Are you also having trouble not installing software on your Windows 10? Usually not meant to be installed when the software installer is not running, or when it is running but an error is displayed on the screen, and we are going to tell you how to fix this problem.

1. Reboot your computer

Restarting can be a general solution to computer problems. A temporary problem might cause your software to not install. Before we move on to other solutions, it is best to restart your computer first. If your problem still persists after restarting your computer, then you should look at the other solutions below.

2. Check the application installation settings

In Windows 10, you can install both the Microsoft Store app and apps downloaded from other sources. Some settings prevent software from being installed through non-Microsoft Store resources. So it is best to check these options before proceeding.

To do this, go to “Settings> Apps> Apps & features”. Above you can see the “Choose where to get apps” section. If you see “The Microsoft Store only (recommended” option in the drop-down menu, then you should know that you can not install the application through various sources.

You must change this option to “Anywhere” or “Anywhere, but let me know”. In this way, you can download and install software in any way you want.

You should also check similar options in “Settings> Update & Security> For developers”. Here you need to make sure that under the “Use developer features” section, you have selected the “Sideload apps” option. If you have selected the “Microsoft Store apps” option here, then you can not install regular software.

If you are in S 10 Mode in Windows 10, then you can only install software through the Microsoft Store. Of course, getting out of this situation is also easy, and you can learn how to do it by searching the internet.

3. Empty storage space

If the remaining storage space on your computer is very small, then this may be the reason why the software is not installed on your Windows 10. Small apps may not take up much space, but things like Microsoft Office or Adobe products can take up several gigabytes of space.

4. Run the installer file as Administrator

Thanks to the User Account Control feature or Windows UAC, most of your account tasks can only be done when you have Administrator level access. Since most software to be installed requires Administrator access, so it is natural that UAC messages when installing applications, high above.

not installing software

Of course, this process does not always go as it should. You may encounter an error saying that the installer file could not write the files to specific folders or that your installer file would not run at all. In such cases, you must run the installer file as Administrator.

To do this, you need to close the error boxes related to the installer file and then right-click on the installer file again and then select the “Run as administrator” option. If this is your problem, you should now be able to install the app.

If you do not have Administrator level access, then you must do so through the original owner of the computer.

5. Check compatibility with 64-bit systems

Most software offers both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The 64-bit version of the app is only compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows. However, 32-bit applications run on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. This is because 64-bit versions of Windows also support 32-bit architecture.

Most of the time, the app itself selects the appropriate version of your Windows or installs only the 32-bit version. If you just bought your computer, then most likely both the Windows version and the hardware architecture of your computer is 64-bit. So you can say that you do not have much problem in this regard.

Next, you need to go to the software download page of your desired software and make sure you download a version compatible with your computer. x86 is the same as 32-bit, and x64 is synonymous with 64-bit.

6. Use your Windows Troubleshooter

In Windows 10, you can find several built-in troubleshooting tools. These tools may not work perfectly, but if you could not find a reason not to install certain software in your Windows 10, then these tools are worth a try.

You need to go to “Settings> Update & Security> Troubleshoot” to access Windows Troubleshooter. Here you should run the “Program Compatibility Troubleshooter” and see if it can solve the problem or not? If you downloaded the problematic software from the Microsoft Store, then you should use the Windows Store Apps tool.

If that doesn’t work, then you can use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter software.

7. Delete older versions of the software

Most of the time if you want to install an update (although the volume of the update is high) on one of your existing applications, then you will see that the installation process goes smoothly.

Of course, sometimes you want to install the latest version of a software, but due to the installation of the older version, it is not possible to do so and you will encounter errors.

If your problem persists, then go to “Settings> Apps> Apps & features” and delete the current version of the software. Of course, this process should not delete your data stored in the application, but in any case, to be sure, it is better to back up your important settings and information first.

In some cases, you also need to remove other installed components of a piece of software so that you can completely remove the program. For example, on the Apple website you can see the complete removal of the iTunes application.

8. Check your antivirus settings

Sometimes, your antivirus will prevent you from installing certain software. Depending on the circumstances, this can save you a lot of trouble or cause you trouble.

Sometimes you may not realize that the software you are looking for is actually malware. If your antivirus can detect this, then it will prevent you from installing the application. Now if you have disabled your security software notifications, then you probably won’t notice either. That’s why you should open your antivirus and check the recent warnings to find out. If you think that the software you are looking for may be infected with a virus or any other malware, then it is best to check it with an online antivirus before downloading.

On the other hand, your antivirus may go too far in this area and not allow the necessary access to the application you want. Malwarebytes Premium is one of the antivirus known for such actions. If this is the case then you need to temporarily disable your antivirus and then install the application.

How you do this also depends on your antivirus. Most security software can be disabled for a few minutes. Of course, before doing this, make sure that the application you want is safe.

9. Make sure the software is compatible with your version of Windows

Some applications are not compatible with newer versions of Windows. In this regard, we can refer to applications that were developed years ago and have never received a special update for Windows 10. In such cases, you should use the feature of support and compatibility with older applications in Windows itself. Of course, this method does not necessarily always work.

First you need to go to the website of the application and see if it is compatible with your version of Windows or not? Of course, you can download and install the software in any case, but in any case, knowing the official description of the developer can also be useful.

If the application was installed but did not run properly, then you should follow the steps below. Of course, if you could not install it, then you should do the same on the executable file of your application installer.

Right-click on the executable file of the application and then select “Properties”. On the page that appears, go to the “Compatibility” tab. Here you have to check the “Run this program in compatibility mode” option.

If you know which version of Windows your software is running, then this method can be useful for you. There are more options in the “Settings” section, but most of the time you do not need them.

If your problem persists, then you should look at other solutions, such as using a virtual machine.

Fix the problem of not installing software in Windows 10

We hope the above solutions have helped you to prevent software from being installed on Windows 10. Most of the time this is due to compatibility with Windows or problems with security software.

not installing software