Another day, another Windows issue. One of the most frustrating Windows errors to encounter is the “the application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b)” error. While definitely fixable, the confusion lies in figuring out where the problem is stemming from and then finding the right fix to tackle the issue.
But first, let’s go back to basics. What exactly does the error code 0xc00007b mean?
What Is Error Code 0xc000007b?
The error “the application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b)” typically indicates a problem that hinders users from loading an application on Windows 10, 8, 8.1, or 7. Whether it be a coding error or corrupted application files, the confusing part is that this error can be caused by a plethora of system issues.
What are the causes of the 0xc000007b error?
Most of the time, users encounter this type of issue after upgrading to a newer version of Windows or when certain files are missing or corrupted. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of the 0xc000007b error. This usually happens when:
- Running a 32-bit application on a 64-bit operating system
- Upgrading to a newer version of the Windows operating system
- There are issues in the .NET Framework
- Drivers are outdated
- There are complications in the installation process
- There are errors in the registry
- Your system has a virus
The best methods to fix the “the application was unable to start correctly 0xc00007b” error
As with many Windows error messages, there is no all-encompassing solution to this problem. You may have to try a variety of methods to get rid of the 0xc000007b error message. Luckily for you, we’ve done the heavy lifting and compiled some of the most common methods to fix this error. Check them out below.
Method 1: Reboot Your Computer
Before trying any of the fixes we have listed below, the first thing you should try is rebooting your device. Sometimes a simple restart can fix the “the application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b)” error. After restarting, try running the application again to see if it works. If it doesn’t, try the other solutions below.
Method 2: Try Running the Application as an Administrator
If restarting your device didn’t fix the problem, you can try running the application or software as an administrator. If you’re unsure how to do it, follow the step-by-step guide below:
- Find the application that you are trying to run.
- Right-click on the application or program that you are trying to run and choose Run this program as an administrator.
- Expect a Windows system pop-up asking if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click Yes.
- Wait for your application to launch.
Method 3: Reinstall the Application That You Are Trying to Start
Another way to fix the “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)” is by uninstalling and reinstalling the application that you are trying to run. More often than not, corrupted software hinders users from running an application properly. If you believe uninstalling and reinstalling the program will fix this issue, follow these steps:
Uninstall a program:
- Press the Windows button or click Start.
- Type “Control Panel” on the search bar and then click on the app.
- From the Control Panel window, scroll down to see Programs and Features and then click Uninstall a program.
- You’ll then see a list of all the programs that you have installed on your computer. Choose the application that you are having problems with, right-click it, then select Uninstall.
- Once it finishes uninstalling, you may be asked to restart your device. If Windows doesn’t ask you to reboot your computer, you can proceed to reinstall your application.
Installing a program:
- Visit the official website of the software and locate the installation file (keep in mind that the file will be saved to your computer in .exe format)
- Check your Downloads folder and double click the installation file
- Expect a Windows system pop-up asking if you want to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click Yes.
- After clicking Yes, the installation process should begin.
- Once your system completes the installation process, you may be asked to restart your device. If Windows doesn’t ask you to reboot your computer, try running the application to see if this method worked.
Method 4: Update Your Windows Operating System
In most cases, a simple Windows update could fix the 0xc00007b error. Updating your operating system is usually a good idea that might help fix this annoying error. To check if your Windows OS has an update, follow the step-by-step guide below:
- Press the Windows button or click Start.
- On the left side, click Settings.
- Scroll all the way down and click Update & Security.
- On the left side of the new window, choose Windows Update.
- From there, you’ll see an option to Check for updates.
- Once it’s finished checking, you can simply click Download and install if your computer found relevant updates to your operating system.
Method 5: Update the .NET Framework
Are you unfamiliar with the .NET Framework? Put simply, it is a software development framework used to build and run applications on the Windows operating system. If the .NET Framework encounters an issue, other supported applications may also be affected. To avoid this, make sure to update your .NET Framework to the latest version.
- Download the latest .NET Framework from the official Microsoft website.
- Run the downloaded program and install the update.
- Wait until the update finishes and restart your computer.
- Check if you can now run your application.
Method 6: Perform a Clean Boot
Performing a clean boot is one of the most common troubleshooting techniques that help users identify the cause of an error. When it comes to the “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b)” error, a clean boot eliminates possible software conflicts that may occur during a regular boot. If the issue stems from a simple loading error, then a clean boot should do the trick. Here’s how to perform a clean boot of Windows 10:
- Press the Windows button or click Start.
- Type “System Configuration” into the search box and then click the application.
- Once you’re in the System Configuration window, click the Services tab.
- Tick the Hide all Microsoft services box and then click Disable all.
- Next, go on the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Once you’re in the Task Manager window, click Startup.
- On the Startup tab, right-click the startup items and select Disable.
- Click OK, then Restart your device.
If that fixes the issue, then one of the disabled services or startup items is conflicting with your application. Enable them one-by-one while restarting your computer each time and test starting your application to pinpoint exactly which service is causing the issue.
Method 7: Run CHKDSK to Check for Hard Drive Errors
Pronounced as “check disk,” CHKDSK is a command that verifies the proper configuration of your hard drive. This is one of the easiest methods you can use to solve the 0xc000007b error on Windows 10. If you’re unsure where to start, let us guide you through the process.
- Press the Windows button or click Start.
- Type “Run” in the search box and click the application.
- Once the Run window opens, type “cmd” and click Enter.
- Typing “cmd” opens the Command Prompt window. Once there, type “chkdsk c: /f /r” and press Enter.
- You might have to restart your computer to start the scan.
- Once the scan completes, restart your computer again to see if the issue has been resolved.
Bottom Line
When you encounter the 0xc00007b error, the best thing to do is to keep calm and not let it overwhelm you. As we mentioned above, this error is definitely fixable, and once you have familiarized yourself with the cause, fixing it is a pretty straightforward process.
Do you have other tips on how to fix the “the application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b)” error? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!
