8 Proven Fixes for ‘The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)’ Error to Get Your App Running Smoothly
Many people run into the error message “The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)” when trying to open certain programs. This issue can be frustrating because it stops the app from launching and interrupts work or gaming sessions. The good news is that this error usually happens because of missing or damaged system files, outdated software, or permission problems, and it can be fixed with some simple steps.
This article shares eight proven fixes to solve the 0xc0000142 error. These solutions range from repairing the program and updating Windows to running system scans and checking software permissions. Each method is easy to follow and can help get the affected application running again without needing expert help.
By trying these steps, people can quickly fix the error without losing data or needing to reinstall their entire system. Knowing what causes this problem and how to handle it makes troubleshooting much less stressful.
Understanding the ‘The Application Was Unable to Start Correctly (0xc0000142)’ Error
This error prevents programs from opening and running as they should. It often shows up as a popup message that stops the app from launching. The cause can be related to software issues, system files, or permissions in Windows.
What Causes the 0xc0000142 Error?
The error happens when an application fails to start properly. This is usually because some files it needs are missing or damaged. Sometimes, corrupted system files or outdated software cause this problem.
Another common cause is permission problems. Some programs need admin rights to run or update certain components. If these permissions are missing, the app might show this error.
Updated or missing Visual C++ redistributables and runtime libraries can also trigger the 0xc0000142 error.
Common Programs Affected
Microsoft Office apps, like Word, Excel, and Outlook, often show this error. It can also happen with games and other large programs needing special runtime files.
Players sometimes see this error when the game tries to update or add new files but can’t due to lack of permissions.
Some system tools or custom software might also fail to start with this error if they rely on outdated or missing libraries.
Why It Happens on Windows
Windows runs apps through a set of shared system files and libraries. If these files are damaged or outdated, apps can’t start correctly.
Often, Windows users meet this error after a recent update, or if Office or another app wasn’t installed or repaired properly.
Lack of admin rights is another common Windows cause. If an app can’t write to system folders or update critical components, it may fail with 0xc0000142.
Security programs or corrupted registry entries can also block the app startup process.
8 Proven Fixes to Solve the 0xc0000142 Error
This error often happens when a program can’t start properly due to missing files, permission problems, or corrupted system data. Fixing it usually involves checking system files, adjusting permissions, updating drivers, or reinstalling key software components.
Restart Your Computer
The first step should always be to restart the computer. This simple action can clear temporary glitches and free locked resources that stop an application from launching.
Restarting closes background processes that may interfere with the app. It also refreshes system services needed for the program to run. If the error persists after a restart, then deeper fixes are needed.
Run the Application as Administrator
Sometimes applications need extra permissions to start. Running the program as an administrator provides the rights it might require.
To do this, right-click the app’s icon and select Run as administrator. If this fixes the problem, the user can set the app to always run with admin rights by adjusting properties.
This approach lets the app load needed files or install updates that might fail with normal permissions.
Update or Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
Many apps rely on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables to run. If these are missing, outdated, or corrupted, the 0xc0000142 error can appear.
Users should check which versions are installed in Programs and Features. Then, download the latest versions from Microsoft’s official site.
If the redistributables are already installed, uninstalling and reinstalling them often helps fix the issue by replacing broken files.
Check System File Integrity with SFC and DISM
Corrupted system files can cause the error. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair these files.
To use SFC, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type:
sfc /scannow
After it completes, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These checks fix damaged files in Windows that block apps from starting correctly.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or faulty graphics drivers sometimes trigger this error, especially with games or visual apps.
Users can update drivers by visiting their graphics card manufacturer’s website or using Device Manager:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Display adapters
- Right-click the graphics device and choose Update driver
Fresh drivers ensure better compatibility and stability.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential drivers and programs. This helps find if third-party software is causing the error.
To do a clean boot:
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter
- On the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all
- Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager
- Disable all startup items, then restart the computer
If the app starts well, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Modify Registry Values for AppInit_DLLs
Sometimes registry values for AppInit_DLLs are incorrect, causing the error.
Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run dialog (Windows + R). Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindows
Find the string AppInit_DLLs. If it’s not empty, clear its value or delete it. Leave the key blank.
Restart the system after this change. This stops problematic DLLs from loading at startup and blocking the app.
Reinstall the Affected Program
If none of the above works, reinstalling the program can fix missing or corrupt files specific to that app.
Uninstall the program through Control Panel > Programs and Features. Then download the latest setup from the official site and install it again.
This method ensures a fresh copy of the program, which often solves start-up errors like 0xc0000142.
