Cannot start Zotero for Windows (64bit)

jack.caster · 2026-06-02T08:09:43+00:00

Hi,
all of a sudden, I cannot start Zotero on Windows. I tried reinstalling it several times, rebooting, and making sure old files were deleted. It does not matter if I install it or use the portable version. Then, I tried to install the 32 bit (instead of the recommended 64 bit) and it works. As far as I can tell, nothing in my system changed since last week so I am wondering if an update was rolled out.

Would you be able to help? I would like to link to a debug log but cannot start the app to do so.

dstillman · 2026-06-02T08:19:52+00:00

The last Zotero update was on May 22, so this would have to be something that changed on your system. We haven't received other reports of this.

jack.caster · 2026-06-02T08:26:18+00:00

Ok, thanks. Is there a way to see a log of the error when launching the application? It is such a strange problem

dstillman · 2026-06-02T08:27:25+00:00

You can try starting from the command line:

https://www.zotero.org/support/debug_output#logging_to_a_terminal_window

jack.caster · 2026-06-02T08:34:14+00:00

Thanks again. Unfortunately, I can't see anything (but again, it works with the 32 bit). Well well, I will keep an eye out in case there are other similar cases popping up in the forum

dstillman · 2026-06-02T09:01:18+00:00

Does it work in Troubleshooting Mode (-safe at the command line)?

jack.caster · 2026-06-02T10:19:42+00:00

Unfortunately it does not