0xc0000142 is a very common application error on the Windows platform. This error prevents users from launching the application they wish to.
It usually occurs because of issues present in the system or application files.
In this guide, you will find the best ways in which you can fix a 0xc0000142 application error.
Ways to Fix a 0xc0000142 Application Error
You can fix this error in a few different ways. Try the solutions present in this article in a sequential order.
Solution 1: Scan Your Computer for Viruses and Other Malware
In most cases, this error occurs due to the presence of viruses or other potential malware within the computer.
Hence, the solution can be as simple as scanning your computer for potential threats and removing any, if found.
Moreover, in some cases, the Windows Firewall and the antivirus software treat some application files as threats.
This in turn prevents the application from launching and causes application errors like 0xc0000142.
If that’s the case, then disable your Windows Firewall and antivirus software. Then try launching the application.
If this solves the problem, then your application should launch without any problems.
However, if the application continues to show the error, proceed to the next solution.
Solution 2: Run System File Checker
You can also solve this problem using the Windows system file checker feature. This scans your system files to see if there are any damaged or corrupt files present.
Moreover, the system file checker automatically fixes the damaged files, if there are any.
Follow the simple steps below to run the system file checker on your Windows computer:
- Go to the search bar near the Start menu
- In the dialogue box, type command and then, while holding Ctrl + Shift, press Enter. This launches the Command Prompt with administrator access
- Now, in the Command Prompt, type sfc/scannow and then press Enter
- Wait for the process to finish; this may take some time
- Once the process completes, close the Command Prompt. Close all other open applications and then restart your computer
Try running the application now. If this solution works, your application will launch easily.
However, if it fails to solve the problem, then try the next solution.
Solution 3: Run the Application in Compatibility Mode
You can also try running the application in compatibility mode. This allows the application to run in the Windows version in which it is actually compatible.
The simplest way to do this is:
- Right-click on the application
- Click on Troubleshoot Compatibility from the pop-up list
- The system will automatically scan for errors and fix them
- Now click on Try recommended settings
- Finally, click on Test the program button
If the issue has been solved, your application will run without any problems. However, if you still face the error, then proceed with manually setting the compatibility.
Follow the instructions below to do so:
- Right-click on the application
- Click on Properties from the pop-up list
- In the Properties window, move to the Compatibility tab by clicking on it
- In this tab, check the box next to Run this program in compatibility for. Then select the OS in which the application is compatible
- Also, check the box next to Run this program as an administrator
- Finally, click on Apply and then click on OK to safely save and exit
After saving the changes, try launching the application again. If this solution works, the application will launch without any errors.
However, if this also fails, then try the next solution in this guide.
Solution 4: Reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
Your Windows computer uses the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable runtime component. It is used to run many necessary services and functions of the system.
However, these packages can easily get corrupt due to various reasons.
These corrupt files can sometimes cause problems in launching the application. Then you see the 0xc0000142 application error.
You can reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages by following the instructions below:
- Press the Windows logo key + R to launch the Run application
- In the dialogue box, type control and press Enter to launch the Control Panel
- Now, set the View by to Large icons, locate the Programs and Features option, and click on it
- A window with a list of all the programs and applications installed on your computer will open
- Scroll down the list and locate programs starting with Microsoft Visual C++, then…
- Right-click on each of these programs. Click on Uninstall to completely remove them
- Now go to Microsoft support and download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages
- Double-click on the downloaded .exe files to start installing
- Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the process
- After the installation is complete, restart your computer
Now try launching the application again. If this solution solves the error, your application will launch correctly.
However, if you still face the error, then proceed to the next solution in this guide.
Solution 5: Using Registry Editor
Did running the system file checker not fix the error? You have to change the value of LoadAppInit_DLLs in your system’s registry editor.
Many users have successfully fixed the 0xc0000142 application error using this method.
Follow the simple instructions below to change the value of LoadAppInit_DLLs:
- Press the Windows logo key + R to launch the Run application
- In the dialogue box, type Press Enter to launch the Registry Editor window
- Now navigate the following path in the Registry Editor: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > Windows > LoadAppInit_DLLs
- After locating LoadAppInit_DLLs, double-click on it. Change its Value data from 1 to 0
- Finally, click on OK to safely confirm and exit
After successfully changing the values, try launching the application again. If this solution solves the error, the application will work without any error messages.
If nothing else works, this solution should definitely solve the 0xc0000142 error on your Windows computer.
Conclusion: 0xc0000142 Application Error
The 0xc0000142 application error is an annoying error. It prevents your system from launching applications and games on your computer.
It can occur due to many reasons, like compatibility issues or the presence of viruses. Corrupted or damaged system files might also be the cause.
Fortunately, it is not a difficult error to fix. Anyone with basic computer knowledge can fix it without any professional help.
You can find the best ways in this guide to fix this error easily.
