Fixed: “There is a problem with this Windows installer package” error

Most of the time, Windows applications install smoothly onto your device. This is why many users panic when seeing the “There is a problem with this Windows installer package” error during the installation process of popular apps such as iTunes, Unreal Engine, and even Adobe Acrobat Reader.

There’s nothing to worry about — in this guide, you will learn how to fix this error even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Causes of the “There is a problem with this Windows installer package” error

Even though there’s no single sure cause of this error, most users have reported the following as the leading cause of installer package error:

• You have an outdated or damaged installer file. You might be trying to install an application with an old or corrupted installer file. This doesn’t allow the app to install properly, causing the error.
• You downloaded the wrong package. Some systems are 32-bit, while others are 64-bit. You need to make sure to download the right bit version of the installer package in order to match your system’s bit version.
• Your computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements. Some applications may return the “There is a problem with this Windows installer package” error if your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements to run the app.
• Your Windows is not updated. Many issues can arise from an outdated system. Some users reported that updating Windows fixed this error.
• You don't have full access to the installation folder. Permissions are very important when operating a PC. It’s possible that you chose an installation directory that you don’t have full access to, meaning that the installer can’t create necessary files to finish the install process.

Fixed “There is a problem with this Windows installer package”

After identifying the possible causes, you can begin troubleshooting. There are various methods you can try.

Method 1: Make sure you have administrative permissions

If you lack the appropriate permissions to install applications, you can easily run into the error of this article. If you’re using a public or work computer, this is normal — you’re most likely not an administrator. Make sure to contact the administrator and ask them for help.

However, if this issue occurs on your personal device, here’s what you can do to give yourself administrator permissions.

1. Click on the Windows icon in your taskbar and select Settings.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on Accounts.
   
   
   
   
3. Choose Family & other users from the menu on the left.
   
4. Select your account, then click on Change account type.
   
   
   
   
5. Choose the Administrator option from the drop-down menu and click OK.
   
   
   
   
6. Locate the installer file then right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.
   
   
   
   

Method 2: Use the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

Microsoft has a free to download troubleshooter that aims to help with installation issues. Here’s how you can get it.

1. Navigate to this Microsoft website and click on the Download button.
   
   
   
   
2. Launch the file you just downloaded.
   
   
   
   
3. Click Next, then choose Installing.
   
4. Select the application you want to install or choose Not listed and browse your computer manually to locate the installer file.
5. Wait for the troubleshooter to identify issues and help you install the application.

Please note that the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter isn’t perfect and might not be able to identify an issue. In this case, we recommend you attempt our other methods listed on this page to get rid of the error.

Method 3: Repair the software

There’s a possibility that the application you’re trying to update can’t install because it’s corrupted. When this happens, simply repair the app using these steps.

1. Click on the Windows icon in your taskbar and select Settings.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on Apps and wait for your system to load your installed applications.
   
   
   
   
3. Select the problematic application and click on Modify.
   
   
   
   
4. Choose the Repair option and follow the on-screen instructions to repair the application.
   
   
   
   
5. Try installing now to see if the error still appears.

Method 4: Re-register Windows Installer

The Windows Installer is a key component for installing applications on your device. While you can’t simply repair or uninstall it like other apps, you can use the command prompt to re-register it and possibly fix related issues.

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your computer at the same time to open Run.
2. Type in “cmd” and hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys at the same time. This will launch the Command Prompt with Administrator permissions.
   
   
   
   
3. Input the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:
• msiexec.exe /unregister
• msiexec.exe /regserver
4. Close the Command Prompt and check if the installer runs properly. 

Method 5: Restart the Windows Installer service

If re-registering Windows Installer didn’t work, try restarting the service. This will give your computer a chance to properly restart the service. To do that, follow the next steps.

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your computer at the same time to open Run.
2. Type in “services.msc” and click on the OK button. This is going to launch Services, which should display every available service on your computer.
   
   
   
   
3. Locate the Windows Installer service, then right-click on it and choose Stop.
   
   
   
   
4. Wait a minute, then right-click Windows Installer and choose Start.
   
   
   
   
5. Restart your computer and attempt the installation again.

Hopefully, one of our methods was able to get rid of the “There is a problem with this Windows installer package” issue on your computer. Enjoy installing your apps smoothly.