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Exe File is Not Opening: 7 Ways to Fix it [Force Launch]
Executable files are software launchers on Windows OS
5 min. read
Updated onSeptember 24, 2024
updated onSeptember 24, 2024
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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.
If an exe file is not opening in Windows, it’s probably because of incorrect file associations. It might also happen when the registry is corrupt or your device is infected with malware. Whatever the case may be, we found actionable solutions that you can try right away.
How do I force an exe file to open?
1. Edit the registry
1.1 Apply the change in normal mode
Not being able to open .exe files can be a big problem, but you should be able to fix it simply by changing your registry.
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Press theWindows+Rkeys, typeregedit, and clickOK.
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Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/.exe and double-click the (Default) key in the left pane.
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Set the Value data toexefileand click OK.
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Now, go to the path below in the left pane and double-click (Default) In the right pane: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command
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Set its Value data to “%1” %* and click OK.
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After that, restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.
If the registry values are changed from the default, that can prevent .exe files from opening.
If you can’t access the Registry settings, try doing the steps above from Safe Mode:
1.2 Apply the change in Safe Mode
After you boot the system in Safe mode, perform step 1.1 above.
2. Scan for malware
As mentioned, the exe file not opening issue can be due to malware infections. A simple virus scan should help you locate and eliminate potential threats.
To carry out a deeper scan and eliminate the most stubborn virus, we recommendthird-party antivirussuch as l in ESET NOD32.
It is lightweight and offers online and offline protection against all threats. It might just be all you need to get your files opening again.
ESET NOD32
3. Change the location of the Program Files folder to default
Program Files is a default installation directory for all third-party applications, and by default, it’s located on your System drive along with the Windows installation.
To save space, some users change the location of this folder.
Unfortunately, this can sometimes cause problems and prevent .exe files from opening.
4. Turn off Windows Firewall
If you do this, make sure the exe file you want to open is from a reputable source and you know for a fact it won’t cause harm to your machine.
Though this works as a temporary solution and helps you locate the source of the problem, disabling security features is never a good idea.
Either switch to a better security software or check your settings and whitelist the apps it stops you from using.
5. Create a new user account
If everything works without problems, you’ll have to copy all your files from your original account to the new one and continue using the new account.
6. Fix file association problem using Command Prompt
7. Perform a SFC scan
Running a SFC (System File Checker) scan can identify and fix corrupted files. This could fix exe files not opening.
That’s it! We hope our solutions helped you fix the exe file without opening the problem, and now you can run your .exe file without problems.
Not being able to open .exe files in Windows 11 can be a big problem and prevent you from running all applications normally, but as you can see, this problem can be easily solved.
Some of our readers reported that.exe files are self-deleting from Windowsso read our guide if you want to fix this problem. And do find outwhy music.ui.exe crashesand the solutions for it!
For any issues with the setc.exe, we have a complete guide onhow to fix setc.exe errors.
If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to write them in the comments below.
More about the topics:Fix EXE file errors
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
