Quite often, in Windows systems of any generation, when you run the installer file or even an installed program, you may encounter a message that the launched object is not a Win32 application. In theory, many users are aware that in most cases we are talking about the architecture of the OS and applications, which in this environment is trying to start. However, the effect of the bit depth installed on the computer or laptop of the OS is not always a key factor in this behavior of Windows. It is almost impossible to unequivocally answer the question about what exactly caused this failure. Therefore, we will consider some of the most common situations and see what can be done to run executable program files normally.
The file is not a Win32 application: causes of crashes
First, let's dwell on the most common causes of this error. It is obvious that if it is a question of the fact that the same Setup file is not a Win32 application, it can only mean that its launch is designed exclusively for a 64-bit OS.
Just check which modification is installed on your computer. But this is only a general version of what is happening. In fact, among the main reasons for this behavior of the system, the following are usually distinguished:
- partial or complete incompatibility with the operating system, including the inability to run files in a Windows environment that is designed for Linux or Mac OS;
- short-term system failures associated with damage to its main components and registry;
- lack of necessary additional platforms;
- Attempt to start an incompletely deleted program;
- virus exposure and blocking by antivirus software;
- the presence on the computer of a hacked version of Windows or a pirated copy of the downloaded program.
It goes without saying that you can list the causes of such errors for a very long time. But let's move on to practical methods of eliminating the consequences.
What to do first?
First, we will proceed from the fact that, until a certain point, the installed program worked without problems, and the notification that the object is not a Win32 application appeared completely suddenly. It may well be that some kind of failure has occurred in the operating system itself. Try just rebooting.
If the error persists, sometimes the most common rollback to the previous state, when everything worked, helps. You can execute it from the corresponding section in the Control Panel, in Windows 10 you can refer to the settings section, and also use the help of third-party software in the form of optimizer programs that have such tools. You can also call the Run console and enter the rstrui command in it, then expand the list yourself and select the desired restore point. If this does not help, try reinstalling the problematic program.
Bit depth, type of operating system and user rights
But such situations can be observed not only with installed applications, but also with those that are only supposed to be installed. In this case, when starting the installer, for example, 32-bit, and on a system with the same architecture, a notification may appear that the x86 program is not a Win32 application. Here, for starters, you should check whether the extension of the executable file of Windows OS in general. It may well be that it is designed for other operating systems.
Another solution may be to run the installer executable exclusively on behalf of the administrator, as for Windows operating systems of version 7 and higher.
Finally, if there are problems with the installers, when the message that the Setup file is not a Win32 application is constantly displayed, you can try to start in the so-called compatibility mode with previous versions of Windows, using the properties of the file itself or the shortcut in Explorer . You won’t be able to select a higher version, but you can establish compatibility with an obsolete version. In addition, if you use the properties of the shortcut, you can select the checkbox on the permanent launch item on behalf of the administrator so that in the future the system does not require such privileges.
The program is not a Win32 application: installing platforms
Another fairly common problem is the lack or obsolescence of additional platforms that provide interaction between the system and multimedia components of all types. In such a situation, it is advisable to update or install additional necessary modules like DirectX, .NET Framework, Visual C ++, Java, etc., referring to the download section of the official Microsoft website or technical support resource.
Viruses and antivirus programs
Finally, as one of the reasons for the appearance of messages that the launched applet is not a Win32 application, we can name the effects of viruses and the blocking of some applications by security programs. In the simplest case, try checking your computer for threats using portable scanners rather than regular scanners.
If no viruses are detected, disable the antivirus programs at all before running the file that causes the error. If the executable component starts without problems, add the application to the antivirus exclusion list. In some cases, you may need to use other security software (for example, change “Avast” to some other antivirus).