Applies ToWindows 10
The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you’re blocked from installing or removing programs. It also fixes corrupted registry keys.
First, you’ll need to download the troubleshooter.
Download troubleshooter
If you see the File Download box when you start downloading, select Run or Open.
The troubleshooter provides steps for you to follow. If a program isn’t listed in the uninstall options, you’ll be asked for that program’s product code. To access the code, you’ll need a tool for reading MSI files—which is typically available to IT professionals. You’ll find the product code in the property table of the MSI file.
What it fixes
The troubleshooter helps fix problems that:
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Corrupt registry keys on 64-bit operating systems.
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Corrupt registry keys that control the update data.
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Prevent new programs from being installed.
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Prevent existing programs from being completely uninstalled or updated.
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Block you from uninstalling a program through Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) in Control Panel.
If you’re trying to remove malware, you can use Windows Security (or another antivirus tool), or you can use the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool.
Runs on
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Windows 10
Related links
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Make older programs compatible with this version of Windows
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Get help with Windows 10 upgrade and installation errors
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Tips to improve PC performance in Windows 10
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Install a printer in Windows 10
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This tutorial demonstrates how to use the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It explains what this troubleshooting tool does, what problems it can fix, and provides detailed steps on its usage. This will help you resolve installation errors in Windows, and repair or uninstall programs that did not install correctly.
What is the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter?
The Windows Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is a tool provided by Microsoft that automatically diagnoses and resolves many issues with software in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The problems the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter can fix include:
- Fixing installation problems caused by missing/incomplete files, corrupt registry keys, and failed installation processes. These can prevent software from being installed
- Resolving uninstallation issues such as left-over files and registry keys that prevent programs from being completely uninstalled
- Repairing corrupted registry keys
- Removing left-over entries in the Programs and Features list in Windows Settings
Note that while still available in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is being deprecated in future versions of Windows 11. You will instead need to troubleshoot and repair software installation and uninstallation problems from the Windows Settings app by navigating to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
How to download the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
You can download the Windows Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter tool directly from the Microsoft website.
While other Windows support and tutorial websites offer their own downloads of this tool, you should always download software from its official source rather than third parties. This ensures that the files you download are legitimate and less likely to have been infected with malware.
How to use the Windows Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
The Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is not a highly technical tool, and the fixes it suggests are generally safe even for inexperienced users. However, before you use the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter, you should take a full backup of your Windows device. Then, if something goes wrong, you can restore your PC to a working state.
To use the tool, follow these steps:
- Log in as an administrator to your Windows device
- Open the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter by double-clicking on the downloaded file (by default it is saved with the file name MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab)
- When prompted to Troubleshoot and help prevent computer problems, click Advanced and uncheck Apply repairs automatically, then click Next
- Once the tool has finished detecting problems, select whether you want to troubleshoot Installing or Uninstalling a program
- Then, select the program you want to diagnose installation or uninstallation problems for from the list, or select Not listed if it isn’t there (if your program isn’t listed you’ll have to enter its product code to help the tool find it)
- The troubleshooting tool will then provide suggestions that you can apply to attempt to resolve the issue
- If the error was successfully diagnosed and fixed, you can close the tool
- Otherwise, you can try to run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter again, selecting different options
By preventing the troubleshooting tool from applying repairs automatically, you can select only the specific fixes you want to apply, and make sure you approve the actions the tool will take before it takes them. If you are still encountering issues after running the tool, you can use additional built-in Windows repair tools in combination with third-party tools to resolve complex software installation and uninstallation problems and errors.
Limitations of the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
The Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is best suited for solving issues with software installed using Windows installer files (with the file extension .msi). Errors with software that uses proprietary installation tools or scripts may not be resolvable with this tool and may require manual troubleshooting.
Best practices for preventing Windows program installation/uninstallation issues
You can reduce the chances of running into installation or uninstallation errors in Windows by following these steps:
- Keep your Windows PC up-to-date with Windows Update. You can troubleshoot Windows Update issues by checking the Windows Update logs
- Only download software from trusted, official sources
- Stick to apps from the app store where possible to further avoid possible malware
- Back up before installing software that makes significant changes to your system, such as firewalls and anti-malware
- Install the latest versions of applications as older versions may not be fully compatible with the most recent version of Windows 10 or Windows 11
Maintaining and troubleshooting third-party Windows software at enterprise scale
Using the Windows Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix software installation and uninstallation errors is a straightforward process for home users, but is not suitable for supporting software installation and uninstallation for multiple machines.
Endpoint management by NinjaOne can automate the process for installing, updating, and uninstalling software in an enterprise environment, as well as assist with troubleshooting with centralized logging, and automatic rollbacks of failed software and update installations. Start your free trial today.
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- Fix Problems With Program Install And Uninstall Troubleshooter
By Sarah |
Last Updated
If you have problems installing or uninstalling programs on Windows 10 (Windows 8, or Windows 7), you should get and use Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter. Download it from the official website and then run it to fix your problems. This page on MiniTool website shows you how to download and use the troubleshooter in detail.
What Is Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Have you ever heard of the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter? It’s not a program/tool that comes with your Windows systems, but it’s very useful and necessary in some cases. You should download the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter when you need to fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed.
Tip: What you should pay attention to is that your files and folders may be deleted/damaged during the troubleshooting process. So you’d better make a backup of your drive (at least the important data) or get a professional data recovery tool in advance.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
What Can Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter Do
The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter looks for problems that can stop you installing and uninstalling a program. So you may use it to fix the following issues on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
- Corrupted registry keys on 64-bit operating systems
- Corrupted registry keys that control the update data
- Problems that prevent new programs from being installed
- Problems that prevent existing programs from being completely uninstalled or updated
- Problems that block you from uninstalling a program through Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) in Control Panel
The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter works well as a Windows installer troubleshooter or Microsoft uninstaller tool. How to download and use it for fixing install/uninstall problems? Please keep reading.
Tips:
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How to Download & Use the Microsoft Install/Uninstall Fixit Utility
Download Troubleshooter for Windows 10
- Restart your computer and log into it using the administrator account.
- Open a web browser like you usually do.
- Go to Microsoft’s fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed page.
- Locate the Download troubleshooter button and click on it.
- Set a storage path if required and click Download; you can also change the file name. (Optional)
- Wait for the downloading process to complete.
- Click Show in folder or the folder icon to see the downloaded file.
The steps to download this tool for other systems (Windows 8, or Windows 7) are the same. How to fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled Windows 10? Please move on.
[2021] 5 Basic Troubleshooting Steps To Fix Problems On Your PC.
Run Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to Install
- You can click on the file name at the end of the downloading process to run it directly. Also, you can go to the storage path manually and then double click on MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.
- Click Next in the Troubleshoot and help prevent computer problems window.
- Wait for the problems detecting process to finish.
- Click Installing when it asks “Are you having a problem installing or uninstalling a program”.
- Wait until the problems detecting process is ended, again.
- Browse the provided programs list to select the certain program that you are trying to install but can’t.
- If you do not see your program, select Not Listed.
- Click on the Next button.
- Wait and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Close the Windows installer troubleshooter when the installation process is done.
- Reboot your PC.
Windows 10 ISO Free Download & Troubleshooting Guide.
Run Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to Uninstall
- Find the MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta file.
- Double click on it to run.
- Click Next in the first window you see.
- It will start detecting problems; just wait.
- Click Uninstalling if you’re having a problem uninstalling a program on computer.
- Wait for it to detect problems, again.
- Browse the programs list and select the one you want to uninstall.
- Click Next.
- Select Yes, try uninstall (instead of No, try other fixes).
- Wait for the troubleshooter to uninstall the app package for you.
- Close it and restart your computer.
That’s all about how to download & use Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter (to install or uninstall a problematic program).
Fix External Hard Drive Not Working – Analysis & Troubleshooting.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Sarah has been working as an editor at MiniTool since she graduated from university. Sarah aims at helping users with their computer problems such as disk errors and data loss. She feels a sense of accomplishment to see that users get their issues fixed relying on her articles. Besides, she likes to make friends and listen to music after work.
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Home » Windows 10 » Program Install & Uninstall Troubleshooter For Windows 10
On Windows 10, at times, you might not be able to install and uninstall programs. A program might refuse to install or uninstall and display an error.
When a program is not getting installed, one should check the setup file for issues. If possible, download a new copy of the setup file and then run the same to check if it addresses the issue. Likewise, if you are unable to uninstall a program from your Windows 10 computer, you should first try uninstalling the program via the Safe mode. You can also try out third-party program uninstallers like Geek Uninstaller.
When everything fails, and you believe that Windows 10, you can use the official Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter. The Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter helpful for Windows 10 users to repair issues that might prevent from installing or removing programs.
The troubleshooter can repair corrupted registry keys Windows 10 64-bit, corrupted registry keys that control the update data, fix issues that prevent programs from installing or uninstalling.
The troubleshooter is easy to use. Download, run and follow the on-screen directions to fix issues mentioned above.
Note that Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is not part of Windows 10. You need to download it from Microsoft.
Fix program install and uninstall issues in Windows 10
Step 1: Get the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter from this page of Microsoft and run the same.
Step 2: Once the troubleshooter is launched, click the Next button and then follow the on-screen directions.
Tip: Many software developers offer their own tool to remove their software from Windows 10. Please visit the software’s website and check if there is an official uninstaller present when you are having issues while uninstalling a program.
Both Windows 10 and 11 come with preinstalled troubleshooters for different components of Windows, such as Windows Updates, network connections, a few hardware peripherals, etc. However, they do not come with a troubleshooter if you are having trouble installing or uninstalling an app or a program.
Thankfully, Microsoft has made an external troubleshooter for these problems. If you are unable to install or uninstall a program or are blocked by your system, you can use the “Program Install and Uninstall” troubleshooter that automatically detects and attempts to fix any issues related to program installation/uninstallation.
This troubleshooter can be used in the following Windows versions:
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
What “Program Install and Uninstall” Troubleshooter Does
The “Program Install and Uninstall” is a tiny utility that does not install on your computer, but only scans the Windows Registry to look for any anomalies and fix them. It attempts to fix the following problems:
- Corrupted registry keys on 64-bit operating systems.
- Corrupted registry keys that control the update data.
- If new programs are being prevented from installation.
- If existing programs are being prevented from being completely uninstalled or updated.
- You are blocked from uninstalling a program through the “Programs and Features” in the Control Panel or “Apps and Features” in the Settings app.
The troubleshooter will try to determine the root cause of the issue in the Windows Registry and fix it.
Let us now show you how to download and run the “Program Install and Uninstall” troubleshooter.
Download and Run Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
If you are having trouble or are being blocked from installing or uninstalling a program on your Windows computer, perform the following steps to mitigate the issue:
- Download the “Program Install and Uninstall” troubleshooter from this Microsoft page.
- When downloaded, double-click on the program to run it.
- The troubleshooting wizard will now run. On the first screen, click Advanced.
- Now confirm that the box next to “Apply repairs automatically” is checked, then click Next.
- Next, select whether you want to troubleshoot the uninstallation process or the installation process.
Note: The “Installing” option will only be selected if the app is partially installed or giving trouble while updating.
- On the next screen, select the application you want to troubleshoot from the list, then click Next.
- Now click Yes, try uninstall.
- The troubleshooter will now attempt to fix the problem. Once it’s complete, click Close.
If the troubleshooter fails to resolve the issue, you can click View detailed information from the bottom of the window to view more information on the issues that were resolved and the issue that is still present.
The issues in this window are categorized as follows:
- Corrupt Patch Registry keys
- Cannot install or uninstall a program
- Problem registry key
It then states whether there was an issue determined by any of these categories.
Closing Words
Windows 11 and Windows 10 offer multiple ways to remove/uninstall apps and programs from the PC. Traditional methods involve the Settings app and the Control Panel. However, if those do not work for you, you can try uninstalling the program through Windows PowerShell or the Command Prompt.
If those do not work for you either, then you can try using the “Program Install and Uninstall” troubleshooter, or try to remove it directly from the Windows Registry.