How to Fix Error 0xc00007b – Application Was Unable to Start Correctly

Windows errors have been haunting millions for decades, and the error code 0xc00007b is one of them. Most non-tech savvy users panic when the system displays “application was unable to start correctly” in the latest software. The situation may worsen for some administrators, and we encourage the users to take action soon. I have compiled a list of solutions to counter the Windows 11 error and resolve the problem by the end of the tutorial.

What caused the Application Unable to Start Correctly (0xc00007b) in Windows 11?

All Windows computers don’t fall in the same category because they have different SoC and internal components. Users can custom-build a gaming machine using internal parts manufactured by various brands. I have listed a few reasons why 0xc00007b persists in your computer. Read them all and identify the root cause early on to resolve the issue sooner.

Windows 10 to 11 Upgrade:

My computer ran into many Windows errors after upgrading the software from the 10th edition to the latest version. The software upgrade has lacked in many ways, even though Microsoft improved the UI/UX design as an update. The software upgrade may have disrupted the software components. My computer faced a similar problem, and I have mentioned the solution below.

Windows 11 Bugs and Glitches:

I’m an early Windows 11 adopter, and I have tested the software on Intel laptops, AMD laptops, and AMD desktops. In my testing, I used an unsupported Ryzen 5 1600 processor. Microsoft released a statement that the 11th edition has bugs and glitches. Over time, the Redmond-based company plans to improve the software.

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Errors:

MS Visual C++ Redistributable packages have revived the gaming sector in the world. Game developers have built the games on Visual C++ Redistributable packages. One of the packages has gotten corrupted, causing the issue. We have to identify the corrupted package from the program list and inspect them.

Problematic Problems:

Third-party software developers don’t have the resources to release compatibility updates. You got multi-billion companies releasing compatibility updates early because they have the resources and Microsoft assistance. Many smaller companies have challenges releasing updates due to a lack of funding. Some programs clash with the operating system, and they cause problems. We have to take up the challenge and identify the problematic program.

Pirated Programs:

I know people who have installed pirated programs on Windows PC.

Ask yourself a question on why would an (unknown) developer spend hours patching a premium software.

These developers have accumulated experience by spending years mastering coding and programming languages.

These pirated programs have unknown threats, and they destroy your machine within.

Pirated Windows:

Unfortunately, I have witnessed many young users activate Windows copy. I’ve met a player online who suggests others activate Windows using the illegal program. Pirated OS comes with risks and you might be the victim of it.

PC Threats:

Malware single handled destroyed my Windows laptop in the past. No one can argue that many flash drives, removable drives, and devices stopped working due to malware obstruction. Data loss is another problem when the desktop or laptop has malware infected in the hard disk drives.

FIX: The application was unable to start correctly (0xc00007b) in Windows 11

I suggest the readers back up the photos, videos, documents, and files. We don’t know what’s lingering in your system, like viruses, malware, etc. I don’t want you to lose stored data on your Windows PC. Pick up a flash drive and copy the files to the removable drive.

Shut Down Windows PC

Shut down your Windows PC for a couple of minutes. The operating system dumps temporary files, background processes, startup programs, etc. Let me show you how to shut down Windows 11. The software boots necessary files in the next session and may resolve the issue.

1. Press the Alt + F4 keys together.

2. Click the “OK” button.

3. Let the PC shut down.

Give a few minutes, and I would give a minimum of ten minutes of sleep time. Disconnect the charger and let the laptop sleep for ten minutes. A charging computer pumps up the heat further, and we don’t want it. Turn on the PC after a few minutes of sleep time.

Inspect Operating System Files

Windows operating system files get corrupted when you overlook the damages. We don’t care about the software’s health and abuse the system for months. Almost everyone doesn’t pay attention to the software’s health, and the system files suffer from corruption later. Microsoft bundled a tool in Windows to identify the corrupted files and fix them when possible.

1. Click on the Start key.

2. Search for Command Prompt. Run the CMD as administrator.

3. Enter (SFC /scannow) in the empty field.

4. The system files integrity verification begins.

5. The verification process continues for minutes.

My new laptop has an SSD that took less than two minutes to finish the process.

My old AMD A4-6210 laptop has a mechanical drive (5200rpm) that finished the verification process in twenty minutes.

6. Scan reports revealed some corrupted system files, but the Microsoft built-in tool fixed them.

Notification: Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

Google the results, and you will find other solutions related to your results.

Remove Windows Threats

Inspect your Windows PC for viruses, malware, spyware, adware, and others. We don’t know what malware protracted in the system and how it’s damaging the system files. Many pirated games or programs require DLL files, and the malware slowly tampered with the DLL file. Run a full system scan and drag the threats out of hiding.

You can use any antivirus system since we don’t want to influence your choice. Remember, antivirus protection should have good protection against the latest threats.

A complete system scan takes a minimum of sixty minutes to finish on the latest SoC. I implore the readers to take out sixty minutes or more for the system scan.

Quarantine the virus or malware from Windows PC without hesitation. Reinstall the operating system when you detect the same virus back in the machine.Use the official Windows ISO file for software reinstallation.

Uninstall and Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

I will show you how to remove and install Visual C++ Redistributable in Windows 11. I have provided the official website links and installed the packages manually. No shortcut or standalone installer is available, so make an effort here. List down the package names, then uninstall them. Download the uninstalled packages from the official site and install them.

1. Open Control Panel from the search bar.

2. Click on the “Uninstall a program” option.

3. Use your phone camera and take a photo of the installed packages.

You don’t have to memorize the package name and year.

4. Uninstall the package from the system.

5. Restart the Windows PC.

6. Go to the official Visual C++ Redistributable webpage.

7. Find the uninstalled package and download the file.

Download both x86 & x64 packages, then install them.

8. Open the Downloads folder, locate the executable file, and run them as administrator.

I have shown you the installation process of one package. You have to install x86 and x64 to avoid errors later.

9. Click on the “Next” option.

10. Select “I have read and accept the license terms,” then click on the “Install” option.

11. Let the setup install the packages.

12. Click on the “Finish” option.

You will find all MS Visual C Redistributable packages on the official webpage. Avoid copying and pasting the DLL from the internet because it can do more harm than good.

Reinstall Problematic Program

We don’t know which program is causing the 0xc00007b error in Windows. We shall start with the recently installed program. You can use Control Panel for assistance. I will show you how to identify recently installed programs and remove them. We will remove the problematic program along with the clashing sibling.

1. Open Control Panel from the search bar.

2. Click on the “Uninstall a program” option.

3. Memorize the recently installed and problematic program.

4. Uninstall them.

5. Shut down the Windows machine for five minutes.

6. Turn on the Windows PC.

Reinstall the problematic program and inspect for any errors. I suggest the readers avoid using the clashing program for the time being. Do not back up the Steam games and reinstall them from the beginning.

Remove Pirated OS

My desktop doesn’t have an activated Windows copy. And I have two laptops with genuine copies of Windows out of the box. Microsoft offers a free version for the masses, and I never felt like activating the software. Free Windows 11 users prompt the activation watermark and lock personalization functions.
The world moved on the notch display, but Apple continues to supply newer iPhones with a notch.

Apple users have learned to ignore the notch.

Honestly, your brain will learn to ignore watermarks somewhere down the line.

Remove the pirated software and install Windows from the Microsoft-supplied ISO file. My desktop has Windows 11 installed from MS supplied USB maker.

Update Windows 11

Microsoft’s in-house team is putting hours into releasing Windows 11 updates for stability and improvement. However, I want you to follow a few rules before updating the software.

A. Read online news about the latest Windows update.

B. Watch some video reviews related to the Windows update.

MS can make a mistake and worsen the problem after the software update. Never install the major update on day one and wait for the world to try it first.

Bottom Line

I request the readers to back up the data and reinstall Windows OS if the “application was unable to start correctly” doesn’t go away. I have solved the 0xc00007b or similar problems after reinstalling the Windows software. I know the pain that goes into the process for non-tech-savvy individuals. But, it’s a time-saving solution for individuals with little free time. Let us know your thoughts on how you solved error 0xc00007b in the comment section.