Why Does The “Application.exe Has Stopped Working” Error Occur | How to Fix it

You can run various applications on Windows OS to carry out your tasks. If one of these apps stops abruptly, then you will receive an error message box stating that “—.exe has stopped working.” This error code implies that your program has been stopped suddenly. The error box provides a few options to debug the program, check for an online solution, etc. A simple restart will fix the problem if the error occurs randomly. But if it frequently happens, troubleshoot this issue before it crosses your frustration levels. We have covered it all in this guide.

What is a .exe File?

.exe files are executable files that contain instructions. When these files are run, the operating system executes the instructions in the background. 

How to Open a .exe File?

You can run any .exe file by double-clicking or right-clicking on it and choosing Open from the context menu. The instructions embedded in the .exe file will be executed, which can include running a process in the background or launching a game or app’s GUI.

What is the Difference Between an Application & an Executable Program

.exe files are only a set of instructions. However, an application is a collection of .exe files and other files that present a graphical user interface. By double-clicking a .exe file, you load certain instructions into your PC’s memory, and your PC follows those instructions. But when you run an application, many files, including .exe files, are loaded into your memory and wait for the user’s instructions to carry out multiple tasks.

This guide will help you to fix memory management error

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How To Fix The Application.exe Error on Windows

There are various reasons why the “Application.exe not working” Error occurs. Hence, there are many different methods to fix this issue. We have listed all the best possible solutions here. You need to carry out the steps under each method successfully. After that, please check if the issue has been resolved. This way, you can fix the issue as soon as possible and ignore the remaining methods.

Method 1 – Reboot Your PC

If you have randomly encountered this issue, we suggest you restart your PC. This will clear all the temp files in your PC’s memory and close all the applications. A fresh start may resolve the temporary issues and conflicts created out of the blue.

Also Read – Error: The Application was Unable to Start Correctly – Fixed

Method 2 – Execute The App In Compatibility Mode.

If you encounter the “Application.exe error” while executing a specific app, restarting the PC will not be effective. You must run the problematic app in compatibility mode. This applies to programs designed to run on a previous version of Windows OS. Here is what you need to do.

1. Right-click on the program shortcut and choose Properties from the context menu.
2. A new box will open where you must click the Compatibility tab.

3. Locate the “Run this compatibility mode for” option and check the box before it.
4. Choose a different version of Windows from the dropdown.
5. Click on the OK button.

You can experiment with the different options until you find the one that helps your applications run smoothly. If this approach doesn’t work, proceed to the next solution.

Method 3 – Execute The Application With Administrator Privileges

Microsoft allows users to run their apps in the administrative mode. This helps the app access all the system resources and grants special rights and permissions. Without restrictions, an app performs better and executes tasks effectively assigned by the user. Here are the steps.

1. Right-click on the problematic app icon and select Properties.
2. Click on the Compatibility tab in the Properties box.
3. Place a checkmark before the “Run this program as an administrator” option.

4. Click on Apply, followed by OK. 

Execute the app and check if you receive the “Application.exe has stopped working” error again.

Also Read – How To Enable Hidden Administrator Account on Windows 11

Method 4 – Make Changes To The Data Execution Prevention Settings

Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a security feature that protects your computer from viruses and other threats. However, some users have reported that it can cause .exe files to stop working. In such cases, adjusting the DEP settings manually may resolve the issue.

1. Press Win + R to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type “Control” and click on the OK button.
3. The Control Panel box will open. You must ensure that the View By option at the top right corner is set to “Category.”
4. Next, click on System and Security.

5. Then click on System.
6. Further, in the new window, click on Advanced system settings.

7. A new box will open where you must click the Advanced tab.
8. Locate the Performance section and then click on the Settings button.
9. A new box will open again where you have to click on the Data Execution Prevention tab.

10. To enable it, click on the circular button before the Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only option.
11. Click on Apply and then OK.

Method 5 – Scan For Malware

Malware is a common cause of PC issues, leading to minor and major errors. Experts suggest that malware infections can affect files and applications on your computer, triggering errors such as “an app stopped working.” You should run a scan with your preferred antivirus software to resolve this. Below, we’ve outlined the steps for performing a Windows Security malware scan.

1. Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security.”
2. Click on the result with the same name.
3. Next, click on Virus & Threat Protection.
4. Click Scan Options.
5. Choose Full Scan and click the Scan Now button.

Also Read – Difference Between Malware and a Virus

Method 6 – Update Drivers

Drivers ensure your computer operates smoothly, enabling effective communication between hardware and software. To prevent driver-related issues, you can update them in three different ways:

Fix 1: Update via the Manufacturer’s Website

Most hardware manufacturers provide official websites where you can find and download the latest drivers. You can manually update your drivers by searching for them using your device’s model number. However, having accurate information about your operating system and hardware is important, as installing the wrong driver can lead to further issues. To avoid mistakes, many users prefer using Device Manager for updates.

Fix 2: Update via Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that helps you manage and update your drivers. Here’s how to use it:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. In Device Manager, look for any yellow exclamation marks indicating driver issues.
3. Expand the relevant category, right-click the driver, and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.

However, Device Manager might not always show the latest driver updates, as it only lists updates in its database. This is why many users turn to dedicated driver update tools.

Fix 3: Update via Advanced Driver Updater (Recommended)

Advanced Driver Updater is a reliable tool that simplifies updating drivers. It offers the added benefit of backing up drivers before updating, allowing you to choose which driver to update and compare old and new versions. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download Advanced Driver Updater by clicking the link provided.

2. Install the program, open it, and click Start Scan Now.

3. The tool will display a list of outdated drivers. Click Update next to the driver that shows the Update link.

4. Restart your PC to complete the update.

By using this method, you can easily ensure that all your drivers are up to date without having to manually search for them.

Method 7 –  Uninstall & Reinstall App

The “We Couldn’t Find This App” error can occur due to accidental removal of the app or corrupted files. First, ensure the app is completely uninstalled to remove all corrupted files and leftovers. In the second case, reinstall the app from a valid source like the official website or Microsoft Store. Here are the steps to uninstall the app using the Windows default method.

1. Press Win + I to launch the Settings window.
2. Click on the Apps tab in the left panel.
3. Next, click on the Installed apps in the right section to view your PC’s installed apps.

4. In the search bar at the top, type the app’s name, and the app will be highlighted.
5. Click on the three dots at the app’s far right and choose Uninstall.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions and the problematic app will be removed from your PC.
7. Reboot your PC to complete the uninstallation process.
8. After uninstalling the app, reinstall it from a valid and genuine source.

Method 8 – Clean Junk Files

Junk files have also caused conflicts, errors, and issues on Windows PCs. To remove all the unwanted files, follow these steps.

1. Press Win + S and type “Disk Cleanup.”
2. Select Disk Cleanup from the search results.
3. Choose the drive you want to clean (typically the C: drive) and click OK.
4. Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can free up. Once it finishes, a list of file categories will appear.
5. Check the boxes next to categories like Temporary files, System files, Recycle Bin, and others you want to clean.

6. Click OK, then Delete Files to confirm.

Method 9 – Run DISM/SFC Scans

Corrupted system files can lead to the “Application.exe has stopped working” error. To repair the Windows image, you’ll need to run the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool. After using DISM, it’s important to run the System File Checker (SFC) utility to scan for and replace any corrupted system files. Below are the steps to run the DISM and SFC scans on your PC.

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 10 – 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 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”

Is your Application now Working?

We hope that the above steps have helped you fix your app error. We would love to hear all about the problem, including the symptoms and causes and which method helped you fix it. Do write to us in the comments section below.

Also Read – Application Has Been Blocked from Accessing Graphics Hardware Error on Windows – Fixed