Symptoms
- Clicking the app icon does nothing
- App flashes briefly then closes
- Error about a missing component or runtime
- Icon shows but the app never appears on screen
Likely causes
- CommonInstallation not fully completed until a restartSome installers require a restart to finish registering the app with the system.
- CommonMissing dependency like a runtime libraryMany apps rely on separate shared components that must be installed alongside them.
- CommonAntivirus blocking the new app from runningNew, less common software can be flagged by security software until verified safe.
- PossibleCorrupted installation fileA damaged installer can produce an app that looks installed but doesn't work.
- PossibleIncompatible with current operating system versionSome apps require a newer OS version than what's installed.
What to do
- Restart the computer, since some installs need this to complete properly.
- Check your antivirus software's quarantine or blocked items list for the new app.
- Reinstall the app, choosing to run the installer as administrator if on Windows.
- Check the app's system requirements against your operating system version.
- Install any listed dependencies, like a specific runtime, separately if mentioned in the app's documentation.
- Download the installer fresh from the official source in case the original file was corrupted.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.