Problem with Windows App Runtime DynamicDependency LifetimeManager

If you encounter the error message, ‘There is a problem with Microsoft Windows App Runtime Dynamic Dependency LifetimeManager‘ during system startup or while using certain apps on your Windows 11/10 PC, this post will help fix the issue. Many users have reported that this error appears as a random pop-up, even when no application is opened, disrupting their workflow. The complete error message reads:

This app can’t open

There’s a problem with Microsoft Windows App Runtime DynamicDependency LifetimeManager. Reinstall the application from its original install location or contact your administrator.

For most users, the issue began after installing the latest Windows updates. If you’re one of the affected users, this post is for you.

What is Microsoft Windows App Runtime Dynamic Dependent Lifetime Manager?

The Dynamic Dependency Lifetime Manager (DDLM) is a component of the Windows App SDK that prevents Windows from updating (or servicing) an App SDK framework while it is actively being used by an unpackaged app (an app not installed via MSIX). This ensures stability by preventing compatibility issues during updates.

Problem with Microsoft Windows App Runtime Dynamic Dependency LifetimeManager [Fix]

To fix the error message, ‘There is a problem with Microsoft Windows App Runtime Dynamic Dependency LifetimeManager‘, use these solutions:

Reinstall Microsoft Windows App Runtime
Uninstall recent updates
Run System File Checker and DISM
Perform a System Restore
Perform an In-place Upgrade

Let us see this in detail.

1] Reinstall Microsoft Windows App Runtime

A corrupted or outdated Windows App Runtime installation may have broken dependencies that cause application errors. Reinstalling the runtime ensures all necessary components are restored, resolving compatibility issues and allowing applications to function properly.

Press Win + X. Select Terminal (Admin) from the menu that appears. Click Yes in the UAC (User Account Control) prompt.

In the PowerShell window, run the following command to uninstall Windows App Runtime:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime* -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage

Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect. Now again open Terminal and run the following command:

winget install --id=Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime -e

The above command fetches the latest version of Windows App Runtime from the Microsoft Store and reinstalls it on your Windows 11/10 PC.

Restart your PC again and check if the error is gone.

2] Uninstall recent updates

If the error started after a recent Windows update, it is possible that the update introduced compatibility issues with the Windows App Runtime or broke existing app dependencies, causing the error. Try uninstalling such updates and see if it helps.

Press Win + I to open Settings. Go to Windows Update. Click Update history.
Scroll down and click Uninstall updates under ‘Related settings’.

Find the most recently installed update (check the date), click Uninstall, and then restart your PC.

3] Run System File Checker and DISM

If system files or Windows App Runtime files are corrupted or damaged, these tools can restore them and fix the issue.

Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin). Run the following command:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. If SFC finds and fixes issues, restart your PC and check if the error is gone. If SFC fails to repair all files, run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).

Open Terminal (Admin) again. Run the following command:

dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth

The above command checks if the Windows image is corrupted. Next, run the following command:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

The above command fixes any corruption using Windows Update as a source. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.

4] Perform a System Restore

If you have restore points available, try reverting your system to a point before the error started occurring.

Press Win + R, type ‘rstrui‘ in the Run dialogue, and press Enter. In the System Restore window, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.

Select a restore point from a date before the error started occurring. Click Next, then Finish to start the restoration process. Your PC will restart and restore to the selected point.

5] Perform an In-place Upgrade

Performing an In-Place upgrade should be your last resort to fix the error. It reinstalls Windows, including system files related to the Windows App Runtime, while keeping your personal data, apps, and settings intact.

To perform an In-Place Upgrade, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and run the setup. Select Upgrade this PC, choose Keep personal files and apps, and follow the on-screen instructions.

I hope this helps!

Read: What are Runtime Errors? Their causes and How to fix them?

What is Microsoft runtime used for?

Microsoft Runtime comprises a set of libraries, frameworks, and services that provide the necessary environment for applications (built for the Windows operating system) to run properly. Without it, applications may fail to launch or function correctly because the necessary libraries and services aren’t available.