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Visual Studio Installer not working after upgrading to Windows 11

ChungErn 0 Reputation points
2025-11-11T02:46:49.2233333+00:00

After upgrading my work laptop from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Visual Studio Installer cannot install new version or updates anymore. When I start an installation, a dialog box opens saying The Windows Installer Service is unavailable, but the Windows Installer service is running.User's image

I have updated the followed some online instructions such as removing the VS Installer and download the latest, InstallCleanup tool, sfc fix, etc, and none works.

Now, I am in a bad shape after running InstallCleanup, all my Visual Studio IDEs are uninstalled, and I cannot re-install back. What can I do?

Developer technologies | Visual Studio | Setup
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  1. ChungErn 0 Reputation points
    2025-11-13T07:08:08.5133333+00:00

    I have found an issue with Windows Installer service.

    When I execute any MSI, it will kick start the Windows Installer service. 99% of the time, this Windows Installer service will not work, and the MSI will say that the Windows Installer is unavailable.

    To fix this, I kill the Windows Installer services when it appears in the Task Manager, and if the MSI behaves correctly, will restart the Windows Installer service again. And now the installation will work.

    I have no idea what has gone wrong, but at least I can install apps now.

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  2. Michael Le (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 5,930 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-11-26T02:35:46.6233333+00:00

    Hello @ChungErn ,

    Thanks for sharing your workaround.

    It looks like the Windows Installer service itself is hanging or getting into a bad state when triggered. For anyone else facing this, here is a clearer breakdown:

    Restarting the service manually

    1. Launch your .msi installer or the Visual Studio Installer.
    2. When it hangs or fails, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
    3. Locate the Windows Installer process in the list.
    4. Right-click it and select End Task.
    5. The service should automatically restart, allowing the installation to proceed normally.

    What likely caused this?

    Upgrading to Windows 11 can sometimes result in the Windows Installer service (msiserver) becoming corrupted or stuck in a suspended state, which is probably because of corrupted system files or registry keys that were modified during the OS update. Additionally, background processes or security software might lock the service, preventing it from launching correctly when an MSI file requests it.

    If the issue persists, you might need to repair system files by running sfc /scannow in an elevated command prompt, or re-register the installer service using msiexec /unregister followed by msiexec /regserver

    The last resort would be reinstalling Windows, but hopefully the above steps will resolve the issue for most users.

    I hope this clarifies. Thanks again for sharing your solution.

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