How to Fix the “Side-by-Side Configuration Is Incorrect” Error on Windows
It’s frustrating when you may’t launch your favorite apps and programs on Windows due to the “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error. While determining the exact cause of this error can be difficult, it is possible to resolve it.
In most cases, the “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error occurs due to a damaged Visual C++ package or a compatibility issue. However, there can be other reasons for it. So, what can you do to resolve this unforeseen error on Windows? Let’s find out.
1. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Packages
Problems with the current Visual C++ packages on your PC can often result in the “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error on Windows. If that’s the case, you must reinstall the problematic Visual C++ package on your computer. To do so, you’ll need to find its version number using Event Viewer. Here’s how you can go about it.
Restart your PC after this (seehow to restart your Windows PC) and try to launch your app or program one more time.
2. Run the SFC and DISM Scans
Corrupted or missing system files on your computer can also trigger such errors. Fortunately, Windows includes a useful command-line utility called SFC (or System File Checker) scan for such occasions. It can automatically detect any damaged system files on your PC and replace them with their cached versions.
To run the SFC scan on your computer:
Wait for the scan to complete and then run the DISM (or Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan by entering the following command:
After the process is complete, exit the Command Prompt window and restart your PC. The error should not appear anymore after the reboot.
3. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
If the “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error only appears when you seek to launch a specific program, you can run the program compatibility troubleshooter on Windows. It’ll try to fix any compatibility issues with your program and help you fix the error. Here’s how you can run it.
4. Repair the Problematic App
If the Windows troubleshooter fails to find any problems, you can try repairing the problematic app on Windows. Here’s how to do it.
You should see a right checkmark next to the Repair button once the process is complete.
Alternatively, you can repair your apps and programs from Control Panel. To learn more about this, check our guide onhow to repair apps and programs on Windowsand follow the steps outlined there.
5. Reinstall the Problematic App
Repairing the app may not help much if the existing app data is corrupted or missing. In that case, your only option is to uninstall the problematic app and install it again.
Head over to Microsoft Store and install the app again. Following this, the error should not bother you.
6. Scan for Malware
If your computer is infected with malware, you may encounter such errors when launching apps and programs. To check for this possibility, you’re able to run a full system scan of your PC with Windows Defender. You can also use one of thebest third-party antivirus programs for Windowsfor this.
If the scan uncovers anything suspicious, take the recommended steps to fix the issue and reboot your PC after that.
7. Install Pending Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates for the Windows operating system. Aside from new features and security patches, these updates also bring much-needed fixes for bugs and other errors. You can try updating Windows to its most recent version to see if that makes a difference.
PressWin + Ito open the Settings app and navigate to theWindows Updatesection. Click onCheck for updatesto download and install pending updates.
8. Perform a System Restore
Windows System Restore performs a backup of the entire system on a regular basis. You can use it to revert your system to a point before the error first started appearing.
To perform a system restore on Windows:
Windows will restart and revert to the specified restore point. Following that, the error should be resolved.
Start Using Your Apps Again
By applying the above fixes, you should be able to fix the “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error in no time. However, if none of the solutions work, you may have to reset your Windows computer as a last resort.
Learn how to factory reset Windows using several methods, including from boot and manually reinstalling.
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