How to fix the error of not being able to install software on Windows

Why can't you install apps or software on Windows 10/11? Here’s everything you need to know about how to fix software not installing errors on Windows.

How to fix the error of not being able to install software on Windows

Table of Contents

  1. Restart the Computer
  2. Check Application Installation Settings
  3. Free Up Storage Space
  4. Run the Installer with Admin Rights
  5. Check 64-bit Compatibility of Your App

1. Restart the Computer

This is a common troubleshooting step but essential for a reason. The software installation issue may stem from a temporary problem. Before diving into more in-depth fixes, try restarting your system first.

If you still cannot install the software thereafter, proceed to the following methods.

2. Check Application Installation Settings

Windows 10 and Windows 11 permit the installation of traditional desktop applications and programs from the Microsoft Store. Certain settings can limit your capabilities, restricting app installations to only the Store. Therefore, verify these settings first.

Navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. You'll find the Choose where to get apps section at the top. If the drop-down menu reads The Microsoft Store only (recommended), you will not be able to install apps from other sources.

Modify this setting to Anywhere (or Anywhere, but let me know if there's a comparable app in the Microsoft Store if preferred). This adjustment will enable you to install the software freely.

Check Application Installation Settings

If you're using an older version of Windows 10, check for a similar setting in Settings > Update & Security > For developers. Within this menu, ensure Sideload apps is selected. Selecting Microsoft Store apps may restrict your installation options further.

If you are trying to install an app that requires this setting to be enabled, please ensure that it is from a trustworthy source. Installing software from unknown sources can jeopardize your computer's security.

3. Free Up Storage Space on Your PC

Limited disk space can cause installation failures. While smaller applications might install without issue, larger programs such as Microsoft Office or Adobe products, which require several GB, necessitate ample free space. Regularly check and remove unnecessary files to maintain sufficient storage.

4. Run the Installer with Admin Rights

Windows User Account Control (UAC) grants your account admin rights only as necessary. Most software installations require these rights, hence the UAC prompt during new app installations.

If you're installing an app limited to your current user, admin rights might not be necessary. However, installations meant for all users will require admin approval. Always keep UAC enabled to ensure that you receive permission notifications.

In some cases, UAC browsing may not function correctly, and you might encounter errors indicating that the installer cannot access a specific folder. In such scenarios, you must manually run the installer with admin rights.

To do this, close any open installer dialog, right-click the installation file, and select Run as administrator. After granting admin rights, try the installation once again.

Run Installer as Admin

5. Check Your App's 64-bit Compatibility

Many applications support both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. A 64-bit application will only run on a 64-bit Windows version, while 32-bit apps are compatible with both architectures due to their backward compatibility.

Typically, the software automatically selects the right version for installation. However, keep an eye on the software download pages for the appropriate version for your system—look for X86 for 32-bit and x64 for 64-bit Windows.

Check 64-bit Compatibility

Conclusion

In summary, these are the simplest but most effective methods to troubleshoot installation errors on Windows. Implementing these solutions should help alleviate your installation issues. We hope this article proves useful to you!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

23 Comments

  1. Martin King -

    Thank you for this detailed tutorial! I’ve had problems installing new software often. Great tips here!

  2. Mèo con -

    This site is amazing! I actually learned something new about Windows installation errors. Who knew it could be so simple

  3. Rita S. -

    Wonderful post! I have to say I admire how you explained technical content in layman's terms—super helpful

  4. Hà Nội Huy -

    Can someone explain why the Windows Update can affect software installation? I'm confused about this part.

  5. Minnie asks -

    I am still having issues after trying all these steps. Anyone else facing a stubborn installation error

  6. Lisa Marie -

    Can you write about how to resolve issues with third-party software conflicts? I think that would be super helpful!

  7. Lucy Sky -

    I liked the part about using the command prompt to fix errors! It felt so techy, haha

  8. John Smith -

    This is super helpful! I’ve been struggling with software installation errors for a while now. Thank you for sharing these solutions

  9. Phúc IT -

    I usually have a rough time with software install issues, but now I feel more confident to tackle them. Great insights!

  10. Emily Brown -

    I had no idea that disabling antivirus could help! I usually turn it off for installation, but I thought it was unnecessary. Will definitely try this next time

  11. Lisa Nguyen -

    OMG, I can't believe I finally found the fix! I was frustrated for days until I found this article. You made my day!

  12. Linh mèo -

    I totally agree! Most of the time, it's just a simple setting that needs to be adjusted. I’m glad I read your post

  13. Hội An T. -

    Wow, I didn’t know that reinstalling could sometimes fix these errors. I will definitely keep this in mind

  14. Tommy the Cat -

    I’m not tech-savvy, but your guide was easy to follow. I actually fixed my installation issue

  15. Jenny 238 -

    Just wanted to say thank you for the concise steps. I followed along, and it worked like a charm

  16. Duy Sinh 6789 -

    I followed your guide and it worked out perfectly! I never would’ve thought to check user permissions.

  17. Hương Đà Nẵng -

    This article made me realize I missed a crucial step. Thanks for the reminder about checking system requirements before installation

  18. Alex D. -

    So many tips in one article! I appreciate the thorough explanations. You've covered everything from error codes to troubleshooting. Thank you!

  19. Kathy White -

    Does anyone else have issues with driver updates causing installation problems? I think it happened to me twice this month

  20. Jake M. -

    A very useful read! I had a similar issue, and your solutions were spot on. Thank you very much

  21. Quang vn -

    I was about to give up on a software I needed for work. Your advice on using compatibility mode really saved me

  22. Max Power -

    I found this article while searching for solutions. Now I can finally install my favorite game without errors

  23. Tommy Lee -

    Great article! I faced this issue while trying to install new software on Windows. Your tips helped me fix it quickly. Keep up the good work

Leave a Comment

How to Open Internet Options in Windows 11

How to Open Internet Options in Windows 11

Windows 11 gives you a variety of options to customize your browsing experience through Internet Options.

Latest instructions for using Capcut on computers

Latest instructions for using Capcut on computers

Capcut has released an English version of Capcut on computers for users to use easily, replacing the previous Chinese version, or you have to use emulator software to install Capcut on your computer.

6 ways to reset Windows computer to its original state

6 ways to reset Windows computer to its original state

Resetting your Windows computer is the quickest and easiest way to get Windows back to its original normal state. Even if Windows is currently running very slowly and infected with viruses. This method will completely make Windows "clean" and give optimal performance again. This article will introduce you to 04 different ways to reset Windows on your computer, please refer to it.

How to turn off the application menu in the Windows 11 Taskbar

How to turn off the application menu in the Windows 11 Taskbar

From Windows 11 build 22635.4000, users have the ability to hover to display the application menu on the Taskbar. If you do not want to use this feature, please refer to the article below to turn it off.

How to Add Multiple Clocks to the Windows 11 Taskbar

How to Add Multiple Clocks to the Windows 11 Taskbar

You can quickly view multiple time zones right on the Windows 11 Taskbar. Here's how to add multiple time zones to the Windows 11 Taskbar.

7 Windows Recovery Options to Make System Recovery Easy

7 Windows Recovery Options to Make System Recovery Easy

While Windows computers are more reliable than ever, you should still make sure you have enabled and understand the built-in recovery options.

9 Windows Privacy Settings You Should Change Right Now

9 Windows Privacy Settings You Should Change Right Now

Windows computers collect all sorts of data about you. While this is meant to improve your experience, it can also raise privacy concerns.

How to fix Windows Security icon disappearing from Taskbar

How to fix Windows Security icon disappearing from Taskbar

If your computer is experiencing an error where the Windows Security icon disappears from the Taskbar, please refer to the article below.

How to View Uninstalled Programs on Windows 11

How to View Uninstalled Programs on Windows 11

Windows 11 has a feature to track uninstalled programs on your computer, via Event Viewer. Here is a guide to view uninstalled programs on Windows 11

Microsoft: TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is mandatory and non-negotiable

Microsoft: TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 is mandatory and non-negotiable

More than three years ago, when Microsoft announced Windows 11, the operating system immediately caused a lot of controversy.

2 ways to create Windows 11 bootable USB using Mac

2 ways to create Windows 11 bootable USB using Mac

Creating a Windows 11 bootable USB on a Mac is definitely more difficult than on a Windows PC, but it's not impossible.

Should I update Windows 11 now?

Should I update Windows 11 now?

Windows 11 officially launched on October 5, 2021. Unlike previous major Windows 10 upgrades, Microsoft is not encouraging people to upgrade this time.

How to Turn Off Bitlocker on Windows 11

How to Turn Off Bitlocker on Windows 11

This article will show you how to disable BitLocker encryption on Windows 11. Keep in mind that disabling BitLocker on Windows 11 can make your device and data less secure, so be careful when making this decision.

How to fix Input Signal Out of Range error on Windows

How to fix Input Signal Out of Range error on Windows

When connecting an external monitor to your Windows PC, you may encounter an Input Signal Out of Range error. This error usually occurs if you have a high refresh rate monitor connected to a lower-end graphics device.

4 ways to pin windows on Windows screen

4 ways to pin windows on Windows screen

If you are wondering how to pin any window to always be on top of other windows (always on top), read this article right away!