Problem description

An issue has been identified where existing PLAXIS projects that were previously accessible and functioning correctly may unexpectedly fail to open in PLAXIS 2D/3D 2024.3, PLAXIS 2D/3D 2025.1.1 and PLAXIS 2D/3D 2025.1.2.
This issue is caused by changes via the non-security Windows Update item KB5083631 (26200.8328), which was released on 30th April 2026

When attempting to load an existing project, PLAXIS instead gives an error message "An error occurred in the application" with a bug report that contains the exception message: "Cannot create process."

By saving the bug report as a text file the information mentioned are as the example below:

 

Solution

This issue is now resolved with the release of PLAXIS 2D/3D 2025.1.3.
We have updated PLAXIS 2025.1.3 to align with the new Windows security model introduced in KB5083631, ensuring projects open reliably again without workarounds. 

To obtain the latest PLAXIS versions:

• direct download page for PLAXIS 2D 2025.1.3
• direct download page for PLAXIS 3D 2025.1.3.
• Or see all download options 

We are working on a resolution for PLAXIS 2024.3

Workaround

This is a workaround for PLAXIS 2D/3D version 2024.3.0, PLAXIS 2025.1.1 2025.1.2. Upgrade to the latest to obtain the version with the solution.

We have found that this issue can be bypassed entirely by launching the PLAXIS application with administrator privileges. 
We aim to provide a permanent resolution in a future software update. In the meantime, this workaround will allow you to continue your work without data loss.

There are different ways to run PLAXIS as an administrator:

• You can search in Windows Start for your PLAXIS product, and select "Run as administrator".
• You can locate the Windows shortcut created and with the Right-Mouse Button select "Run as administrator".

Investigation

Our development team found the root cause of this issue in PLAXIS 2D/3D 2024.3 and PLAXIS 2D/3D 2025.1.1 and 2025.1.2. Our team now updated PLAXIS to align with the new Windows security model introduced in KB5083631, ensuring projects open reliably again without workarounds. 

This issue is caused by changes via the non-security Windows Update item KB5083631 (26200.8328), which was released on 30th April 2026, and is gradually being rolled out via Wiindows update channels.

In case you must keep working with one of the mentioned versions, alternatively, you can consult with your IT administrator to postpone the installation of this specific non-security Windows Update item KB5083631, or consider uninstalling it, until you can update to the latest PLAXIS versions.
Before you decide to remove this update, you can read the Microsoft Support article: Understanding the risks.

Updates

In this section we will include any updates about this issue - ordered from newest to oldest. 

If you want to report your issue, need more information, or the workaround has not helped you, please submit a Support Case by following this link: https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/csp

• May 22, 2026: Issue is now resolved with the release of PLAXIS 2025.1.3. More updates are coming up on a full resolution for PLAXIS 2024.3.
• May 12, 2026: Bug has been identified to be related to the non-security Windows Update item KB5083631 (26200.8328). We are working on a software update to resolve this.
• May 6, 2026: We are currently investigating the impact of non-security Windows Update item KB5083631 (26200.8328) being rolled out.
• May 4, 2026: First issues reported at Support