Issue Description
Windows Installer may freeze or show MSI errors when installing or removing software.
Common Causes
- Corrupt installer cache
- Windows Installer service stopped
- Conflicting background processes
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Restart Windows Installer Service
- Press Windows + R → services.msc
- Find Windows Installer
- Right-click → Restart
- Set Startup type to Manual
Step 2: End Stuck Installer Processes
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- End any msiexec.exe processes
Step 3: Re-register Windows Installer
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run:
msiexec /unregister
msiexec /regserver
Step 4: Retry Installation
- Right-click installer → Run as administrator
Explore Further
- Clear temporary installer files
- Install in Safe Mode
Prevention & Best Practices
Avoid interrupting installations.