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How to Fix “App Can’t Be Activated” Error When UAC Is Disabled on Windows 11

If you are using Windows 11 and encounter the “App Can’t Be Activated” error, it can be frustrating. This problem commonly occurs when User Account Control (UAC) is disabled on your system.

UAC is a security feature that helps prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. Disabling it can sometimes cause issues with app activation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to fix this error. Each step is explained in a clear and basic manner.

By following these instructions carefully, you should be able to resolve the problem quickly.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. Updates can fix many underlying problems.
  • Check if you have administrative privileges on your account. Some fixes require admin access.
  • Keep in mind that disabling UAC is not recommended for security reasons. Enabling it back can solve many app issues.

Step 1: Re-enable User Account Control (UAC)

The first and easiest step is to turn UAC back on. Many apps need UAC to be active for proper functioning.

  1. Press Windows + S to open the search box.
  2. Type UAC or Change User Account Control settings and press Enter.
  3. You will see a slider with four levels. Move the slider up to the second level from the bottom, which says Notify me only when apps try to make changes.
  4. Click OK to save changes.
  5. Restart your computer to apply the settings.

Why this matters: UAC helps protect your PC by asking for permission before allowing apps to make changes. Disabling it might block apps from activating correctly.

Step 2: Check the App’s Permissions

Sometimes, the app itself needs permission to run properly.

  1. Right-click the app icon and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
  4. Click Apply and then OK.
  5. Try opening the app again.

Why this matters: Running apps as an administrator grants them the necessary rights to activate and function without errors.

Step 3: Reset the App

If the problem persists, resetting the app can help fix corrupted files or settings.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Apps from the left menu.
  3. Select Installed apps or Apps & features.
  4. Find the app causing the error and click on the three dots next to it.
  5. Choose Advanced options.
  6. Scroll down and click Reset. Confirm if prompted.
  7. After reset, try launching the app again.

Why this matters: Resetting removes temporary files and restores default settings, which can fix activation errors.

Step 4: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool to troubleshoot app problems automatically.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps in the list.
  4. Click the Run button next to it.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Why this matters: The troubleshooter scans your apps and system for common issues and fixes them automatically.

Step 5: Re-register the Problematic App Using PowerShell

If the app still won’t activate, re-registering it can help fix registration problems.

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. In the window that opens, type or paste the following command and press Enter:
    3. Get-AppxPackage -allusers *AppName* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

    Replace *AppName* with the actual name of the app, or use a part of it. For example, for Microsoft Store, use Microsoft.WindowsStore.

  3. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.

Why this matters: Re-registering refreshes the app’s installation and fixes broken registrations that cause activation errors.

Alternative Method: Enable UAC via Registry Editor

If the standard method of enabling UAC does not work, you can enable it through the Registry Editor. This is an advanced option, so be careful.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem
  3. Find the entry named EnableLUA.
  4. Double-click it and change its value to 1.
  5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
  6. Restart your computer.

Important: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system problems. Make a backup before proceeding.

FAQs

Why does disabling UAC cause app activation errors?

UAC is designed to control app permissions and security. Disabling it can block apps from requesting necessary permissions, leading to activation errors.

Can I keep UAC disabled and still fix the error?

It is not recommended. Most apps rely on UAC to function correctly. If you must keep it disabled, try resetting or reinstalling the app, but activation issues may persist.

Is resetting the app safe?

Yes, resetting only removes temporary data and settings for the app and does not affect your personal files.

What if I don’t have admin rights?

You will need administrative privileges to enable UAC or run apps as an administrator. Contact your system administrator for help.

Can third-party antivirus block app activation?

Yes, sometimes security software can interfere with app permissions. Temporarily disabling antivirus may help identify if it is causing the problem.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix the “App Can’t Be Activated” error, you may consider these final options:

  • Reinstall the app: Uninstall and then download the latest version from the Microsoft Store or official source.
  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profile corruption causes app issues. A new account can help test this.
  • Perform a system restore: Roll back your system to a point before the issue started.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for personalized help: https://support.microsoft.com

Conclusion

The “App Can’t Be Activated” error when UAC is disabled on Windows 11 mainly happens because apps require certain permissions controlled by UAC. Re-enabling UAC is the simplest and most effective fix.

If that doesn’t work, checking app permissions, resetting the app, running troubleshooters, or re-registering the app can resolve the issue. Advanced users can also enable UAC via the registry if needed.

Always remember to keep your system updated and maintain proper security settings for the best app experience. If problems persist, official support and system recovery options are available to help.

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