How to Fix "The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)" Error

The error code 0xc000007b appears when Windows cannot properly initialize an application. The most common causes are:

1. Architecture Mismatch: A 64-bit application is trying to load a 32-bit DLL (or vice versa). This often happens when you manually download DLL files and place them in the wrong folder.

2. Corrupted Visual C++ Runtime: The Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages are damaged or incomplete.

3. Corrupted DirectX Files: Missing or corrupted DirectX runtime components.

4. .NET Framework Issues: Damaged .NET Framework installation.

5. Corrupted System Files: Windows system files have become corrupted.

This is the most effective solution for 90% of 0xc000007b errors.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, press Enter.

Step 2: Uninstall ALL "Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable" entries (there may be several).

Step 3: Download the All-in-One Visual C++ Redistributable installer: - Official Microsoft VC++ 2015-2022 (x64) - Official Microsoft VC++ 2015-2022 (x86)

Step 4: Install BOTH x64 and x86 versions (even on 64-bit Windows).

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Many games require legacy DirectX 9.0c components that aren't included with Windows 10/11.

Step 1: Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.

Step 2: Run the installer and follow the prompts.

Step 3: Restart your computer.

Note: This does NOT replace DirectX 12 - it installs legacy DirectX 9/10/11 components alongside it.

Corrupted Windows system files can cause 0xc000007b errors.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search "cmd", right-click, "Run as administrator").

Step 2: Run the following commands:

`` sfc /scannow `

Wait for the scan to complete (10-15 minutes).

Step 3: If issues are found, run DISM:

` DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth ``

Step 4: Restart your computer.

If you've manually downloaded DLL files, you may have placed them in the wrong folder.

For 64-bit applications: - DLLs should be in: C:\Windows\System32

For 32-bit applications on 64-bit Windows: - DLLs should be in: C:\Windows\SysWOW64

Yes, this is confusing! The folder names are backwards for legacy compatibility reasons.

Tip: Delete any manually downloaded DLL files and use the official runtime installers instead.

For applications that use .NET:

Step 1: Open Windows Settings > Apps > Optional Features.

Step 2: Look for ".NET Framework 3.5" and ".NET Framework 4.8" - ensure both are installed.

Step 3: If issues persist, download the .NET Framework Repair Tool.