If you are seeing the message “The application was unable to start correctly 0xc00007b” every time you try to open a program or game on Windows you are not alone. This is a common Windows error that appears across Windows 10 Windows 11 and even Windows 7 64-bit systems. It is frustrating and can stop you from accessing important software or playing your favorite games.
In this blog we will explore every possible reason and solution to this error using simple language. Whether you are a tech expert or a casual user this guide will walk you through the steps to get your system back on track.
The error code 0xc00007b usually means that your computer is trying to run a program using files or libraries that do not match its architecture. For example it could be trying to use 32-bit files on a 64-bit system or the other way around.
It may look like this
The application was unable to start correctly 0xc00007b. Click OK to close the application.
This error often occurs when launching games such as GTA V PUBG Far Cry or apps like Adobe Photoshop AutoCAD or even some antivirus programs.
Incompatible or missing DLL files
Corrupted Visual C++ Redistributables
32-bit and 64-bit software conflict
Outdated .NET Framework
Missing DirectX files
Damaged system files
Incomplete software installations
Hard disk issues or system-level errors
We’ll go through multiple solutions. Follow them one by one until the problem is solved.
It may sound simple but restarting your PC can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or loading problems.
Right-click on the app or game’s shortcut
Click on “Run as administrator”
If the app launches without the error it could mean it needs extra permissions to access system files.
Sometimes the application itself might be corrupted. Follow these steps
Uninstall the software from Control Panel
Restart your PC
Download the latest version from the official website
Install it again and check if the error is gone
Make sure to install the correct version 32-bit or 64-bit based on your system
An outdated Windows system can miss important updates and compatibility fixes.
Open Settings
Go to Update and Security
Click on Windows Update
Check for updates and install them all
Restart your computer
The 0xc00007b error often happens because of missing or damaged Visual C++ runtime files.
You need to install both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions of the following:
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010
Microsoft Visual C++ 2012
Microsoft Visual C++ 2013
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022
Steps:
Go to the official Microsoft website
Download both x86 and x64 versions
Install or repair all versions
Restart your computer
DirectX is important for running games and graphics-heavy applications. Missing DirectX files may lead to this error.
Go to the Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer page
Download and install it
Restart your system
This will replace or fix any missing DirectX files
Dependency Walker is a free tool to analyze software files.
Steps
Download Dependency Walker
Open the EXE file that is showing the error
The tool will show if there is any 32-bit or 64-bit conflict
Replace the problematic DLLs with correct versions
Note: Be cautious when replacing DLL files. Only download them from safe sources
Applications rely on the .NET Framework to function properly.
Go to the official Microsoft .NET website
Download and install the latest version of .NET Framework
Restart your PC
You may also need to enable older .NET Framework versions from Control Panel
Windows has a built-in tool to fix system file corruption.
Steps:
Search for “cmd” in Start
Right-click and choose “Run as administrator”
Type the following command and press Enter
sfc /scannow
Wait for it to finish and follow any instructions
This process can take 10 to 15 minutes
Corrupted or outdated GPU drivers can lead to application errors.
Steps:
Open Device Manager
Expand the Display adapters section
Right-click your graphics card and choose “Update driver”
Select “Search automatically for drivers”
If it still doesn’t work go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers manually.
A clean boot starts your computer with only the essential drivers and startup programs.
Steps:
Press Windows Key + R
Type msconfig and hit Enter
In the System Configuration window go to the Services tab
Check “Hide all Microsoft services”
Click “Disable all”
Now go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager
Disable all startup items
Restart your computer
Try running the application now
Some apps require additional software bundles. These can include
OpenAL
XNA Framework
PhysX
DirectPlay
Be sure to install all required components the application or game may need. Check the system requirements on the official website of the software.
A corrupted hard disk sector can prevent applications from launching.
Steps:
Open Command Prompt as administrator
Type the command below and press Enter
chkdsk C: /f /r
It will ask to schedule the check on next reboot. Type Y and hit Enter
Restart your computer
This can take time depending on the size of your drive
Some tools like “All in One Runtimes” can help you install all missing runtime libraries with one click.
Caution: Only download from trusted sources and use antivirus protection
If the error started recently after a software or driver installation use System Restore
Search “System Restore” in Start
Select a restore point before the error appeared
Follow on-screen instructions
This won’t delete personal files but may remove installed apps
If all else fails a clean installation of Windows may be the final solution. Back up all important data first.
You can use the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website to create a bootable USB drive and reinstall Windows.
Always keep your system up to date
Avoid downloading DLL files from random websites
Use official sources for all software and drivers
Use antivirus software to avoid malware-related corruption
The error “The application was unable to start correctly 0xc00007b” is annoying but not unfixable. It usually relates to compatibility issues between 32-bit and 64-bit libraries missing files or corrupted system components. By following the steps listed above you can fix this error and get your programs working again.
Try the simple solutions first like restarting and running as administrator. If they don’t work move on to updating drivers checking for missing libraries and repairing system files. Reinstalling the operating system should only be your last resort.
Hopefully this guide has helped you fix the 0xc00007b error on your Windows 10 Windows 11 or Windows 7 64-bit system.
It’s a Windows error indicating a conflict between 32-bit and 64-bit components, often DLL-related.
Yes, it can occur on Windows 7, 10, or 11 — especially if software is not compatible or prerequisites are missing.
Sometimes. If the installation was corrupt or incomplete, reinstalling may resolve the issue.
Yes! Most fixes involve Microsoft’s own tools and services like .NET, Visual C++, and DirectX.
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