Getting that annoying error message saying “There is a problem with Microsoft Windows App Runtime Dynamic Dependency LifetimeManager” is kind of a pain. Basically, it pops up when you’re trying to launch some apps that depend on the Windows App SDK. Usually, it happens after a Windows update, because maybe something got broken or conflicts got introduced in how Windows manages those runtime dependencies. Not sure why, but Windows updates can be a mix of fixing stuff and breaking others, so troubleshooting this kind of thing feels like playing whack-a-mole.
The goal here is to get those runtime components back in shape so your apps can run smoothly again. The fix might involve reinstalling the SDK, rolling back a recent update, or re-installing the app itself. It’s a bit annoying because of all the steps, but hopefully one of these methods gets you unstuck without too much fuss.
How to Fix the App Runtime Error on Windows
Reinstall the Windows App SDK
This one is pretty common and kind of weird — if those SDK files get corrupted or lost, programs just throw a fit and refuse to run. Reinstalling it can reset everything and restore missing dependencies. It applies when apps suddenly stop working after a Windows update or if you see errors related to “runtime dependencies.” Expect to see the app launch normally after this.
- Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit OK. It’ll open up your list of installed programs.
- Look for Windows App SDK. If it’s there, right-click and choose Uninstall. If you don’t see it, go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, or run
winget list Microsoft. WindowsAppRuntime.*in PowerShell and remove all entries that show up. - Go to the official Windows App SDK download page.
- Download the latest stable version, making sure to pick the right architecture (x64 for most desktops, x86 for 32-bit, or ARM64 if you’re on a Surface or similar).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts. It’s straightforward, but sometimes Windows just needs a little nudge to register everything properly.
- Reboot your PC. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than it needs to be.
- Open PowerShell (admin mode helps here) and check if the SDK installed properly:
Get-AppPackage -Name "*WindowsAppRuntime*". It should show the new version number you installed, and that’s a good sign it’s working.
Uninstall and Reinstall Clearing Recent Windows Updates
Sometimes, a recent Windows update messes with the runtime. If this error started after a specific update, rolling it back might fix the issue. Basically, updates sometimes have bugs or conflicts that break things unexpectedly.
- Hit Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Windows Update in the sidebar, then click on Update history.
- Click on Uninstall updates under related settings.
- Find the most recent update you installed — it usually shows the install date — then click Uninstall.
- Reboot your PC once the uninstall finishes. Sometimes, that’s enough to clear the bad mojo from the update.
- Open your troubled app again to see if it loads without that error. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but it’s worth a shot.
Reinstall the Application
This is simple but tends to work because it resets dependencies and fixes corrupt or mismatched files. Especially if the app’s local files got hosed after an update or SDK tweak, reinstalling might be the quickest way to fix things.
- Press Windows key + I so you’re in Settings.
- Go to Apps → Installed apps.
- Find and click the program causing trouble. Click the ⋮ (three dots), then select Uninstall.
- Once it’s gone, download a fresh copy from the official source — if it’s a Store app, just reinstall from the Microsoft Store; for standalone apps, use the official site.
- Run the new installer, follow the instructions, and open the app to check if the problem’s gone.
Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstall Windows without Losing Files)
This is more drastic but can fix underlying system issues that simple fixes can’t touch. Basically, it replaces core Windows files while keeping your data and programs intact. If you keep hitting that runtime error no matter what, doing an in-place upgrade might be the way to go.
- Go to the Windows 11 Download page and grab the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Run it, follow the prompts, and make sure to select Keep personal files and apps. It’s extra cautious, but that’s what you want here.
- Let the process run — it’ll take a while (30-60 mins), and your PC will restart a few times. Don’t mess with it.
- After it’s done, check if the app loads without that error. Usually, this fixes deep-seated issues caused by messed-up system files or updates.
Bonus: if you just want to reset Windows without a full reinstall, you can try Reset this PC—search it in Start and choose the option to keep your files, then follow the prompts. Usually quick and helps clean out the nastiest bugs.