4 Ways to Fix for NSIS ‘Error Launching Installer’ in Windows

Quick Tips

• Identifying the problematic app is integral to resolving the Windows application error.
• Clean booting the computer would allow you to locate and fix the problematic software.

Basic Fixes

• Download the installer file again: A partially downloaded or corrupt installer file can cause an installer integrity check failure. You may want to delete the installer file and download it again.
• Relaunch the installer with administrative privileges: This is a valid fix because the NSIS ‘Error Launching Installer’ can pop up if the app installation file doesn’t have administrator privileges.
• Run a malware scan: Malware infestation can also prevent you from installing programs and result in system errors. To rule out this cause, run a malware scan.

Fix 1: Locate Problematic App Using Task Manager and Uninstall It

This problem may be caused by a third-party app trying to update. To fix it, locate it in the Task Manager and uninstall it.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

Step 2: In the search bar, type NSIS, NSIS installer, or NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System).

Step 3: Right-click an option with NSIS and click Open file location. You should see the problematic app.

Step 4: Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.

Step 5: Click the problematic app, Uninstall, and follow the wizard to complete the process.

Fix 2: Clean Boot the Computer

Clean boot allows you to manage the services that start when your PC boots up. So, it is a handy tool for discovering the culprit services causing problems like the NSIS error on your Windows PC. Here’s how to perform a clean boot:

Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type msconfig in the search box and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.

Step 2: Switch to the Services tab.

Step 3: Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services. Then, click the Disable all button.

Step 4: Click on Apply and then OK.

Step 5: Click on the Restart button.

Step 6: Wait for the PC to restart and relaunch the installer file. Check if the NSIS ‘Error Launching Installer’ message appears.

Reopen the System Configuration utility and enable some third-party services. Restart your PC and repeat this process till you identify the meddlesome program on your PC.

Fix 3: Perform a System Restore

System Restore is a handy tool that can help you revert to the last known good configuration on your Windows PC. If you face the NSIS error after installing or updating an app, pick an old restore point when your PC worked fine and apply it. Here’s how:

Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type rstrui in the search box and press Enter to open System Restore.

Step 2: Click on the Next button.

Step 3: Select a suitable restore point from the list and click the Next button.

Follow the on-screen instructions to continue with the System Restore process. Your PC will restart and apply the selected restore point on your PC.

Fix 4: Re-Register the Windows Installer Service

If restarting the Windows Installer service has no effect, you must re-register the service using Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. Type cmd in the search bar and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keyboard shortcut.

Step 2: The User Account Control window will launch. Click on Yes to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.

Step 3:Type the following commands and hit Enter after each one:

%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /unregister
%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /regserver
%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /unregister
%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /regserver

Step 4: You won’t see any message after executing the commands. Close the Command Prompt window.