Windows Installer not working properly in Windows 10 [FIX]

Windows installer is an integral part of the Windows 10 OS which is used for installing programs and uninstalling programs. If anything goes wrong with the Windows Installer, you cannot do any installation of apps, software, upgrades, etc.

Sometimes you will get an error which will make the Windows installer unusable like it will stop responding and you cannot install anything.

How to Fix the Windows Installer not working properly in Windows 10

So let’s see how to fix this issue of Windows Installer not working properly issue in Windows 10 which can generate a lot of error codes. Here are the various methods you can use to fix the Windows installer problems and error codes.

Method 1: Run the Troubleshooter, the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Running the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is the first step to check for potential problems. If there are any corrupted registry keys that hinder your installation or uninstallation, this troubleshooter will diagnose and fix. If there is a problem with the Add or Remove Program in the Control Panel, this will most likely fix that too.

Method 2: Use the Windows Installer Service

Step 1: Press Windows key + R

Step 2: Type MSIExec and hit Enter.

Step 3: You’ll see the Windows Installer Window, all is good. If you get an error message, it means you have to start the process MSIExec manually. For this, right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Step 4: Go to Services.

Step 5: Go to msiserver and right click and start it.

Step 6: Another way to do it is, go to services.msc by typing this in the run box.

Step 7: Go to Windows Services, go to Windows Installer and then restart it.

Method 3: Error 5, Access Denied

If you face the problem that the installer could not start, it means the installer is corrupt or installed incorrectly in the first place. In that case, you’ll need to execute a couple of options like check for msiexec, log in as an administrator, re-register the engine, etc.

Method 4: Problem with a particular Windows Installer Package

This issue is usually associated with the message “There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor.” This usually happens when the package was being installed on an unstable network connection, so you can retry over a more stable connection. 

Method 5: Installer Pops Up

If you find the installer popping up to the forefront again and again, rather than running in the background, it means there is some problem with the installation. You will have to stop it and make a fresh installation.

Method 6: Unable to Open the Installation package

Usually when you download some package from the internet, but it cannot be installed, it would be some security issue. You can check your Firewall settings and Privacy and Safeguard setttings to resolve this issue. Sometimes disabling an antivirus will help.

Method 7: Re-register Windows Installer

If nothing seems to solve the problem, just go and re-install the windows installer itself. This is like restoring it to normal once again and getting the basic settings back. 

Step 1: Go to Command Prompt with Admin Privilege.

Step 2: Run these commands one by one. 

• %windir%system32msiexec.exe /unregister

• %windir%system32msiexec.exe /regserver

• %windir%syswow64msiexec.exe /unregister

• %windir%syswow64msiexec.exe /regserver

Step 3: Do a system Reboot.

Method 8: Check your system for Malware

If you have malware in your computer, it can cause an issue with Windows installer as well. Download a program like Malwarebytes and do a full scan of your computer.

I hope you were able to fix the Windows Installer not working properly issue using our tutorial. Do share this post if you found it helpful on the web.

Also share your valuable comments below if you are still facing the issue and what error you are getting.