6 Ways to Fix Unable to Run EXE Files on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• In most cases, fixing the EXE file association or modifying registry files should get EXE files to work on Windows.
• If you have trouble running a specific EXE file, run it in compatibility mode.
• If Windows still won’t run the EXE file even after correcting all the settings, consider creating a new user account.

Fix 1: Scan for Malware

Malware infections can often disrupt Windows operations and prevent EXE files from running on your PC. Hence, you should first run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus program you trust.

If the scan detects any threats, take the recommended steps to remove them from your PC.

Fix 2: Edit Registry Files

Incorrect or corrupt registry entries can also keep Windows from opening EXE files at times. To fix this, manually correct the registry entries associated with EXE files.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit in the box and press Enter.

Step 2: Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

Step 3: Double-click the Default entry in the right pane and type exefile in the value data field. Then, click OK.

Step 4: Paste the following path in the address bar > press Enter to quickly access the command key.

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Step 5: Double-click the Default entry in the right pane > enter “%1” %* in the value data field > hit OK.

Restart your PC after completing the above steps and see if you can open EXE files.

Fix 3: Fix Broken EXE File Association

Another thing to do is fix the EXE file association on Windows using the Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: In the console, paste the following command and press Enter.

assoc .exe=exefile

Fix 4: Run the Program in Compatibility Mode

Windows 11 offers a compatibility mode feature that allows you to run programs in compatibility settings for older Windows versions. If Windows cannot run a specific EXE file, run it in compatibility mode and see if that helps.

Step 1: Right-click on the problematic EXE file > select Properties.

Step 2: Switch to the Compatibility tab and check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for.

Step 3: Use the drop-down menu to select Windows 8 and hit Apply, followed by OK.

Fix 5: Check the Location of Program Files Folder in the Registry

The Program Files folder is typically located on your primary drive, where Windows is installed. However, if you have moved or made alterations to this folder, Windows may fail to open your installed programs. Here’s how to fix it.

Step 1: Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar > type registry editor in the search box > select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type the following path in the address bar and press Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Step 3: Double-click the ProgramFilesDir string value in the right pane > enter C:\Program Files in the value data field > hit OK.

Step 4: Double-click the ProgramFilesDir (x86) entry > type C:\Program Files (x86) in the text field > hit OK.

Restart your PC after making the above changes and check if the issue is still there.

Fix 6: Create a New User Account

If your EXE files still won’t open, some critical data associated with your user account may be corrupt. Your best option is to create and switch to a new user account. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app > navigate to Accounts > Other users.

Step 2: Click the Add account button.

Step 3: In the Microsoft account window, click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and follow the on-screen prompts to create a new user account.

Switch to your newly created account and run your EXE files again.