This application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000018 error in Windows error appears when launching an app and usually closes the program with only an OK button. In most cases it is fixable with a few steps. Follow the sequence below from simple to advanced, and stop once the error disappears. Always reboot and test the affected app after each step.
Quick checks:
-
Reinstall or update the app: Uninstall the program, download the latest installer from the official site, then install fresh. Updates often replace a broken DLL or mismatched dependency, causing 0xc0000018.
-
Run a full malware/antivirus scan: Malware or an over‑aggressive security tool can block DLL loading and trigger this error. Scan with a trusted antivirus and remove threats.
-
Remove anti‑exploit/conflicting tools: Endpoint protection, exploit guards, or certain antivirus suites have been linked to this error; temporarily uninstall such tools, reboot, and test. Re‑enable only after confirming the fix.
Create a restore point before advanced fixes
Before changing system settings or the registry, create a System Restore point so the PC can be rolled back if anything goes wrong. This is a precaution for the next steps.
Advanced fix: clear AppInit_DLLs registry value
Many confirmed cases are tied to DLLs injected via AppInit, which can block app start‑up. Clearing that value often resolves the issue. Proceed carefully.
Steps:
-
Open Registry Editor: Press Windows+R, type regedit, and press Enter. Approve the UAC prompt.
-
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows (on 64‑bit Windows). If using 32‑bit Windows, the path is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows.
-
In the right pane, locate AppInit_DLLs. Double‑click it and clear everything in Value data, leaving it blank. Click OK. Do not delete other entries.
-
Close Registry Editor and restart Windows. Launch the app to verify.
Why this works
AppInit_DLLs forces Windows to load listed DLLs into processes. If a DLL is missing, corrupted, or set to a fixed address that conflicts with others, affected apps can fail at launch, producing 0xc0000018. Clearing the list removes the forced injection and prevents the crash.
Extra remedies if the error persists
-
Perform a Clean Boot: Disable all non‑Microsoft services and Startup items, reboot, and test. If the app runs, re‑enable items in batches to find the conflict.
-
System file repair: Open an elevated Command Prompt and run sfc /scannow; after completion, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair component store corruption. Reboot and test again.
-
Re‑check security tools: Update or replace antivirus/endpoint tools known to trigger 0xc0000018. Some suites hook DLLs aggressively; vendor updates can fix compatibility.
Good practices to avoid a repeat
-
Keep Windows and drivers updated to reduce DLL conflicts introduced by old components.
-
Avoid registry cleaners that inject or modify AppInit values. If enterprise policies require AppInit, review the DLL list for deprecated modules.
-
Maintain app hygiene: remove stale versions, prune leftover folders after uninstall, and prefer official installers over third‑party mirrors.
When to seek help
If 0xc0000018 persists across multiple apps even after the steps above, capture crash logs (Event Viewer), list active security/monitoring tools, and share with IT or vendor support. In rare cases, deeper OS corruption or incompatible low‑level drivers are involved and may require in‑place repair or a clean install.
In short, start simple (reinstall, scan, remove conflicting tools) and then clear the AppInit_DLLs registry value—a widely documented fix—before moving to clean boot and system file repairs. In most cases, one of these steps restores normal app launches without further drama.