PAPERPORT 14 runs into what look like compatibility issues and won't run

Joel Albert 25 Reputation points
2025-11-21T19:55:10.8433333+00:00

Suddenly, my (legacy) Paperport 14 scanning program is failing to start. It opens, I get a message alluding to a compatibility issue: that it appears to be trying to open in Windows XP compatibility mode. When I click OK, the program closes.

Using tips online and, I believe in a Windows forum, I opened properties for the Paperport EXE and under the Compatibility tab, disabled Run in Compatibility mode. Alas, no change, then program still won't open.
Windows telephone support just now admitted it couldn't help and referred me to this site (and to YouTube help).
I have run the Troubleshooter and have done a Windows repair and reinstalled the software.

I'm running Win 11 on a desk top PC.

(My suspicion is that a recent windows update scrambled something way down inside the program that won't let it play well with Win 11).

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps

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  1. D L 5 Reputation points
    2025-11-24T06:27:05.1466667+00:00

    Hey Joel, I encountered the same issue. I dug into it and the problem is associated with the Windows security update from 11/11 (KB5068861). Go into your Windows Update settings and uninstall that security update. Once you uninstall it and reboot, Paperport with start working again. I'm not sure what we can do to extend the software should future security updates continue to break it though!

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  2. Marcelo Mendoza 10,775 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-21T20:34:49.8033333+00:00

    Hello Joel,

    Thank you for reaching out about PaperPort 14 not starting on your Windows 11 desktop. I completely understand how frustrating it can be when a trusted application suddenly stops working. You’ve already tried several steps like disabling compatibility mode, running the troubleshooter, repairing Windows and reinstalling the software which shows you’ve put in a lot of effort. It’s understandable to feel concerned especially if this issue started after a recent update.

    PaperPort 14 is a legacy application originally designed for older versions of Windows and compatibility issues can occur after system updates. Windows 11 includes a built-in Program Compatibility Troubleshooter that can help adjust settings for older apps. You can try running the compatibility troubleshooter from the Compatibility tab in the program’s properties and follow the recommended settings. If that doesn’t work you can manually set the program to run in compatibility mode for an earlier version like Windows 7 and run it as an administrator. If the issue persists performing a clean uninstall using a tool like Revo Uninstaller before reinstalling PaperPort can help. Another option is to check if Kofax offers an updated version as PaperPort 14.7 supports Windows 11.

    Have you already tried running the compatibility troubleshooter and reinstalling the program after completely removing leftover files?

    I hope this answer is helpful if you have further questions feel free to reply back

    Regards,

    Marcelo

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  3. Joel Albert 25 Reputation points
    2026-11-12T03:05:25.5+00:00

    I'm getting back here a year later. - I can't recall what I did, probably a Paperport re-install and it has been working. It settled back in after I bought an installed Vue Scan which is an excellent scan mgr but nowhere as useful as Paperport in managing files. In Paperport, you can open a folder of choice and scan and the item will be saved in that folder. Inside PPort, it's easy to move files from one folder to another. In VueScan, one must write out the destination for every file scanned or to save the hassle of all that typing, scan everything to the same folder then cut and paste. It has other merits, but this feature is a demerit.

    I did not know that Kofax still offered Paperport and someday that may be worth investigating.

    Revo uninstaller is a good tip (it has good online reviews, too).

    And the tip about rolling back a Windows update one day will come in handy. Widows compatability and troubleshooter not so helpful in this instance.

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