How to Fix the “Could Not Call Proc” Error on Windows 11
The “Could not call proc” error is a common runtime issue on Windows, often occurring when launching programs (especially video games) and oddly when launching Malwarebytes to perform a scan but it can also pop up for pretty much any other reason you can think of. This error message indicates that Windows failed to execute a specific procedure call within a program or script, leading to crashes.
How to Fix the “Could Not Call Proc” Error on Windows 11
Believe it or not, a simple solution is to run the program or game with admin privileges. You can also do this for Steam games. Simply launch the game from its Steam folder location and follow the steps below.
- Right-click the program’s EXE file.
- Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
- If the program launches successfully, right-click it again, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check Run this program as an administrator to make this setting permanent.
Check for Missing or Corrupt Runtime Libraries
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, are quite often linked to this error message so you'll want to make sure that you have all of the ones you need and that they aren't all corrupted. You can download them all from the official Microsoft website but I've found it easier to just use a bulk installer
Run the Application in Compatibility Mode
If the error started after a Windows update or when running older software, compatibility mode may help.
- Right-click the application’s shortcut or EXE file and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and select an earlier version of Windows.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software
Overprotective antivirus programs can prevent applications from executing necessary functions.
- Open your antivirus software and access its settings.
- Temporarily disable real-time protection or any application-blocking features.
- Try launching the affected application again.
- If this resolves the issue, add the program to your antivirus whitelist/exclusions and then re-enable protection.
Reinstall the Affected Application
If the error is linked to a specific program, reinstalling it is worth a shot.
- Right-click Start and select Installed apps or Apps and Features.
- Locate the problematic application, click Uninstall, and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the latest version of the software from its official website.
- Install the program and check if the error is gone.
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
If nothing so far has worked give these two trusty command line tools a go! They should do the trick!
- Type cmd in Windows search.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- When prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
- Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Note: If you get an error with the last command, try:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess
- Restart your system and check for the error.