Fix "This App Can't Run on This Device" Error on Trend Micro

Don't worry — this is a known compatibility hiccup that happens after a Windows upgrade, and it's easy to fix. Follow the steps below to get Trend Micro Security installed and running on your computer.

The error you're seeing:

Why Does This Happen?

This error usually appears for one of two reasons:

• Your Windows upgrade introduced a driver compatibility issue with your current version of Trend Micro.
• Your device uses an ARM-based processor, which requires a different version of Trend Micro.

Step 1 — Check if You Have an ARM-Based Processor

Not sure what processor your device has? Here's how to check:

1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
2. Go to System, then click About.
3. Under Device specifications, find the System type field. It will tell you whether your processor is ARM-based.

Once you know your processor type, follow the matching set of steps below.

Step 2A — If Your Processor IS ARM-Based

Download Trend Micro directly from your Trend Micro Account to get the ARM-compatible version:

1. Go to account.trendmicro.com.
2. Click Sign In.
3. Enter your email address or mobile phone number, then click Next.
4. Enter your password and click Next.
5. If prompted, complete the two-factor authentication step.
6. Click the Download tab and download Trend Micro Security.

You're all set! ✅ Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2B — If Your Processor Is NOT ARM-Based

Follow these two steps in order:

Disable Program Compatibility Assistant

🔔 Important Note: This step turns off a Windows feature that checks app compatibility. You can re-enable it after Trend Micro is installed.

1. Click the Start button, type services.msc in the search bar, then press Enter.
2. In the Services window, find Program Compatibility Assistant Service in the list.
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Under Startup type, select Disabled from the dropdown.
5. Click Apply, then click OK.

Run the Hidden Administrator Account

🔔 Important Note: This step temporarily enables a built-in Windows administrator account to complete the installation. You'll disable it again right after.

1. Click the Start button, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following and press Enter:
   net user administrator /active:yes
3. Click the Start button, click your profile icon, and select Administrator to switch to the admin account.
4. Download and install Trend Micro Security from: trendmicro.com/install
5. Once installation is complete, open Command Prompt as administrator again and type the following to disable the hidden admin account:
   net user administrator /active:no

You're all set! ✅ Trend Micro Security should now be installed and running on your computer.

Still Seeing the Error?

If the steps above didn't resolve the issue, try these quick checks:

• Make sure your Windows is fully up to date (Settings > Windows Update).
• Restart your computer and try installing again.
• If the issue continues, contact Trend Micro Support — our team is happy to help.

Related Articles

• Reasons an App Might Not Run on a Device
• Upgrade Trend Micro Antivirus on Windows
• How to Download and Install Trend Micro Security