If you are not able to run a program on your computer due to an error message which states.EXE Has Stopped Working, then this guide will help you resolve that error. This error occurs because the primary file, also known as the executable file is not able to function correctly. There is no fixed reason as to why this error occurs, and there are several probable causes can result in this issue occurring from time to time. Some of these causes include:
- The system files get corrupted.
- There is an issue with the compatibility settings.
- There can be malicious software in the system.
- Outdated and missing drivers.
- Temporary & Junk files.
Steps On How To Fix .EXE Has Stopped Working In Windows 10?
Fix 1: Launch The Application Again
Fix 2: Execute the Anti-Malware program
Fix 3: Check the Compatibility Options
Fix 4: Launch The App In Administrator Mode
Fix 5: Delete Temporary 7 Junk Files
Fix 6: Execute DISM & SFC Tools
Fix 1: Launch The Application Again
While running a program, if you face the .exe has stopped working for the first time, you need not worry about it. All you can do is to click on the “Close the Program” option in the prompt that appears. This will remove the prompt from the desktop. Follow these steps next:
Step 1: Click on the Close message, and make a right-click on any space on the taskbar. Select Task Manager from the context menu.
Step 2: Once the Task Manager dialog box opens, click on the Processes tab and check for the program that caused the error. Make a right-click and then click on End Task Button at the bottom.
Step 3: Restart your computer and then rerun the program.
Note: This issue can occur due to lack of system resources and can be quickly resolved with a restart.
Fix 2: Execute the AntiMalware program
All computers can be infected by malicious software otherwise known as Virus, Malware, spyware etc. These cyber-threats can cause your compute to malfunction and display errors like .exe has stopped working in Windows 10. There are many antivirus applications available in the software market today. Still, I recommend Systweak AntiVirus, which is complete software in all means to protect our computers and keep them safe and secure.
The essential features of the Systweak Antivirus are:
- Real-Time Protection – The Systweak Antivirus maintains real-time protection on your computer and analyses any threats that may occur in your computer.
- Different Modes of Scan – Systweak antivirus allows the users to scan their computer in three modes, namely, Quick scan, Deep scan and Custom scan.
- Boost Your Performance – Once the Systweak Antivirus detects malicious activities and secures your browsing, your computer will always work on enhanced performance.
- Complete Solution. Systweak Antivirus also features exploit protection, removes all types of malicious software and even disables startup items.
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Fix 3: Check the Compatibility Options
Certain compatibility options can also result in issues with the execution of the application and display the .exe has stopped working error prompt on your system. This can be resolved by a quick change in the configuration of the compatibility settings in your system. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Locate the folder where the application has been installed.
Step 2: Next locate the executable file or .exe file and make a right-click to open the contextual menu.
Step 3: Select Properties and then click on the Compatibility tab. Here you will find an option with a checkbox labelled as “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and then select the Windows operating system version.
Step 4: Reboot the computer, and now check if the program is still giving you the same error.
Fix 4: Launch The App In Administrator Mode
Another resolution to fix .exe has stopped working in Windows 10 is to grant the program administrator rights. When a program is executed in admin mode, it has full access to system files and resources. This helps in the flawless execution of the program. To run any program in elevated mode, follow these steps:
Step 1: Search and locate the installation folder of the application.
Step 2: Open the folder and then search for the main .exe file.
Step 3: Make a right-click on the .exe file of the program and from the contextual menu, choose properties.
Step 4: Now, click on the Compatibility tab in the properties dialog box and look for an option labelled as “Run this Program as an Administrator”.
Step 5: Check the box next to it and click on Apply and then on OK.
Step 6: Restart the computer and check if the error persists.
Fix 5: Delete Temporary 7 Junk Files
Windows 10 Operating system creates a lot of junk and temporary files in its day to day operations. However, it does not delete all these files that have been created, and sometimes it overwrites existing files which can result in corruption. If any of the applications installed on your system requires to use the corrupted temporary file, then it can cause the .exe has stopped working in Windows 10.
To remove the temporary and junk files and optimize the system for this error and any other possible system, it is recommended to use an all-in-one tool to maintain the computer. I have been using Advance System Optimizer for over 4 years now, and it takes care of all the software issues for me. Let me show you how effective it is by explaining what all ASO can do:
- System Cleaner – Advanced System Optimizer helps users to clean junk, temporary and obsolete files from the system and ensures a faster PC and more storage space.
- Maintains Security and Privacy – ASO also aids in securing the system by offering protection against virus, malware, spyware and other similar types of files. It also maintains privacy on the computer by deleted browsing history, cache and cookies so that no one can track your surfing activities.
- Optimizes Windows – This application can optimize the components of your PC like Memory optimization, which frees up your RAM and Game optimization, which lets you have an unforgettable experience each time you play.
- Updates Drivers – ASO makes sure that the drivers of your system are updated regularly.
- Backup & Recovery. One of the major aspects of protecting your files is to take a backup, compress them and store in a safe place to be restored in cases of accidents like hard disk crashes. Advanced System Optimizer can take a backup and restore your files as they were.
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Fix 6: Execute DISM & SFC Tools.
The next solution to Applcation.exe has stopped working in Windows 10 is to run the Windows’s in-built tools like System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management. These tools can repair any damaged or corrupted system files and help to avoid small issues, and even system crashes.
The System File Check or SFC checks for the Windows system files and repairs them if necessary:
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the search box on the taskbar and from the results displayed, hover your mouse over the Command Prompt App. Then on the right, click on the option that says Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Once the back and white window opens, type the following command line and press Enter.
sfc /scannow
Step 3: The process might take some considerable time to finish.
Note: as this process involves system files, it is strongly recommended that you do not run any other program by minimizing the Command Prompt window.
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete and then close the window.
Step 5: Check the application to see if the issue persists.
If the SFC tool could not fix the issue, then the problem could be within the disk image of the Windows installed on the computer. This requires a reinstall of Windows in most cases, but with DISM, we can fix the image without such a lengthy procedure. Here are the steps to resolve this issue.
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the search box on the taskbar and right, click on the option that says Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Type the following command in the black and white window and press Enter.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Step 3: Once the process is completed, restart your system and try to execute the application that has been causing the error related to .exe has stopped working in Windows 10.
Fix 7: Update Drivers
The final resolution that I can think of is to update the drivers in your system. Drivers are small programs that can communicate between the operating system and the hardware. When you execute an application, it sends a message to the Operating system first about its hardware requirement, which is then communicated to the hardware via drivers.
Thus you can see that it is essential to update and maintain your drivers at all times. There are two ways of updating drivers: Manual and Automatic method. The manual method is a lengthy and challenging process and requires time and effort. I would have suggested you use this Microsoft default method by using Device Manager but using this would require you to know the exact model and version of every hardware component in your computer. Once you know that, search the internet for the latest driver, download and install it.
However, this process can take days, and there is no guarantee of success. Instead, I would recommend the Automatic method of updating drivers, something which I have been doing for the last couple of years. There are many applications available to facilitate this, but I prefer using Smart Driver Care as it has some fantastic features:
Update Drivers: Smart Driver Care searches the internet, and updates the outdated driver, replaces the corrupt and damaged drivers and final install the missing drivers in your system.
Driver Backup: SDC also takes a backup of your system drivers before installing new ones. This precautionary procedure is essential because if the new driver turns out to incompatible with your hardware, then SDC can restore the previous working driver.
Software Updater: The most unusual feature of SDC which is not available in other driver update software is the fact that it can also search for the latest versions of the programs installed in your computer and update them as well.
The Final Words On How To Fix .EXE Has Stopped Working In Windows 10?
Windows 10 is truly a fantastic operating system, but this does not come only from the operating system itself and is dependent on other applications as well. An application like Advanced System Optimizer and Smart Driver Care can always ensure that your system never runs into any errors like .exe not working in Windows 10. Do try out these solutions if you are facing the error and let us know which one worked in the comments section below.
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