Occasionally, Windows throws the 0xc000001d error at users when they try to start an application. Sometimes, it appears when users run a particular application, but in other cases, it appears randomly. When the error hits your screen, you may also encounter a BSoD. Why does this error occur, and what can you do about it?

In this article, we'll explain why you encounter the 0xc000001d error when launching different applications and how to resolve the issue.

How Can You Fix the 0xc000001d Error on Windows?

In most cases, a corrupted Windows or app file causes the 0xc000001d error. Other possible causes include the app not being compatible with the system, having outdated graphics drivers, or conflict with other apps running on your device. In addition, your antivirus can also act crazy and prevent the app from running, assuming it is a threat.

To fix the 0xc000001d error, launch the application with administrative privileges, repair the corrupt app or operating system files, install the missing files, update the graphics drivers, and whitelist the app's executable from Windows Defender or Firewall. When everything else fails, you might have to reinstall the application.

Now let's look at how you can resolve this error using the above fixes.

But First, Some Preliminary Checks…

Take a moment to check through the following checklist before applying any major fixes:

  • Make sure your game or app has been installed correctly. If you remember experiencing an issue during installation, some files might be missing, causing the error. Therefore, you should reinstall the app to fix the problem right away.
  • Try restarting your Windows computer to rule out the possibility of temporary restrictions from your operating system.
  • Close any resource-intensive tasks running on your computer to ensure the app you're planning to run has enough resources to work.
  • Ensure that no other game launchers or processes are running that might interfere with the app you're experiencing the error with.
  • If the error message mentions .Net framework corruption, download the .Net framework repair tool from the Microsoft website and use it to fix the problem.

If the above checks do not help, apply the remaining fixes.

1. Run the App as an Administrator

Application errors often occur simply because the app client cannot access the system files required to run. Wondering why? The Windows OS does not allow it to do so.

To ensure that's not the case here, run the app as an administrator, which gives the app direct access to all system files. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Use Windows Search to find the executable file of the app.
  2. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator.
    Running the Remote Desktop Connection App As Administrator by Searching it  in Windows Search

2. Repair Corrupted System or App Files

Corruption of app or system files is the most common reason for encountering the 0xc000001d error. In fact, the error window points out the files that might be missing or corrupt when encountering this error. So, repairing those files should be your priority.

DISM, SFC, and ChkDsk are all useful scans for repairing corrupt system files. Our guide on fixing corrupt system files with Windows built-in tools covers all of them. Therefore, before moving forward, go through this guide, run these scans, and run the app again.

Run SFC and DISM scans

Similarly, repair the app files to ensure they aren't corrupt. Users can repair corrupt app files from within the client in some app launchers. If the app you're having problems with offers it, take advantage of this flexibility.

Otherwise, you'll need to either replace the corrupted app files with a fresh copy from the developer's website or resort to third-party repair tools. However, what if the files aren't corrupt but simply missing?

3. Re-Install Any Missing Windows or App Files

When an error window reports that Windows or app files are missing, you should manually download them from Microsoft or the app developer's website. After downloading, place them in the relevant system or app location, and the error window will disappear.

If Windows states that a DLL file is missing, check out our guide on how to fix missing DLL file errors on Windows for more advice.

4. Check for Compatibility Issues

If the app itself is incompatible with the system, you will receive the error under discussion. Either your PC has low specs, lacks a dedicated graphics card, equips outdated hardware, or something similar. So, the question is: how do you check for compatibility problems?

Check the app's minimum and recommended system requirements to see whether your system qualifies to run that app. Upgrade your hardware if it doesn't. However, if the system meets the requirements but still gives you the same error, it's time to try updating your graphics drivers.

5. Update the Graphics Drivers

Update the GPU Driver

Having outdated graphics drivers can also lead to application errors such as 0xc000001d, especially in graphics-intensive apps such as graphics design software and high-resolution games. Therefore, it's imperative to eliminate this possibility.

Don't know how to update the driver? Look at our in-depth guide to updating graphics drivers. Besides updating drivers through Windows Device Manager, this article includes instructions for updating graphics drivers in third-party software. If you're using a dedicated GPU, this will be of great help to you.

So, follow the relevant instructions and update your graphics drivers. If this doesn't help, move on to the next step.

6. Add the App Files to the Firewall or Antivirus Whitelist

If Windows Defender prevents the app from accessing specific OS files or blocks its executable from running, the 0xc000001d error is likely to occur. The same can also be done by third-party antivirus software.

Therefore, you should first whitelist app files from Windows Defender. Make sure that you whitelist the app's .EXE file and other files that are mentioned in the error message. Don't know how to do that? Check out our guide on how to whitelist apps in Windows Defender.

Likewise, if you're using an antivirus, disable it or whitelist app files through it. When whitelisting files doesn't work, try the next fix.

7. Perform a System Restore

Revert to an Older System Restore Point

If you fail to repair or replace the corrupt or missing system files, and if none of the fixes have worked, you can restore the system to a previous restore point. Our guide to creating a restore point shows you how to restore your system to an earlier state.

A system restore reverts all changes since the last time a restore point was created, thereby fixing most problems. However, you should only use this option as a last resort.

Get Rid of Annoying Application Errors

When the application error prevents the app from running, it can be extremely frustrating. With the fixes mentioned in the article, you should be able to fix the root cause of the annoying 0xc000001d error. If nothing else works, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.