Intel Application Optimization has "Critical Error" on start

[ultros]

Hello,

I just upgraded from a 12700k cpu to a 14700k cpu and am trying to get APO to work.  However, when I try to run the program it just pops up a window with "Critical Error, Could not start.  Please contact support."

I've tried the instructions listed in the other posts that have similar issues, but for some reason they have not helped.

I have a PRIME Z690-P D4 motherboard and so far I have done the following:

-Enabled Dynamic Tuning Technology in the Bios

-Updated the BIOS to the latest version (3801)

-Installed the latest drivers from ASUS, including chipset, MEI, SerialIO, and DTT. (I also did the install drivers from directory trick from the Device Manager)

-Tried the reinstall Windows in place

Still no luck, any help would be appreciated!

[VonM_Intel]

Hi ultros,

Thank you for posting in our Community. It's clear you've been very thorough in trying to get Intel® Application Optimization (APO) up and running on your system. The “Critical Error – Could not start” message typically points to a driver or system compatibility issue, but since you’ve already updated the BIOS and installed all relevant drivers (including MEI and DTT), we’d like to dive a bit deeper. 

To assist you further, could you kindly provide the following details:

• Have you tried running APO as Administrator?
• I would like to request that you send an image/screenshot of the exact issue when running the app. This will help in diagnosing the issue more effectively.
• Can you confirm that Virtualization (VT-x) is enabled in the BIOS?
• Have you ensured the Intel APO app is the latest version?

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ultros]

Hi Von,

• I have tried running it as an administrator and still no luck.
• Here is a screen shot of the error:
  

• I checked for virtualization in the BIOS, and I found "Intel (VMX) Virtualization Technology", which is enabled.  Not exactly what you mentioned, but it looks like the same thing.

• The installed version of APO is 9.0.11662.0, which I just downloaded from the MS Store.  I've also tried uninstalling and installing again just to be sure. 

[VonM_Intel]

Hello ultros,

Thank you for your detailed message and for the steps you’ve already taken, you're clearly very thorough, and I appreciate that. Let’s dig into the issue and see if we can get APO running properly. Based on the "Critical Error, Could not start" message you’re encountering with Intel APO (v9.0.11662.0), and the hardware/software configuration you’ve described (Core™ i7-14700K on ASUS PRIME Z690-P D4), here’s how we’ll proceed:

1. There may be an issue with a background service or a corrupted install.

• Uninstall APO from the system.

• Reboot.

• Delete the following folder (if it exists):

  C:\ProgramData\Intel\Application Performance Optimizer

• Reinstall APO from the Microsoft Store. (storage of the file of APO is needed to be in the C Drive)

2. Open Services (services.msc) and ensure the Intel APO service is present and set to "Running" and "Automatic". If it’s missing or fails to start, there’s likely a backend DTT or permissions conflict.

3. Confirm Intel DTT Framework is Functioning:

• Even though you’ve installed DTT drivers, let’s validate DTT is fully functional.
  • Open Device Manager, expand System Devices, and check for:

    • Intel® Dynamic Tuning Processor Participant

    • Intel® Dynamic Tuning Manager

    • Intel® Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework devices

  • If any of these are missing or show warning signs:
    • Reinstall the Intel DTT driver from ASUS, then reboot.
    • Alternatively, download the latest DTT driver from Intel’s site manually and install via Device Manager using the “Browse my computer” method (you’ve done this once, try it again with the newest version)

Let me know if the issue persists. Thanks again for your patience and detailed info. Let’s get this sorted.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ultros]

1. I have tried uninstalling and re-installing APO several times and it hasn't changed anything.
2. I do not see an APO related service running, so that definitely seems relevant.  Does the service  come from the application or from drivers?
3. I have items that are close to the ones you listed, but not exact: 
   
4. I have tried reinstalling drivers from Asus multiple times.  However I have not been able to find a drivers from Intel directly other than chipset drivers, so if you have a link I would be interested.  Not sure if there is a way to clean out any related drivers so I could start fresh or perhaps try a previous version.

[Davu · Accepted solution]

Hey, listen—I had the same issue. Is it possible that you’ve set your Microsoft Store apps to install on a different drive than C:? If so, just go to the app list, find Intel Application Optimization, and hit 'Move' to C:. It should launch right away, assuming you’ve already enabled all the necessary BIOS settings. At least, that’s what worked for me—until the app was on the C: drive, it wouldn’t start.

[ultros]

Wow!

Thank you Davu, I never would have thought that the install drive would be the issue.

I had set everything to be stored on my non-boot drive ages ago, but that was the issue.

[Davu]

Yeah, I also keep all my Microsoft Store apps on my storage drive. I figured you might’ve done the same, that’s why I asked! Enjoy APO—it’s really amazing when it kicks in (hopefully they’ll add support for more games soon).

[VonM_Intel]

Hello ultros,

Thank you both for contributing to the thread, and Davu, excellent catch on the installation drive tip. That was a key detail that’s helped others as well.  , I appreciate you taking the time to test multiple reinstalls and sharing that you weren’t seeing an APO-related service running. To clarify: Intel® Application Optimization (APO) relies on a background service that is indeed tied to the Microsoft Store installation path. If the app is installed on a non-system drive, the service can fail to register or launch properly, exactly the behavior you were seeing. Great to hear that moving the app to the C: drive resolved the issue.

Hopefully, it may help other community members experiencing similar behavior. Since the thread is now solved, I will proceed to close it. Please keep in mind that this thread will no longer be monitored by Intel

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician