How to Fix Application Error 0xc000007b

If you have been trying to run certain DirectX games or applications on Windows, you will keep getting the 0xc000007b Application error. Fortunately, this error is frustrating because it means that you cannot use the application anymore. Various reasons cause this error, and so we will discuss different ways to solve it.

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What Does the 0xc000007b Application Error Mean?

However, the 0xc000007b error corresponds most of the time to the “invalid image format” message. This issue is often encountered while running a 64-bit program on a 32-bit operating system. A 64-bit or 32-bit OS would not impact this, but users can run into compatibility or system file issues like any other issue.

How to Fix Application Error 0xc000007b

Here’s how you can fix application error 0xc000007b.

Method 1: Run the Application as an Administrator

If this 0xc000007b error appears, it can be fixed by performing the same application from elevated privileges.

Right-click on the application.
Select Run as administrator.
If this solves the issue, make it permanent:
- Right-click on the application icon.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and OK.

Method 2: Run the Application in Compatibility Mode

You just need to run the application in compatibility mode to solve compatibility issues.

Right-click on the application icon.
Select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Click on Run compatibility troubleshooter.
Select Try recommended settings and test the application.
If that does not work, manually choose Windows XP or another older version from the compatibility mode.

Method 3: Reinstall the Application

If the files are corrupt or the application is incompatible, reinstalling it will fix it.

Uninstall the application, then reinstall it on the system partition (typically the C: drive).
Sometimes, antivirus settings hinder installation, so you have to temporarily disable the antivirus software installed on your PC before downloading.

Note: Disable antivirus before Scanning the installation file.

Method 4: Run Hard Disk Error Check

A hard disk check run can fix the errors related to file system which lead to 0xc000007b error.

Right-click the Start button.
Select Command Prompt.
Type chkdsk c: /f /r and press Enter.
Type Y to schedule a disk check on the next restart when prompted.
Shut down your computer; the system will check the disk during boot-up.

Method 5: Reinstall DirectX

The 0xc000007b error often results from DirectX errors, but this is not always true. Ensure that you have the latest DirectX.

From Microsoft’s official website, download the DirectX Runtime Web Installer.
Update DirectX and run the installer.

Method 6: Install or Repair the .NET Framework

Go to Microsoft’s official website to download the latest version of the .NET Framework.
If you already have it, you can repair the .NET Framework with the installer. Select this option and proceed with the repair process.

Conclusion

The 0xc000007b Application Error can be due to permissions, file corruption, or compatibility. Following these methods should resolve the error and allow you to run your application successfully.