Another installation is already in progress error is a common problem faced by many PC users. This problem can be frustrating and time-consuming, usually occurring when attempting to install or uninstall software on your computer.
This article will explore the best fixes for this problem, which will help you resolve the issue and continue with your installation or uninstallation process.
What does it mean when it says another installer is currently running?
When you see an error message that says another installer is currently running, it typically means that there is already a software installation process running in the background of your system. The system cannot start a new installation process until the current one is completed or stopped.
Some common causes of this error include:
- Another installation process is already running: This is the most common cause for the error message. Suppose you have already started an installation process for a software program or an update. In that case, the system will not allow you to start another installation process.
- The installation process did not close properly: If a previous installation process did not complete successfully, it might have left behind some processes or services still running in the background, causing the system to think that an installation process is still ongoing.
- A software update is being installed: Sometimes, software updates can take a while, and the system might not allow you to start another installation process until the update is complete.
- Virus or malware infection: In some cases, malware or viruses can cause issues with the installation process. If your system is infected with malware, it might prevent you from installing new software.
- Your computer needs to be restarted: Occasionally, the system might require a restart to complete a previous installation process. The system will not allow you to start another installation process until the computer is restarted.
How do you check if another installation is in progress?
Follow the steps below to check if another installation is in progress.
- Hold the Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager window, click on the Processes tab to view a list of your system’s running processes.
- Look for any processes with names that include installer, setup, or the name of the software you are trying to install. If you find any such processes, an installation is likely in progress.
- To stop the installation process, right-click on the process and select End task.
How do I fix another installation is in progress?
1. End the Windows Installer process
- Hold the Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click the Process tab, look for Windows Installer, and choose End task.
- Close the Task Manager and try the installation again.
2. Carry out Disk Cleanup
- Click the Windows icon, type disk cleanup in the search bar, and choose Disk Cleanup.
- Choose the system drive; it should be C: by default, then select OK.
- Choose all options and select the OK button.
- Allow the process to finish cleaning your disk, then try installing your software again.
3. Restart Windows Installer service
- Hold the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue box, type services.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Go down, locate Windows Installer, and double-click on it.
- Locate the Services status; click the Stop button below if it shows Running.
- Wait for some time, then click the Start button again.
- Close the services window and verify if the problem has been fixed.
4. Check your Registry
- Hold the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue box, type regedit in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to any of the following keys on the left pane.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsInstaller\InProgress
- Navigate to the path below and perform the following: locate the Default value on the right pane, double-click, delete the values from the Value data field, then click OK.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer
- Close your Registry editor.
- In your Windows Installer, set the Startup type to Disabled.
- Reboot your system and change the Startup type for Windows Installer to Manual.
- Now check to see if the problem has been fixed.
5. Carry out a Clean Boot
- Hold the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialogue box, type msconfig in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Click the Services tab, check the box next to the Hide all Microsoft services option, and select Disable all.
- Next, click the Startup tab and choose Open Task Manager.
- You will see a list of all available Startup items, right-click on each item and choose Disable from the menu.
- After completing this process, close the Task Manager.
- Return to the System Configuration window, select Apply, and OK to save the changes you made.
- Reboot your system and check if this problem has been resolved.
6. Re-register Windows Installer
- Click the Start icon, type cmd in the search bar, and choose Run as Administrator.
- Input the following commands in the command prompt.
msiexec.exe /unregister
msiexec /regserver - After executing both commands, close the command prompt and verify if the problem has been fixed.
7. Uninstall Java and download offline installer
- Hold the Windows + I keys to open the settings app.
- From the list of options, select Apps.
- Look for Java on the list and select Uninstall button to delete it.
- After uninstalling Java, download the offline installation of java.
- After downloading, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions.
By following the steps listed in this article, you will surely overcome the another installation is already in progress error and get your PC running in no time.
Try as many solutions as possible until you find one that works for you.
