5 Easy Ways to Fix Zoom Application Error 0xc000003e on Windows 10/11

Zoom is probably one of the most popular quarantine apps today. It is currently the number one choice for video conferencing, online meetings, and online classes. All you need to do is join the meeting room to connect with others.

But for those who need to use Zoom regularly, it is more convenient to install the Zoom app for quick access. Just install the software client on your computer, then you can join and create meetings of your own.

However, several users reported getting the Windows error 0xc000003e when running Zoom. Because of this error, they are not able to load the app, causing them to miss their online appointments.

What Is the Zoom Application Error 0xc000003e on Windows 10/11?

The Zoom application error 0xc000003e pops up whenever the user tries to install or open the Zoom application. It is accompanied by the following error notification:

The application was unable to start correctly (0xc000003e).
Click OK to close the application.

When you click the OK button in the pop-up dialog, it just closes the open windows of the Zoom app. Trying to reload the app without dealing with the error first usually yields the same result.

What’s interesting is that this error code is not unique to the Zoom application. It can actually apply to any other application on the Windows computer. Googling the error code will show you that a lot of users also encounter the application error 0xc000003e with Adobe apps, Skype, Microsoft Office, and other programs. However, the frequency of the Zoom application error 0xc000003e has increased over the past couple of months due to the rising number of people using Zoom.

What Causes Windows Error 0xc000003e When Running Zoom

Several variables could be at play when Zoom application error 0xc000003e happens. One of the first things you have to consider is the version of the Zoom app you are using. It is possible that you are running an outdated Zoom client, so Windows won’t run it. This is most likely the case if you have recently updated Windows, which means that an update for your app must have been released as well to ensure it runs smoothly with the latest OS.

Junk files and old cached data could also be causing this error to appear. You also need to check whether malware is corrupting your system files and prompting this Zoom application error 0xc000003e to occur.

Finally, Zoom might be having compatibility issues with Windows 10/11, hindering the app from launching properly. Whatever the reason is, you are fortunate that this error is easier to deal with than others.

How to Fix Error 0xc000003e When Running Zoom on Windows

Although you can use the web version of Zoom, the functionalities are limited and you won’t be able to access some of the features available to the software client version. Plus, it is difficult to find a better alternative to Zoom, so if you really need to use the app, then you need to resolve this error first.

So if you’re experiencing Windows error 0xc000003e when running Zoom, here are some of the workarounds you can try:

Solution 1: Reboot Your PC.

If restarting the Zoom app does not help, you should try rebooting your computer as well. Make sure that all Zoom processes are killed before you restart your PC. This would fix any glitches you might be experiencing due to various reasons.

Solution 2: Run the Zoom App as an Administrator.

If the app fails to load due to compatibility problems, the best workaround is to run it using administrator privileges. To do this:

1. Right-click on the Zoom shortcut or launcher on your computer.
2. Choose Properties from the right-click menu.
3. In the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab.
4. Tick off Run this program as an administrator.
5. Hit Apply > OK, then close the window.

Try running Zoom again to see if this step has resolved the error.

Solution 3: Do Some Housekeeping.

If the error is being triggered by junk files on your computer, you can use Outbyte PC Repair to clean them all out in one go. You will also need to scan your computer for any presence of malware. If there are any threats detected, delete them completely from your computer. Once you have cleaned up your computer, try opening Zoom again to see if it will work this time.

Solution 4: Run the SFC Tool.

Corrupted system files can be disastrous to your computer, and this Zoom application error 0xc000003e will probably be the least of your worries. If you suspect that this is the case, you must run the SFC or System File Checker to determine the integrity of your files.

To do this:

1. Search for Command Prompt using the search dialog.
2. Right-click on it, then choose Run as an administrator.
3. In the elevated Command Prompt window, type in the following command: sfc /scannow
4. Hit Enter to execute the command.

Your computer will proceed with the scanning of your system for corrupted files. Once they are detected, SFC will automatically try to repair them or replace them with a working copy. After SFC has done its job, see if you can now launch Zoom without the error.

Solution 5: Reinstall Zoom.

If the above steps don’t work, you can try uninstalling Zoom and reinstalling a fresh copy of the app. To uninstall the program, go to Control Panel, then click on Programs and Features, right-click on the Zoom app, then select Uninstall. You can also go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then uninstall Zoom from there.

After the app has been uninstalled, go to the Zoom website and download the installer. Follow the installation instructions, log in, and check if you are now able to run Zoom without a hiccup.

Summary

The Zoom application error 0xc000003e on Windows 10/11 is actually not a very complicated error. The steps above should help you clear this problem quite easily. Keep in mind that the solutions above should also work when you encounter the error code 0xc000003e when running other applications.