How to Fix Runtime Error on Windows? Top 8 Approaches

What Is a Runtime Error?

A runtime error in Windows refers to an error that occurs while a program is running or executing, especially when it’s first launched.

When this error occurs, the program may hang or crash, and an error message window may pop up containing an error code and details about the affected application. This error may appear once and never return, or persist until the root issue is fixed.

The most common runtime error on Windows is the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime error. It typically occurs when attempting to start Windows Explorer or other applications. The error message is shown as follows.

Some Types of Runtime Error

• AppModel runtime errors (57, 87, 490): These errors appear in the Windows Event Viewer and are typically related to problems with Microsoft Store apps and Windows Update.
• NVIDIA GeForce Experience C++ runtime error: This error often occurs when there are problems with the installation of NVIDIA software. It is usually caused by a corrupted installation, an outdated Visual C++ runtime component, or antivirus software conflicts.
• Excel runtime error 1004: This error specifically occurs in Microsoft Excel and is usually caused by VBA macro problems, corrupted workbooks, or incorrect file permissions.
• .NET runtime error 1026: This indicates an unhandled exception in an application built on the .NET Framework, suggesting a problem with the .NET installation or the application itself.
• Atibtmon.exe runtime error: Related to the ATI Luminance Monitor executable (part of the AMD graphics card driver). This error is usually caused by a conflict when managing display brightness.

What Causes Runtime Error?

There are multiple factors that can cause this runtime error. Understanding the causes can help you find the solution. The common causes are shown below:

• Software conflicts: Incompatible programs running simultaneously may interfere with each other’s processes.
• Software installation errors: Incomplete or corrupted installations may result in missing or corrupted application files.
• Corrupted system files: Core Windows system files may be corrupted, causing instability and errors in multiple programs.
• Visual C++ Redistributables issues: Many programs depend on these shared libraries. If these shared libraries are corrupted or missing, programs may fail to run.
• Malware or virus infection: Malware may corrupt system files or interfere with applications, causing runtime errors.
• Outdated or faulty drivers: Outdated graphics drivers or other hardware-related software can cause problems, especially for demanding applications such as games.
• Insufficient resources: Insufficient memory (RAM) or disk space can cause programs to crash.

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How to Fix Runtime Error on Windows?

Here, we offer 8 approaches to help you fix the runtime error. You can try them one by one.

Method 1. Perform Some Basic Solutions

First, you should perform some basic solutions to solve the runtime error. These tips are very easy to operate.

• Restart your computer. This can clear temporary memory problems and usually resolves the issue immediately.
• Close unnecessary programs. Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close any unnecessary background applications that might be causing the conflict.
• Reinstall the problematic software. If a specific program is experiencing errors, uninstall and reinstall it to fix file corruption.

Method 2. Check and Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files are the cause of runtime errors. You can use Windows’ built-in SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to check and repair these files. Here is the guide:

Step 1. Type cmd in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and then select Run as administrator.

Step 2. To run SFC, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command will scan all protected system files and automatically repair any corrupted ones.

Step 3. To run DISM, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This command will scan and repair corrupted Windows system files by replacing them with healthy ones.

Method 3. Repair or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables Packages

Issues with the Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable packages on your computer can also cause runtime errors. You can try repairing or reinstalling these packages to see if that resolves the issue.

To repair Visual C++ redistributable packages:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings, and then go to Apps > Apps & features.

Step 2. Find entries labeled “Microsoft Visual C++ <version> Redistributable <x86 and x64>”.

Step 3. Select the desired version, click Modify, and then choose Repair in the dialog box.

Step 4. Once the repair process is finished, repeat for other versions.

If this doesn’t work for this runtime error, you can try reinstalling these packages.

To reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable packages:

Step 1. In the Settings window, click Uninstall to remove these Visual C++ packages.

Step 2. Go to Microsoft’s website to download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages.

Step 3. Double-click the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.

Once done, you can check if the runtime error has been solved. If not, continue to the next solution.

Method 4. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated Windows versions or drivers are the reason for the runtime error. You should ensure your operating system and display drivers are up-to-date.

Update Windows

1. Open Settings and click Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates. If prompted, click Download & install.

Update display drivers

1. Press Win + X, and then select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters category, right-click the graphics driver, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.

If updating fails, right-click the driver and select Uninstall Device. Restart your PC, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Method 5. Get Enough Storage Space

Windows needs enough free disk space to operate correctly. If your disk space is insufficient, you may encounter a runtime error on Windows.

How to get enough storage space on a PC? Here are 2 methods. The Extend Partition or Move/Resize Partition feature of MiniTool Partition Wizard can help you enlarge the disk space easily.

The biggest difference is that Extend Partition directly takes free space from any other existing partitions or unallocated space to expand a partition on the same disk, while Move/Resize Partition requires contiguous unallocated space.

This software is a multifunctional and free partition manager. You can use it to extend the volume of the SD card, extend the partition to non-contiguous space, increase the C drive from the D drive, and more.

Now, download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard on your computer, and then follow the steps below to get enough disk space.

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Extend Partition

Under the following 2 situations, this feature is suggested:

• Extend a partition to non-contiguous unallocated or free space.
• There is no unallocated space on the disk.

Step 1. In the MiniTool Partition Wizard’s main interface, right-click the partition that lacks space and select Extend from the menu.

Step 2. Open the drop-down list of Take Free Space from and choose an existing partition or unallocated space to take. Then drag the blue block to determine how much free space to take. After that, click OK to continue.

Step 3. Now, you can preview whether the target partition is extended. Then click Apply to execute the changes.

Move/Resize Partition

This feature is suitable when there is unallocated space before or after the partition.

Step 1. Right-click the partition and select Move/Resize from the menu.

Step 2. Drag the sliding handle to the right/left to extend the partition. Then click OK to continue. You can also manually type a larger partition size.

Step 3. Click Apply to execute the operation.

Method 6. Run a Memory Test

Your PC’s RAM sometimes causes this runtime error. In this case, use the Windows built-in tool, Windows Memory Diagnostic, to find and fix memory issues.

Step 1. Search for Windows Memory Diagnostic and launch the tool.

Step 2. Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended).

Step 3. After the memory test is complete, your computer will automatically restart. To view the test results, right-click the Windows icon and then select Event Viewer.

Step 4. Go to Windows Logs > System, right-click System, search for MemoryDiagnostic in the box, and then click Find Next to see the results at the bottom of the window.

If diagnostic tools detect an error, it usually indicates a physical problem with the memory. You need to:

• Reinstall the memory module: Turn off the computer, open the case, and then firmly reinsert the memory module.
• Replace the memory: If the error persists after reinstalling, replace the faulty memory module.

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Method 7. Scan for Malware

Malicious software can damage system files or interfere with applications, causing a runtime error. You can use Windows Defender to scan for malware. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open Settings, and go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Step 2. Click Scan options, select a scan option, and then click Scan now.

Method 8. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot only loads essential services and applications. All third-party applications are not loaded at startup.

Therefore, if there are any conflicts between your applications and the Visual C++ software, you should perform a clean boot to find the problematic app, and then repair or remove it.

How to fix a runtime error on Windows? This post provides several useful methods. You can try one by one.Click to Tweet

Runtime Error FAQ

Bottom Line

The runtime error on Windows can be an annoying problem. With the methods described in this article, you should be able to resolve it quickly.

If you have any questions or suggestions on how to use MiniTool Partition Wizard, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].