can't open .exe files windows 10

example of all the error messages for each apps I try to open.

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern regarding the issue that you are facing.

1. What happens when you try to open the file?
2. Are you getting any error message?
3. Did you make any changes prior to this issue?
4. Have you installed Microsoft Office in the system?

Reply with necessary information and I’ll be happy to help you further

everytime i open any .exe or .rar file it says "the program was unable to start correctly (0xc000007b)

Logon with an administrator account to finish the windows updates. Its automatic, some files on the Windows 10 Fall Creators update need an administrator account to be completed. After that, reboot your computer.

I had the exact same problem : clicking any .exe file and nothing happening. I found a way out !

In my case it was caused by having previously changed the default Program File directory in the registry from C:\ to D:, because I prefer to have System on C and space consuming Data and Programs on D.

It seems that Windows 10 doesn't like it at all (it causes updates to end bad too).

To reverse it back :

• Since you can't even launch Regedit because it is a .exe, first restart Windows 10 in safe mode : Shift + click on Start/Stop -> Restart -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Settings -> Restart -> Choose 5 at restart
• Once in safe mode, search "regedit" in start bar and launch it with administrative access
• Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows -> select CurrentVersion, then click on "ProgramFilesDir" and change it back to "C:\Program Files".
• Also click on "ProgramFilesDir (x86)" and change it back to "C:\Program Files (x86)".
• Then quit Regedit and restart.

Once doing this, I was able again to launch any .exe file in normal mode.

Hope it helped !

I did as you said, except that instead of booting up Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking, I selected Safe Mode with Command Prompt! I opened regedit with Command Prompt but I didn't find ProgramFilesDir in CurrentVersion!! Please, help me!!

You can select safe mode with command prompt. After logged in command windows open by default, type 'regedit'  and hit enter . Regedit will open . You can find .exe folder from root folder , just click the .exe folder you will find default file , ensure the name called exefile . If it is not mentioned just change and type ' exefile ' . Thats it 

Hope this will usefull .

And sorry for my english communication and typing .  Lol

• Open Command Prompt (run as admin) type  cd\windows
• Press "Windows key + R" on your keyboard type regedit
• locate HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe in the right side pane change the value of Default key to exefile
• On the registry editor go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command
• in the right side pane change the value of Default key to "%1" %*
• then restart your computer

Headshot! Thank you!