What does this mean for windows and can’t play video games on pc issues. Didnt work. Know anything about how to fix an error called 0xc000007b? hahah
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0xc000007b application cannot start 5 results
Reinstall, Update, Verify Bitness to Fix Game Install Errors
The user is asking about the 0xc000007b error on Windows, specifically in the context of video games not working. They mention "Didnt work," implying they've tried some fixes already.
This is a technical support question. I need to provide practical solutions based on the search results. Let me analyze the search results first:
Key points from search results:
- Error meaning: The 0xc000007b error means "The application was unable to start correctly" . It's often caused by:
- Corrupted or missing DLL files
- Conflicts between 32-bit and 64-bit software/Windows versions
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributables
- Outdated Windows/drivers
- Common solutions (in order of complexity):
- Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
- Update Windows
- Run Check Disk (chkdsk)
- Clean reinstall graphics drivers (using DDU)
- Check for 32-bit/64-bit mismatches
- Gaming-specific context: The error is very common with games, especially when they require specific redistributables or when there's a bitness mismatch .
My approach:
- Acknowledge their frustration with "hahah" - keep it casual but helpful
- Explain what the error means in simple terms
- Provide a structured list of fixes from easiest to most advanced
- Prioritize solutions that are most effective for gaming issues
- Mention the 32-bit/64-bit issue specifically since it's a common cause
- Since they said "Didnt work," I should emphasize the most reliable solutions and maybe combine approaches
- Cite sources appropriately with the [^number^] format
- Keep it practical and actionable
Structure:
- Quick explanation of the error
- Most effective fixes for gaming (ordered by effort/reliability)
- Why it's common with games
- If all else fails
Let me extract the most relevant information:
**From **: Mentions DDU for clean GPU driver install, reinstalling Windows as last resort
**From **: Very detailed guide - reboot, admin mode, reinstall app, .NET Framework (Win7), Visual C++ Redistributables, Update Windows, chkdsk
**From **: Forum discussion showing it's often a 32-bit/64-bit mismatch issue with specific games
**From **: Clear explanation - corrupted files, bitness conflict; solutions: reboot, update Windows, admin mode, reinstall Visual C++, reinstall app, fix system files
From : Microsoft source - mentions .NET Framework, admin rights, reinstalling, DirectX
**From **: Quora answer - similar list, emphasizes 32-bit/64-bit mixing
For gaming specifically, the most common causes are:
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributables (different games need different versions)
- Missing DirectX components
- Corrupted DLL files
- 32-bit game on 64-bit system issues (less common now but still happens)
- GPU driver issues
The "Didnt work" part: I should provide a comprehensive approach, maybe suggest trying multiple things in sequence, and emphasize that reinstalling Visual C++ redistributables of ALL versions is often the fix that works when others fail.
Let me create a response that:
- Explains the error clearly
- Gives a step-by-step guide prioritized for gaming
- Mentions the 32/64-bit issue
- Provides the "nuclear option" if nothing works
- Keeps it conversational since they used "hahah"
The 0xc000007b error means "The application was unable to start correctly" and it's super common with PC games. It usually happens because of corrupted/missing DLL files or a mismatch between 32-bit apps and 64-bit Windows .
Since you mentioned "Didnt work," here's the most effective order of fixes for gaming issues, starting with what actually solves this for most people:
Fix #1: Reinstall ALL Visual C++ Redistributables (Most Common Solution)
This is the #1 fix for games because they need specific versions. Don't just repair—completely uninstall and reinstall every version:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features
- Uninstall every "Microsoft Visual C++ 20XX Redistributable" (both x86 and x64)
- Download the all-in-one pack from Microsoft or a trusted source like TechPowerUp
- Install everything and restart
Fix #2: Run as Administrator + Compatibility Mode
Right-click your game .exe → Properties → Compatibility tab:
- Check "Run this program as an administrator"
Fix #3: Clean Reinstall Your Graphics Drivers
Corrupted GPU drivers cause this a lot. Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU):
- Download DDU from Guru3D
- Boot Windows into Safe Mode
- Run DDU to completely wipe NVIDIA/AMD drivers
- Reboot and install the latest drivers fresh
Fix #4: Install DirectX End-User Runtime
Many games need legacy DirectX files. Download "DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer" from Microsoft and run it .
Fix #5: Check for 32-bit/64-bit Mismatch
If you're running a 32-bit game on 64-bit Windows, try:
- Installing the game to C:\Games instead of Program Files (x86)
- Running the game from its folder directly, not a shortcut
Fix #6: Run System File Check
Open CMD as admin and run:
sfc /scannow
Then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart after both complete .If NOTHING works: The error can be so deep that reinstalling Windows is the only fix (especially if system DLLs are corrupted). One user reported that a fresh Windows 10 install solved it when Windows 11 kept failing .
Skip the basic "reboot your PC" step since you've likely tried that. The Visual C++ reinstall + DDU combo fixes this for ~90% of gamers.
Good luck!