Error 0xc000003e is among the more widely reported startup issues for Windows software packages.

As a result, users cant open and utilize programs for which that oops message pops up.

Its an issue that can occur on Windows 11, 10, and 8 platforms.

Windows 10 Laptop on a plain white surface

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Here are some probable resolutions for fixing the 0xc000003e error.

Set the Affected Software to Run With Admin Rights

Firstly, try opening affected software with administrative rights.

Some apps the 0xc000003e error occurs for might need more elevated permissions to operate.

The Compatibility tab

This is how you run that compatibility troubleshooter in Windows:

3.

Repair System Files

System file corruption is one of the more regular causes of software startup errors in Windows.

Its recommended to run both Deployment Image Servicing and Management and System File Checker scans for repairing system files.

The Try recommended settings option

A DISM scan can repair image component store corruption.

These are the steps for running those scans in the Command Prompt:

4.

Run a Check Disk Scan

You might need to fix error 0xc000003e because of a drive issue.

The Test the program button

There could be bad disk sectors on your PCs hard drive that store data for affected software packages.

Running a Check Disk (Chkdsk) scan could resolve such an issue.

you’re free to run such as scan with Windows Chkdsk utility as follows:

5.

The Yes, save these settings option

Run an Antivirus Scan

Malware is another possible cause for the error 0xc000003e.

So, its recommended users manually run an antivirus scan in Windows.

Such incorrect detection can generate all kinds of startup errors for flagged programs.

The SFC command

How exactly you disable third-party antivirus utilities varies between apps.

However, you might usually select to turn off antivirus tools from their context menus.

If it does, select to turn off the shield for an hour or so.

A Chkdsk scan command

Reinstall the Program Affected With Error 0xc000003e

The 0xc000003e error can also arise because of corrupted software installations.

you could fix a corrupted software installation by reinstalling the app.

Reinstalling will also ensure you have the latest app version, which can address compatibility issues.

The Home tab in Windows Security

Uninstall the affected app with one of the methods in our guide onhow to uninstall software in Windows.

The Control PanelsProgram and Featuresapplet orApps & Featureswithin configs will be sufficient for uninstalling most software.

When youve uninstalled the software, download its latest version from the publishers website.

The Scan options navigation option

Then you could reinstall the program by opening the downloaded setup wizard.

System Restore enables you to roll Windows back to saved restoration points, which can fix corrupted system files.

Selecting a restore point that predates the 0xc000003e error on your PC could fix the issue.

The Full scan option

Note that any software you installed after a selected restore point will not be available after rolling back Windows.

Youll need to reinstall the software packages removed for a chosen restoration point.

We dont promise those possible solutions will work for everybody.

The Programs and Features Control Panel applet

However, theyre some of the most likely ways to fix error 0xc000003e.

Beyond those resolutions, clean booting and updating Windows might also help some users resolve error 0xc000003e.

The System Restore point tool