"The applicattion was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). error

Mayank saini 5 Reputation points
2026-03-23T19:00:12.9666667+00:00

if I open any application of window than computer show the error:

"The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). error

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-23T19:00:34.38+00:00

    Error 0xC0000142 indicates that applications cannot start correctly. For Microsoft Office apps, use the following steps in order:

    1. Update Office
      1. In the Windows taskbar search box, type Task Scheduler and open it.
      2. Expand Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Office.
      3. In the middle pane, locate Office Automatic Updates 2.0.
      4. Right-click it and select Run to force an Office update.
      5. Ensure Office is updated to Version 2102 (Build 13801.20808) or later.
    2. Repair Office from Apps & Features (Windows 10/11)
      1. Right-click the Start button.
      2. Select Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps and Features (Windows 10).
      3. Select the Microsoft Office product and choose Modify (or the three dots > Modify).
      4. For Click-to-Run installations: choose Online Repair > Repair so everything gets fixed. (Quick Repair is faster but only replaces corrupted files.)
      5. For MSI-based installations: in Change your installation, select Repair > Continue and follow the prompts.
      For older Windows versions (Control Panel path):
      1. Open Control Panel.
      2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
      3. Select the Office product and choose Change.
      4. For Click-to-Run: choose Online Repair > Repair.
      5. For MSI-based: choose Repair > Continue and complete the wizard.
    3. Run Windows Update
      1. Open Settings > Update & Security (or Windows Update on Windows 11).
      2. Check for and install all available updates.
    4. Ensure the Office Software Protection Platform service is running (for older Office versions that use it)
      1. In the Windows search bar, type Services and open the app.
      2. Find Office Software Protection Platform.
      3. Right-click > Properties.
      4. Set Startup type to Automatic.
      5. Ensure Service status is Running; if it is Stopped, select Start.
      6. If this service is not listed, the Office version does not use it; proceed with the other steps.

    If the error appears for all applications (not only Office), also ensure Windows itself is fully updated as in step 3, then test launching apps again.

    References:

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  2. Clary-N 16,580 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-24T01:40:03.8066667+00:00

    Hi Mayank saini,

    I understand how annoying this must be when you’re trying to use your computer and applications won’t open at all.

    The error message “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142)” usually means Windows is having trouble loading some of the system components that applications depend on. Since this is happening with multiple apps, it’s more likely related to the system itself rather than one specific program.

    To help narrow this down and get things working again, I’d recommend going through the steps below in order:

    Step 1: Check and repair Windows system files

    This helps fix missing or corrupted system files that can prevent applications from starting.

    1. Right‑click the Start button and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
    2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
         DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    3. Please let the scan finish completely.
    4. Once it’s done, run this command: 
         sfc /scannow
    5. Restart the computer after both commands complete, then check if applications open normally.

    Step 2: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ components

    Many applications rely on these files, and if they’re damaged, startup errors like this can occur.

    1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    2. Uninstall all entries named Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
    3. Restart the computer.
    4. Download and reinstall the latest versions from Microsoft’s official website.

    Step 4: Test using a new user account

    This helps determine whether the issue is related to your current user profile.

    1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
    2. Click Add account > choose I don't have this person's sign-in information >Add a user without a Microsoft account.
    3. Enter a username and password > click Next.
    4. Sign in with the new account and check whether applications open correctly.

    After trying these steps, please let me know:

    • Whether the error appears with all applications, including built‑in ones like Notepad
    • When you first noticed the issue (for example, after a Windows update or recent change)

    Please let me know how it goes after trying these steps. I’ll be happy to help further.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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    6 people found this answer helpful.