click on the application’s executable file or shortcut.
2. Afterward, select Run as administrator from the context menu.
   
   
3. If prompted, click Yes to confirm.

Now, it has all the needy permission as you are running the particular application with admin rights; therefore, possibilities are there that the “this app can’t run on your PC” error message gets resolved.

But, if you are like me and this won’t help you, then you can check out the fixes mentioned further that I’ve also tried. 

Fix 3: Use Compatibility Troubleshooter

As per my knowledge, the “this app can’t run on your PC” error message vanishes if you run compatibility troubleshooter.

S0, you must give it a try using the steps mentioned below:

1. Right-click on the application’s executable file or shortcut.
2. Select Properties from the context menu.
3. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
4. Click on Run compatibility troubleshooter.
   
   
5. This will show you some most recent FAQs and related fixes to the problem. So, you must try those solutions.
   
   
6. Once you successfully run the compatibility troubleshooting, simply restart your Windows 11 PC and run the application to check if the problem still persists or not. 

Fix 4: Activate Developer Mode

Are you trying to install the application from a third-party source instead of Microsoft Store? Did you hear about the Windows 11 Developer Mode?

If not, then let me tell you that this will allow you to run an unsigned Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app.

When you enable the Developer Mode, it will help you install any application from outside the Microsoft Store.

However, in many cases, I’ve seen this as a potential fi for many issues like the “this app can’t run on your PC’ error message.

1. To activate that mode, launch Settings using Windows+I. In the left sidebar, select System.
2. On the right pane, choose For Developers.
   
   
3. Activate the Developer Mode option, then choose Yes in the prompt. Quit Settings and launch your app.
   
   

Fix 5: Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Still on the same boat? If so, then you can try using the advanced program compatibility troubleshooter to resolve the “this app can’t run on your PC” error message on your Windows 11 PC.

So, let’s go through the steps mentioned below to run the Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter:

1. First of all, press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & security > Troubleshoot.
   
   
3. Click Other troubleshooters.
   
   
4. Afterward, select Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and hit the Run button.
   
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Fix 6: Scan for Viruses

After running the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter from the Windows 11 settings, if you still face the same error, then I recommend you scan for viruses.

This is because there are possibilities that you may troubleshoot the “this app can’t run on your PC” error message once you remove the possible viruses from your device. 

1. Right-click Start and go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
   
2. From the left menu, open Windows Security and click Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Click the Quick Scan button or Full Screen and wait until Windows 11 finishes the process.
   
   

Fix 7: Run an SFC Scan

Before reinstalling the application, just to check, I tried running the SFC and DISM scan, and it surprisingly helped me resolve the “this app can’t run on your PC” error message.

What the SFC will do is search for your computer’s corrupted or damaged files and automatically replace them. So, here’s how you can do it:

1. Initially, search for CMD and run it with admin rights. 
2. After that, run the SFC/Scannow command.
   
   
3. Wait until it finishes the operation and displays a message that says it replaces the corrupted files on your device. 
4. Afterward, run the following command one after the other:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   
   
5. Finally, once the DISM scan is finished, you have to reboot your Windows 11 PC. 
6. Then, rerun the application to check if the unable to run the error gets resolved. 

Fix 8: Reinstall The Problematic App

Before I start, let me clear that my issue is fixed using the SFC scan, but in case you are still getting the same error, then as per my previous experience, reinstalling the problematic app will help to resolve problems like “this app can’t run on your PC” error message.

So, here’s how you can reinstall the application:

1. Press Win+R.
2. Type Appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
   
   
3. Afterward, select the application that gives you this error message.
4. Now, tap on the three-dot.
5. Thereafter, hit the Uninstall button > uninstall.
   
   
6. Wait until the process is done. Then, install the application again on your device. 

Fix 9: Contact Application Support

Although if it’s your device fault, after trying the above fix, you will successfully fix the problem.

But, in case you still get the same error, you must consider reaching out to the developer team of the particular application for further assistance. They will for sure guide you further to resolve the problem.

Also Read: 

1. How to Compare Two Files in Notepad++ (Windows 11)
2. How to Fix Microphone Not Working on Discord in Windows 10/11
3. How to Encrypt a USB Flash Drive on Windows 10/11
4. How to Fix Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters in Windows 10/11
5. How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Not Opening Issue on Windows PC

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the “This app can’t run on your PC” error message on Windows 11 PC. It’s my hope that the fixes that I’ve tried for myself have also helped you.

In case you have any doubts or queries regarding the fixes mentioned, comment below and let us know.

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