If you experience this error, here are a few troubleshooting steps that you can follow to fix this NSIS error on Windows 11.
What Causes the NSIS Error Launching Installer?
The reason for this error can vary. As discussed previously, the most common causes for this error are file corruption and incomplete downloads. However, there are other reasons why you might get this error, such as using special characters in the installer name or an invalid directory path due to the use of special characters.
A third-party program conflict is another reason why you may encounter this error. You can look for the processes in the Task Manager to find the culprit program that may be interfering with the task and end it.
Below we have compiled a list of known fixes to resolve the NSIS error in Windows 11.
1. Move the Setup File to a Different Directory
Moving the installer to a different folder can help you run the setup file without the NSIS error. To do this, open File Explorer and locate the setup file you want to run.
Select the file and press Ctrl + C to copy it to your clipboard. Next, create a new folder on another drive if available and paste the copied file with Ctrl + V shortcut. When creating a new folder, keep the name simple and avoid using any special or non-English characters.
If the issue persists, try to run the installer from another disk drive. If you are working with a single drive, use a USB flash drive. Move the setup file to your USB flash drive and run the setup file from it. This is more of a workaround but should help if you have a problem with a specific installer.
2. Rename the Setup File
Another easy way to fix the NSIS installer error is to rename the installer. Renaming any file on Windows 11 is easy. Here’s how to do it.
Locate the installer you want to rename using File Explorer. Select the installer file and press F2. Enter a new name for your file. Try to keep the name to one word and without a hyphen or other special characters. Click away to save the changes.
Run the installer and check if the error is resolved. If the issue persists, run the installer in Compatibility Mode to see if that helps.
3. Run the Program in Compatibility Mode
You can force an app or installer to run in compatibility mode. In this mode, the app uses the settings for an older version of the Windows OS—helpful if the app was designed to run on older Windows versions.
To run the installer in compatibility mode:
Locate the installer you want to install. Right-click on the installer file and select Properties. In the Properties window, open the Compatibility tab. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for option. Then click the drop-down and select the Windows version older than your current version (Windows 8, 7, XP, so on). Click Apply and OK to save the changes. Run the installer again and check if the setup completes without the error.
4. Find the Conflicting Program Causing the NSIS Error
Third-party software installed on your computer can conflict with the new programs and trigger the error. You can use the Task Manager to track and troubleshoot the program that is triggering the error.
Follow these steps to locate the program causing the error:
Run the installer and wait for the NSIS error to occur. Do not close the error window. Next, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc open the Task Manager. In the Process tab, locate the NSIS error. Then, right-click on the error process, and select Go to details. In the details tab, you should see the program name that is triggering the NSIS error. If that does not help, right-click on the error process again and select Open File Location. This will open the process location and help you determine the cause of the error. You can then move to uninstall or reinstall the problematic app to fix the error.
To uninstall the troublesome app:
Press Win + I to open the Settings app. Open the Apps tab and then click on Apps & features. Scroll through or use the search bar to locate the app. Click the three-dots menu beside the app name and select Uninstall. Click on Uninstall once more to confirm the action. Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved. You can then go ahead reinstall the app.
5. Install the Program Using Command Prompt
You can force install apps on your PC using Command Prompt. Follow these steps to run the installer using Command Prompt:
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click on Command Prompt. Next, open the File Explorer and locate the installer file. Drag and drop the file onto the Command Prompt window to add the file path. Hit Enter to execute the file and run the installer.
If you run the Command Prompt as administrator, the file path will not show up after a drag and drop. In that case, manually type the installer file path and hit enter to execute.
Once the setup wizard is launched, follow on-screen instructions to install the app.
6. Download the Installer From a Different Source
If you have downloaded an incomplete or corrupt installer, it will fail to install correctly. Try to re-download the app or look for the setup file from a trusted third-party website.
Note that, using third-party sources involve a potential risk of downloading malware infected software. Exercise caution and run executables from unknown sources through the online virus scan tools to scan for malware and protect your PC.
Fixing the NSIS Installer Launching Error
Installer errors are a common occurrence on Windows computers. However, the NSIS error is often triggered due to issues with the file name, path, or the setup file itself. Additionally, look for third-party programs that may be interfering with the installer.
