Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Side-by-side configuration error in Windows 10

Windows 10 side-by-side configuration error fix

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling the DivX update and Windows updates, then attempt to uninstall and reinstall Visual C++ redistributables.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The 'The application has failed to start because the side by side configuration is incorrect' error in Windows 10 occurs when the operating system is unable to correctly configure the Side-by-Side (SxS) assembly loading process. This issue can affect various applications, including those that rely on Visual C++ redistributables. The error message suggests that a corrupted installation of Visual C++ or an unresolved conflict with another application may be the cause.

This error is frustrating for users because it prevents them from launching their preferred applications, and resolving the issue often requires manual intervention, such as reinstalling Visual C++ redistributables or performing system file checks. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to resolve the 'side-by-side configuration error' in Windows 10.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary cause of this error is a corrupted installation of Visual C++ redistributables, which can occur when an application fails to uninstall properly or when there are conflicts with other applications. Additionally, unresolved issues with Windows updates may also contribute to the problem.
  • Another possible cause is a conflict between the DivX update and the existing system configuration, which may have caused the corruption that led to the error.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributables

  1. Step 1: Download the latest version of the Visual C++ Redistributable Package from the Microsoft website. Make sure to select the correct architecture (x64 or x86) that matches your system configuration.
  2. Step 2: Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to install the redistributables. Be patient during the installation process, as it may take several minutes to complete.
  3. Step 3: After installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Resolving Conflicts with DivX Update

  1. Step 1: Stop any running applications related to DivX and close all windows. This will prevent any potential conflicts from interfering with the troubleshooting process.
  2. Step 2: Use the built-in Windows Troubleshooter to identify and resolve any issues related to the DivX update. You can access the Troubleshooter by searching for 'Troubleshoot' in the Start menu or typing 'troubleshoot' in the Windows search bar.
  3. Step 3: If the Troubleshooter is unable to resolve the issue, you may need to manually uninstall the DivX update using the Control Panel's Uninstall a program feature. Be cautious when removing applications, as this may cause system instability.

💡 Conclusion

To fix the 'side-by-side configuration error' in Windows 10, follow one of the two recommended methods: reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributables or resolving conflicts with the DivX update. If you are unable to resolve the issue using these steps, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional IT technician.

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