When you encounter the “Unsupported 16-bit application” error on Windows 11 while trying to install or open a program, it means that the program or feature is incompatible with the 64-bit version of Windows. The error message typically states:
“The program or feature (name or location of the file) cannot start or run due to incompatibility with 64-bit versions of Windows. Please contact the software vendor to ask if a 64-bit Windows compatible version is available.”
This error can restrict your ability to use specific software or features essential for work, entertainment, or productivity. To resolve this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix unsupported 16-bit application error on Windows 11.
Potential Fixes To Unsupported 16-bit application error on Windows 11
Method #1: Fix Corrupted System Files
Firstly, try fixing corrupted system files to see if it can resolve the issues. Here’s how to go about that:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Reboot your system.
- If the SFC command returned an error, use the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Method #2: Run a Malware Scan
Another potential solution is to run a malware scan to see if there’s any malware in the system. To begin, follow the steps below:
- Click on the Windows Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type “Microsoft Defender” in the search bar and open the “Microsoft Defender Antivirus” application.
- In the left-hand menu, select “Virus & threat protection.”
- Choose between “Quick scan” or “Full scan” based on your preference.
- Quick scan targets vulnerable and commonly infected areas of your computer.
- Full scan scans your entire computer, including all files, folders, and programs.
- Click on the “Scan now” button and wait for the scan to complete.
- If any threats are detected, you can choose to remove them. If no threats are found, your device is secure.
Method #3: Reinstall the Affected Application
Consider reinstalling the affected application if the issue does not resolve. Here’s what to do:
- Launch the Control Panel on your Windows.
- Choose to view all items by Category.
- Under the “Programs” category, click on “Uninstall a program.”
- Locate the program causing the error in the Control Panel.
- Right-click on the program and select “Uninstall” to remove it completely.
- After uninstallation, download the desired application from the internet.
- Run the downloaded file to install the application.
- Follow the provided installation instructions.
- Once the installation is complete, check if the error still persists.
Method #4: Enable 16-Bit Application Support
Another potential solution is to enable 16-bit application support. Here’s what to do:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “optionalfeatures.exe” and click OK.
- In the Windows Features window, expand “Legacy Components”.
- Make sure the checkbox for “NTVDM” is selected.
- Launch Command Prompt with administrator rights.
- In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command:
- dism.exe /enable-feature:NTVDM
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Click on “Install this feature” to finalize the installation.
Method #5: Update your Windows PC
If the above solutions don’t rectify the issue, check if there’s an update available on your Windows PC. A simple update could be the potential solution to the issue. Here’s how to go about that:
- Visit the official Windows download website.
- Choose the appropriate Windows version for your device.
- Click on the “Download Now” button under the “Create Windows Installation Media” section.
- Double-click the downloaded file to launch the setup.
- Allow Windows to prepare the setup.
- Click the “Yes” button when prompted.
- Accept the License Agreement.
- Wait for Windows to download the necessary updates.
- Choose whether to keep your files and apps or not. It is recommended to keep your files and apps for an in-place upgrade.
- Click the “Install” button to start the upgrade process.
- Wait for Windows to copy the necessary files and upgrade your device.
- Now, restart your PC and see if the issue is resolved.
Final Words
There you have it on how to fix unsupported 16-bit application error on Windows 11. Following the above methods should help you resolve this issue. Hopefully, you get to enjoy a seamless Windows experience.
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