Solved: How do I fix NSIS Error “Error launching installer” when installing software on Windows?

Problem: NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Installer System) is a type of installer wizard program used as part of the install process of a number of third-party packages. NSIS error prompt when installing a program using the installer setup file.

• Why do I getting an NSIS error when installing the program?
• What is an NSIS error?
• Whenever I try to install a program on my laptop, it prompts an NSIS error. How do I solve the NSIS error problem permanently?
• What will happen if I delete the NSIS uninstall folder in my system?
• What does the NSIS error mean?
• How do you resolve “NSIS error: Error launching installer”?

The detailed error message as below:

NSIS Error
Error launching installer

NSIS Error
Installer integrity check has failed. Common causes include incomplete download and damaged media. Contact the installer’s author to obtain a new copy.
More information at: https://nsis.sf.net/NSIS_Error

NSIS Error
The installer you are trying to use is corrupted or incomplete.
This could be the result of a damaged disk, a failed download or a virus.
You may want to contact the author of this installer to obtain a new copy.
It may be possible to skip this check using the /NCRC command line switch
(NOT RECOMMENDED).

Follow the below solution steps to resolve the “NSIS Error launching installer” issue.

Content Summary

Potential Causes
Troubleshoot: Check error message in Event Viewer
Solution 1: Check disk space
Solution 2: Rename the installer filename
Solution 3: Move the installer file to another directory
Solution 4: Check System Language
Solution 5: Enabling the built-in admin account
Solution 6: Execute installation using command prompt with admin privileges
Solution 7: New user profile
Solution 8: Obtain or re-download again
Solution 9: Scan your computer with antivirus software
Solution 10: Remove bloatware
Solution 11: Contact support
Reference

Potential Causes

NSIS error happens due to the following reasons:

• Downloaded software installer file is not fully downloaded, incomplete, corrupted, damaged, or if it doesn’t match the settings on Windows.
• Windows got the virus or malware which is causing all installer files to corrupt as soon as copied to your system.
• Downloaded pirated copy of installer package, and there is malware attached to the installer package.
• The installer file fails an integrity check during installation usually occurs due to corrupted files.
• Installing an older package on a newer version of Windows, and Windows has deprecated an API.
• Downloaded software installer relying on old, buggy APIs, which have probably not supported.
• Outdated installer packages.
• The installer has failed the self-check due to it has been modified or altered from its original form. If the installation continues, the software will be broken and won’t function properly.
• Anti-virus is preventing it from executing.
• The computer is unable to locate the installer file because it has a non-Unicode in the file name or folder name such as Chinese character which showing ??????.
• The physical media (CD/DVD) you’re installing from is damaged.
• Required hardware, such as the CD or DVD drive, is not working.
• False error message due to a bug in Windows.
• Not enough free disk space.

Troubleshoot: Check error message in Event Viewer

Step 1: Press the Windows key once

Step 2: Type eventvwr in the search box to open Windows Event Viewer.

Step 3: Check the Application log and System log to see whether any related errors or warnings at the time of the NSIS error show, concentrating on the first few if there’s a cascade of errors.

Step 4: Review the source of the error and event id.

Step 5: Go to Troubleshooting Information for Windows Events and search for the event id and error.

Step 6: You may consider determining the vendor as well, for example, an Adobe product, then explore vendor support forums or contact the vendor’s technical support.

Solution 1: Check disk space

Make sure you have enough hard disk space to execute the installation.

Solution 2: Rename the installer filename

Step 1: Locate the installer setup file.

Step 2: Right-click on it, and select Rename from the context menu. Or press F2 on your keyboard.

Step 3: Change the name.

Step 4: Try running the setup again.

Solution 3: Move the installer file to another directory

Move the installer setup file to another directory. For example, if the file is on “D:” move it to “E:”.

Solution 4: Check System Language

Step 1: Press the Windows + X key and choose Control Panel.

Step 2: Go to Language.

Step 3: Click the Change date, time, or number formats link at the sidebar.

Step 4: Click the Administrative tab.

Step 5: Click the Changed system locale button.

Step 6: Change the system locale to Chinese (Simplified, China).

Step 7: Restart your Windows.

Solution 5: Enabling the built-in admin account

Step 1: Follow the steps in this article to enable a Built-in Windows 10 Administrator account using a command prompt or user management tool.

Step 2: Right-click on the installer setup file and choose the Run as administrator option from the context menu to start the installation process with admin privileges.

Solution 6: Execute installation using command prompt with admin privileges

Step 1: Type cmd in the search field.

Step 2: Right-click the entry for Command Prompt, and select the Run as administrator option.

Step 3: Drag the software installation file icon that you wish to install into the command prompt window. The entire path including the installer’s file name will show in the command prompt.

Step 4: Press the spacebar to add a blank space then type /NCRC. The /NCRC parameter will make the installer skip integrity check and continue to run even if there is an error with it.

Step 5: Press Enter to start the installation.

Solution 7: New user profile

Create a new Windows user account and try to execute the installation again.

Solution 8: Obtain or re-download again

Option 1: Obtain a newer or updated installer package.

Option 2: Re-download the same installer again using a different browser.

Option 3: Obtain or re-download from other source approved by the publisher

Option 4: Obtain offline installers for the programs.

Solution 9: Scan your computer with antivirus software

Step 1: Update your antivirus software.

Step 2: Perform a full and thorough scan instead of a quick one.

Solution 10: Remove bloatware

OEM version of OS usually pre-installed bloatware that prevents other software from running properly. Try to remove it and restart your Windows before trying the installation again.

Solution 11: Contact support

Contact either the developers of the software you’re trying to download or your personal computer support channels.

Reference

NSIS Users Manual [NSIS Sourceforge page]
Microsoft Community > NSIS Launching Installer Error
Why do I get NSIS Error?