Fix “Another Instance Is Running” Error Message on Windows

The “Another instance is running” error typically occurs when a program tries to launch but detects that another instance of it is already active. This can happen due to background processes or incomplete shutdowns. We have compiled a list of the best troubleshooting steps that can help fix this issue. Without further ado, let us get started.

Why Does This Error Occur

The error message occurs when a program detects that it is already running, preventing a new instance from launching. This can happen for several reasons –

• The application may still be running in the background after closing it manually.
• The program may not have shut down properly during a previous session, leaving a lingering process.
• Some third-party applications, like the Ad-Aware web companion, can interfere with the normal operation of other programs.
• Sometimes, user account settings may restrict access, confusing whether the program is running.
• Corrupted program files can lead to errors that mistakenly indicate an instance is already active.

How to Fix “Another Instance Is Running” Error Message on Windows

Method 1 – Reboot Your PC

The first step is to restart your computer. This error might have occurred due to a temporary glitch and can be fixed by clearing the RAM with a reboot.

Also Read –  Fix – Computer Stuck on Restarting

Method 2 – Repair/Reset/Reinstall The Program

When running a specific program, the issue lies within that app. In this case, you need to repair/reset the app. However, depending on the app, there are different ways to do that. We have explained all the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key and type “Add or Remove Programs.”
2. Click on the search result with the same name.
3. A list of installed apps will appear on your screen. In the Search box at the top, type the name of the app that is creating the issue, and the app will be highlighted for you.
4. Click on the three dots at the far right to view the context menu. Depending on the app, you may receive different options.

	When you receive the Advanced Options menu, click on it and scroll down to the Reset section. Click on the Repair Button first and check if the issue is resolved; otherwise, click on the Repair button and reboot your PC.
	If you receive the Modify option, click on it. The app will provide options to modify, repair, or uninstall the app. Follow the steps to Repair the app. Restart your computer after the process.
	If the Modify option is grayed out, you will have no choice but to uninstall and reinstall the software.

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Method 3 – Update Windows

Microsoft releases update patches to fix bugs and issues on Windows PCs. In this case, we can expect that a new update would have been released to fix this issue. Here are the steps to update your Windows.

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings box.
2. Click on Windows Updates in the left panel.
3. Next, click on the Check for Updates button in the top right corner.
4. The Windows Updates Service will automatically download and install the latest updates on your PC.
5. Next, click on Advanced Options on the same page.
6. Then, click on Optional Updates (Features, Drivers, etc.).
7. Look for updates related to Windows features and check the box before it.
8. Click on the Download & Install button and wait for the process to complete.
9. Restart your computer.

Also Read – 9+ Ways To Fix Windows Stuck on “Checking for Updates”

Method 4 – Clear The Temporary Files On Your PC

Accumulated junk and temporary files can disrupt normal app functionality and Windows processes and services. These unnecessary files can also slow down your PC, making regular removal essential. Manual PC optimization involves multiple time-consuming steps, so we recommend using Advanced System Optimizer to simplify the process and keep your system running smoothly. This all-in-one optimization tool helps clean up unwanted data, optimize your disk, update drivers, and more. Here’s how to use the app.

1. Download and install Advanced System Optimizer using the link below.

2. Open the application and click on the “Start Smart PC Care” button.

3. This will launch a scan on your PC and identify the issues.
4. Click on the Optimize button, and the app will fix all the issues for you.
5. Restart your PC after the process is completed.

Method 5 – Clean Boot Windows

If you are still facing the error experts suggest you clean boot your PC and run the app again. Sometimes, if the app in question boots with the PC reboot, it can generate this error when a user tries to launch it again. Here’s how to clean boot your PC.

1. Open the Run box by pressing `Windows + R.` Type `appwiz.cpl`, and hit the `Enter` key.
2. This will open the Programs and Features window. Find Roblox in the list, right-click it, and select “Uninstall.”
3. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type “msconfig,” and click OK.

4. Go to the “Services” tab in the new box.
5. Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services” to prevent the disabling of essential system services.

6. Click “Disable all”. This will prevent non-Microsoft services from starting.
7. Switch to the “Startup” tab.
8. Click on “Open Task Manager”. This will open the Task Manager’s Startup tab.
9. Disable all startup items by right-clicking on each item and selecting “Disable”.

10. Close the Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window.
11. Click “OK” and then restart your computer.

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Method 6 – Run DISM/SFC Scans

Corrupted system files can cause this  message. To fix the Windows image, you need to run the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tool. After this tool, you must run the System File Checker utility to check and replace corrupted system files. Here are the steps to run your PC’s DISM and SFC scan.

1. Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog box and type “cmd”.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch the Command Prompt in admin mode.
3. Next, copy and paste the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. After the scan, type the command below followed by the Enter key.

sfc /scannow

5. Let the scan run and fix the corrupted files on your system. After the scan is over, reboot your PC.

Method 7 – Create A New User Account

The simplest method to fix this issue is to create a new profile, and check if you are getting the same error in a new user account. Here is what you need to do.

1. Press Win + R to launch the RUN box, type netplwiz, and click OK.
2. The User Accounts box will open, and you must click the Add button.

3. A blue box will open where you click the Sign in without Microsoft account link below.

4. Next, click on the Local Account option.

5. Type in the Username, Password, and Hint. If you do not want to enter a password every time your PC reboots, you can leave the password fields blank.

6. Click on the Next button and then click on Finish.

Also Read – Fixed Windows Keeps Creating Temporary Profiles Problem

Method 8 – Reset Windows

The ultimate solution to this issue is resetting your Windows operating system. Here’s how to do it. While Windows offers an option to retain your data during the reset, it’s advisable to back up your files externally to avoid any risk of data loss.

1. Open the Start menu and search for ‘Reset this PC.’ Then, select the appropriate option from the search results.
2. Click on “Reset PC.”
3. Select “Keep my files.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the reset process for your Windows computer.

Also Read – Restore Data After Factory Reset on Windows – Bring Your Files Back!

Editor’s Tip – Uninstall Ad-Aware Web Companion.

If you encounter the “Another instance is running” error message every time you start your computer, you must uninstall the Ad-Aware web companion. For those unfamiliar, Ad-Aware is an anti-spyware program. Several users have reported that removing the Ad-Aware web companion resolved the error. There is no definite reason why this tool creates conflicts with Windows system files, but some experts have marked this as a potential solution. To remove the app, follow these steps.

1. Press the Windows key and type “Add or Remove Programs”.
2. Click on the search result with the same name.
3. A list of installed apps will appear on your screen. Locate Ad-Aware Web Companion and click the three dots on the far right.
4. Choose Uninstall from the context menu and follow the onscreen steps to remove the app from your PC.
5. Restart Your PC to remove any residual files. 

[Conclusion]

In conclusion, resolving the “Another Instance Is Running” error message on Windows can typically be achieved by identifying and closing any active instances of the program or uninstalling conflicting applications. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined, you can restore the normal functioning of your software and prevent future occurrences of this issue. Do Write to us in the comments section about your issue and how you fixed it.

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