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Fix: Another Instance of The Application is Already Running

7 min. read

Updated onMay 20, 2024

updated onMay 20, 2024

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Computer errors will occur sooner or later, and while some computer errors are relatively harmless, others can prevent you from starting your applications.

One of theseerrorsisAnother instance is runningerror, and today we’ll show you how to fix it onWindows 10 & Windows 11.

How to fix the Another instance is running error?

1. Uninstall Ad-Aware Web Companion

According to users, this issue occurs every timeWindows 10starts, and it seems that the culprit is Ad-Aware. This is a solid anti-spyware tool, but like many other security tools it comes with Web Companion.

Users reported that Web Companion causesAnother instance is runningerrorto appear, and the only way to fix this problem is to uninstall the application.

To do that, follow these simple steps:

Users reported that removing Ad-Aware Web Companion fixes the problem, but we have to mention that almost any other tool can cause thiserrorto appear.

If the issue still persists, or if you don’t use Ad-Aware at all, you might have to find the problematic application on your own and remove it.

2. Create a new user account

As we previously mentioned, almost any application can causeAnother instance is runningerrorto appear.

If you can’t find the problematic application, you might want to try creating a newWindows 10user account.

To do that, you need to follow these simple steps:

After creating a new user account you need to log off and switch to it.

If the problem doesn’t appear on your new user account, you might want to consider switching to it and using it as your primary account.

3. Download the latest updates

Microsoft is working hard to address Windows 10 hardware and software issues, and most issues are fixed withWindows updates.

According to users, this issue can be fixed simply by installing the latest updates.Windows 10installs updates automatically, but you can also check for updates manually if you want.

To do that, follow these simple steps:

After downloading and installing the latest updates, check if the problem is resolved.

4. Stop the problematic processes

Users reported that this issues occurs while trying to installAutoCADsoftware. It seems that this problem is caused by anotherAutoCADprocess running in the background, so to fix the problem you need to close that process.

This is a simple procedure, and you can do it by usingTask Manager. To close the problematic process, do the following:

Keep in mind that this problem can affect almost any application and not justAutoCAD. Therefore be sure to close multiple instances of the problematic application and check if that solves the problem.

5. Reinstall the problematic application

According to users,Another instance is runningerrorappears when they try to run a specific application. Many users reported that theerrorappears while trying to run a specific game on their PC.

If you’re having thiserrorwith any game or application, we recommend that you reinstall it completely. After reinstalling the problematic software, check if the problem is resolved.

6. Change the Startup type of Workstation service

Users reported thatAnother instance is runningerrorappears while trying to install updates for certainAdobeproducts.

It seems that thiserroris related to Workstation service inWindows 10, and to fix it you need to change that service’s settings. To do that, follow these steps:

How can I fix the another instance is running error in League of Legends?

Users reportedAnother instance is runningerrorwhile trying to startLeague of Legends. According to them, the issue appears because lolpatcher application starts simultaneously with the game.

To fix this problem, you need to find and end all running lolpatcher processes. To do this, you’ll need to use Task Manager and find the problematic process in the Process tab.

We already explained how to end a process using Task Manager in one of our previous solutions, so be sure to check it for detailed instructions.

Few users reported that they had multiple League of Legends clients running, but after ending their processes the issue was completely resolved.

If you’re gettingAnother instance is runningerrorwhile trying to start League of Legends, you might be able to fix the problem by using Command Prompt.

Users reported that they fixed the issue simply by running netsh winsock reset command. To do that, follow these steps:

After your PC restarts, try running LoL and check if the problem still persists.

According to users, one potential solution is to pin League of Legends icon to yourTaskbarand try to start it from there.

Users reported that two League of Legends icons appear in their Taskbar when they want to start it. According to them, you need to pin the new icon to your Taskbar and close the other one.

After doing that, go to Task Manager and close all processes related to the League of Legends. Lastly, start the game by using the pinned Taskbar icon.

Users also reported that you might have to click the icon couple of times before the game starts, so keep that in mind. This isn’t the best solution, but it’s a potential workaround, so you might want to try it out.

If you’re gettingAnother instance is runningerrorwhile trying to run League of Legends, you might want to try running it as administrator.

This is quite simple, and to do so you’ll need to find the application, right click it and chooseRun as administratorfrom the menu.

If running the application as an administrator fixes the problem, you’ll have to repeat this process every time you want to start the game.

If none of the previous solutions work, you might have toreinstall League of Legendsto fix the problem.

Another instance is runningerrorwill prevent your applications from starting, but you can fix the problem by ending the problematic application.

If that doesn’t work, feel free to try any other solution from this article.

Fix: Another Instance of The Application is Already Running#

How to fix the Another instance is running error?#

1. Uninstall Ad-Aware Web Companion#

2. Create a new user account#

3. Download the latest updates#

4. Stop the problematic processes#

5. Reinstall the problematic application#

6. Change the Startup type of Workstation service#

How can I fix the another instance is running error in League of Legends?#