How To Solve Error This Application Cannot Run On This Device


How to Solve Error This application cannot run on this device - Some users reported an error when trying to install an older version of the application on their Windows operating system. When they try to do the same, they see the following error message.

  • Program Compatibility Assistant
  • This app can't run on this device
  • This application cannot run because it is causing security or performance issues in Windows. New versions may be available. Contact your software provider for the latest version running on this version of Windows.
  • Learn more | Close


When you read the description of this error message, it clearly says that the application cannot run because it is causing security or performance/performance issues on Windows systems. In other words that the application or software is not compatible with your operating system.

The error message does say so, but this does not mean that you cannot install the application or software on your computer. So let's see what you can do to install it on your computer.

Below are the things you can do to resolve or fix the Program Compatibility Assistant error, This application cannot run on this device on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system.


Click Learn More

You can see more in the error message itself. So, click on that and see if it redirects you to the latest version of the software or a version compatible with your operating system. do that, and see if the problem persists.


Download the Latest Version from the Official Website

If clicking Learn More doesn't take you to the download page of the app's website in question, then manually open the website of the app, then download the latest version of the app and install it on your PC. This time you will not see the error message again.


Launch in Compatibility Mode

If you can't find the latest version of the app in question, try launching the app in compatibility mode and check if the problem persists. To do that, you can follow the steps given below.

  • Right-click on the installation package or .exe file and select Properties.
  • In the Properties window, switch to the Compatibility tab.
  • Next, check the Run this program in compatibility mode and select an older version of Windows.
  • Then click Apply and OK to save your settings.


You may have to do some experimenting to find the right Windows version for the application. And hopefully, it will fix this error for you. If not, then you might want to consider using other alternative software.


How to Stop the Program Compatibility Assistant Service?


Program Compatibility Assistant service with the service name PcaSvc is a service that checks whether a program is compatible with your OS or not. You can find this pcasvc.dll file at C:\Windows\System32. You can terminate this Program Compatibility Assistant Service by following the steps below.

Launch Services by pressing the Win key + R, then type services. msc and press Enter.

In the Services window, find Program Compatibility Assistant Service in the right pane.

Then right-click and select Stop.

This will stop the Program Compatibility Assistant Service.


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