


How to fix 'The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect' in Windows?
Jul 13, 2025 am 01:46 AM1. Install or repair the Visual C Redistributable package; 2. Run SFC and DISM tools to repair system files; 3. Check the application's manifest file; 4. Enable SxS log to troubleshoot specific problems. This error is usually caused by the system not finding the Visual C runtime configuration file required by the program. It can be solved by installing the VC runtime, repairing the system files, checking the manifest file, or viewing the SxS log.
This error message usually appears on Windows systems. When you try to run a program, "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect". This is related to Windows' Side-by-Side (SxS) mechanism. Simply put, the system cannot find or read the Visual C runtime configuration file required by the program.

Here are some common solutions, try it in order:
1. Install or repair the Visual C Redistributable package
Many programs rely on Microsoft's Visual C runtime library. If you do not install or the installation is damaged, this error will occur.

Recommended operations:
- Go to Microsoft's official website to download and install the latest Visual C Redistributable (recommended to install both x64 and x86)
- If you have already installed, you can try reinstalling or using the Repair feature
- Control Panel → Programs and Features → Find an entry similar to
Microsoft Visual C Redistributable
→ Right-click to select Change/Fix
2. Run the SFC and DISM tools using the command prompt
Sometimes system files are damaged and SxS errors can also be caused. At this time, you can use the system's own repair tools to check and repair.

The operation steps are as follows:
- Open a command prompt as an administrator (right-click Start Menu → Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin))
- Enter the following command in turn and press Enter:
-
sfc /scannow
-
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
-
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
-
These commands will scan and repair system files, which may take a little time, and restart the computer after completion to see if the problem is solved.
3. Check the application's manifest file (Manifest)
Some programs come with manifest file. If there is an error or missing file, an SxS error will also be triggered.
Applicable scenarios:
- It is a program you developed by yourself or you can see the program directory
- Or you are sure it is a problem with a specific software
You can do this:
- Open the program installation directory and find the
.manifest
file - Check for syntax errors or incorrect references
- Or try to delete the file and let the system automatically load the default configuration (for non-critical programs)
?? Note: Ordinary users do not recommend modifying such files at will unless you know what you are doing.
4. Enable or view SxS logs to troubleshoot specific issues
Windows provides a debugging mechanism that can record specific causes of SxS errors.
How to enable:
- Press Win R to enter
eventvwr
to open event viewer - Navigate to Windows Logs → Application
- Find the log sourced from
SideBySide
, which may specify in detail which dependency fails to load.
If you can understand the content in XML format, the information here will be very helpful, such as telling you which version of VC library is missing and the path is not equal.
Basically these are the methods. Although this problem seems scary, it can be solved in most cases by installing the VC runtime library or running SFC. If it still doesn't work, it may be that there is a problem with the program itself or the system environment is too messy. Consider changing the version.
The above is the detailed content of How to fix 'The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect' in Windows?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Hot AI Tools

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap
Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor

SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use

Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Hot Topics

Windows update KB5060999, released on June 10, 2025, is a cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2, covering builds 22621.5472 and 22631.5472. It

Stellar Blade save file location on Windows PC: where to find it, how to back up your game data, and what to do if the save files are missing or the game is not saving. This MiniTool guide provides detailed instructions and solutions.Quick Navigation

Many users encountered installation issues and some unexpected problems after applying the Windows 11 update KB5060829. If you're facing similar difficulties, don't panic. This MiniTool guide presents the most effective fixes to resolve KB5060829 not

Are you urgently looking for effective solutions to fix the Dune: Awakening black screen issue on Windows? You’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide from MiniTool presents several practical and reliable methods to address this frustrating p

KB5060999 What are the update contents of Windows 11 23H2? How to download? What to do if the update fails? This article will be described in detail and provides a solution to the failure of KB5060999 installation. Quick Navigation :- Windows 11 23H2 KB5060999 Updated Content - KB5060999 Reason for installation failure - Solve the problem that KB506099 cannot be installed - Summary of Windows 11 23H2 KB5060999 Update KB5060999 is a cumulative security update for Windows 11 released by Microsoft on June 10, 2025

Microsoft has released Windows 10 KB5061087 for 22H2 to fix some issues. From this post on MiniTool, learn how to install this preview optional update on your PC. Also, you can know what to do if KB5061087 fails to install via Windows Update.Quick Na

What should you do if the Dune Awakening Controller fails to function? What causes this issue? This MiniTool article provides a comprehensive explanation and guides you through resolving this frustrating problem.Quick Navigation :- Dune Awakening Con

Is Stellar Blade crashing or failing to launch on your PC? Do not worry. This guide from MiniTool Software provides you with a couple of effective solutions to help you fix the issue and get the game running smoothly.Quick Navigation :- Stellar Blade
