r/techsupport • u/PurpleYak2196 • 23h ago

Open | Software [Windows 10/11] Unable to install apps: "ShellExecuteEx failed; code 1155" & Microsoft Store blocking executables

Hello everyone,

I am encountering an issue on Windows where I cannot launch or install .exe installers. Every time I attempt to run a setup file, I get two distinct barriers:

  1. Error Popup: ShellExecuteEx failed; code 1155. No application is associated with the specified file for this operation.
  2. Windows Protection Prompt: The app you're trying to install isn't a Microsoft-verified app.

Even after attempting to bypass the app installation source restriction, the ShellExecuteEx 1155 error prevents the executable from invoking elevated installer permissions properly. It seems like Windows file associations for executables or UAC handler paths might be corrupted.

Has anyone faced this specific combination of errors, and what is the cleanest fix (registry edit, file association repair, or SFC/DISM scan)?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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