Fix Error 0xc000012d The application was unable to start correctly error in Windows 11 or 10

Best 7 methods to solve “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000012d). Click OK to close the application” in Windows 11 and 10.

0xc000012d

Are you struggling to get rid of 0xc000012d application error in your Windows 11 or 10? This problem can occur accompanied by system crash, freeze and hang followed by appearance of a popup. The message in the popup states “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000012d). Click OK to close the application”.  This issue can prevent the program from opening and running you are trying to work with.

Application error 0xc000012d mainly appears due to corrupted system files and conflict between the third-party programs and Windows components. There are a few suggested options to resolve this issue such as running system files checker and disabling antivirus software. These will repair the elements and finish the chance of conflict. See: Fix: 0xc0000005 “The application was unable to start correctly” Windows 10.

The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000012d)

Here is how to fix Fix Error 0xc000012d The application was unable to start correctly error in Windows 11 or 10 –

Repair Corrupted System Files

One of the best ways to solve this 0xc000012d application error is to fix the corrupt system files. This issue happens when system files are damaged and cause problems with computer programs.

By repairing these files, you restore them to their original state, and for that Windows provides tools like SFC and DISM to scan and repair the corrupt system files.

  1. Open Run dialog box with the Windows + R keyboard shortcuts.
  2. Type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  3. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  4. Type the following commands sequentially (one by one) and press Enter each time:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
how to fix Fix Error 0xc000012d The application was unable to start correctly error in Windows 11 or 10
  1. Reboot the device and see if the application error is resolved.
  2. If the error 0xc000012d still persists then again open the command prompt as administrator.
  3. Then type sfc /scannow and hit the Enter key.
sfc /scannow running on the command prompt
  1. Restart the computer to apply the changes.

Update the Graphic Drivers

Another viable solution to solve this 0xc000012d error code is to upgrade the graphics drivers. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts with apps, resulting in the aforementioned glitch.

By updating drivers, you ensure compatibility and resolve any issues, allowing the app to start correctly. Do follow these steps for a prompt resolution of this problem:

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Click on Device Manager.
  3. Double-click on Display adapters to expand.
  4. Right-click on the graphics adapter,
  5. Choose – Update driver.
0xc000012d The application was unable to start correctly
  1. Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to complete.

Please note that if you still encounter issues with graphic drivers, it is advisable to visit the official manufacturer’s website to seek manual updates if they are not available locally. For this, enter the model number of your computer into the required box and go to the support page. From there, you can go to driver download page.

Remove any recently installed application

Low coded or buggy third party programs might be a pivotal reason for witnessing this frustrating error code in your Windows 11 or 10.

They can create conflict with the Windows components so, the most acceptable way to deal with it is by uninstalling or removing such applications at the earliest. Here are the ways to follow:

  1. Right-click the Start button.
  2. Click on “Installed Apps”.
  3. Locate the recently installed app in the list of programs that can create a mess.
  4. Click on 3 dots (ellipsis) and select “Uninstall”.
settings apps uninstall ellipsis
  1. Confirm the prompt and follow the onscreen instructions.

Temporarily disable the third-party antivirus

Are you still encountering the error 0xc000012d on your PC? Then, you must try removing the third-party antivirus installed from your system. Some antivirus programs can be sensitive and flag false positives that can cause unnecessary trouble. If you have scanned your PC and found no malware, the antivirus tool itself could be at fault.

Disabling the antivirus, whether it’s a third-party software or Windows Defender, may help you straighten out the concerned problem. Therefore, follow these simple steps:

For Real-time protection in Windows Defender

  1. Click on Start and type Security.
  2. Press Enter to launch the Windows Security app.
  3. Select – Virus & threat protection.
  4. Then click on – Manage settings.
  5. On the next page, click on the toggle switch and turn off Real-time protection.
Error 0xc000012d
  1. Try to run the application again.
  2. Remember to re-enable the antivirus protection afterward to ensure the security of your system.

For Third Party antivirus

  1. Click on Up arrow located on the right-hand side of the taskbar.
  2. Find the antivirus icon and right-click on it.
  3. Select Disable.
  4. If any time frame is given such as for 1 hour, 2 hours, or more, select the appropriate one.

Exceed the Virtual Memory

For all those who aren’t aware of virtual memory, it is a space on the hard drive used by the operating system as an extension of physical memory (RAM). When an application requires more memory than the available RAM, increasing the virtual memory can provide the application with additional space to run.

Similarly, exceeding it can turn out to be a likely option for resolving the 0xc000012d application error on your Windows.

  1. Press Windows + S.
  2. Search for “View advanced system settings,” and hit Enter.
  3. In the Advanced tab, click “Settings” under Performance.
  4. Go to the “Advanced” tab again, and click “Change” under Virtual Memory.
  5. Untick “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
  6. Select the system drive (typically C:).
  7. Choose the “Custom size” option, and enter initial and maximum sizes based on available RAM, using the following formula:
    Initial size: 1.5 x Installed RAM (in MB)
    Maximum size: 3 x Installed RAM (in MB)
  8. Click “Set” and then “OK” to save the changes.

For more help, go to this article: How to Tweak Paging File for better Windows 11 or 10 Performance.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade

If the above 6 ways have proved nothing less than futile for you, it’s time to perform the in-place upgrade to remove the 0xc000012d error code from your Windows 11 or 10.

This involves restarting the operating system while leaving files and programs alone. It fixes any problems within your system that could be the root cause of this error.

  1. Navigate to the official webpage link – https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows11.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom and click on – Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO).
  3. Choose the correct edition – “Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click on Download Now.
  5. Then select the correct language as per your need.
  6. Click on – Confirm.
  7. After then, select 64-bit Download (depending on your device) and wait until the download is over.
  8. Go to the Downloads folder and right-click the “ISO file Win11-22H2-Language-x64v1.iso” (variable with the latest version).
  9. Select – Mount.
  10. From the next folder, double-click on setup.exe.
  11. Click on Next on the Install Windows 11 wizard.
  12. Now, select the Accept option.
  13. The Setup will figure out free space available on your computer and display the Ready to install window.
  14. Choose – Keep personal files and apps.
  15. Finally, click – Install and hold on until the installation finishes.

Run Windows App Troubleshooter

This built-in Windows fix-it tool comes in very handy in such a situation, especially when you are constantly troubled by such 0xc000012d application was unable to start correctly error.

This utility not only helps you to solve the issue but aids your PC to run smoothly and in optimal condition.

  1. Press Win + S.
  2. Type Control and hit Enter.
  3. Change the view to “Large icons”.
  4. Select Troubleshooting.
  5. Click “Other troubleshooters” on the left pane.
  6. Find and click on the application you’re trying to run.
  7. Click Next, check “Apply repairs automatically”, and follow the on-screen instructions.
  8. Restart your PC to see if the error is resolved.
  9. If you don’t find the troubleshooter download – Store app troubleshooter.zip.
  10. Extract the file and run the tool.

Let’s hope with the suggested 7 ways, you will able to fix the error 0xc000012d “The application was unable to start correctly” issue in your Windows 11 or 10.

Methods:
Repair Corrupted System Files
Update the Graphic Drivers
Remove any recently installed application
Temporarily disable the third-party antivirus
Exceed the Virtual Memory
Perform an In-Place Upgrade
Run Windows App Troubleshooter

That’s all!!

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