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How to fix the Windows 11 NSIS error?

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  • 6 min read

Many have reported seeing a Windows 11 NSIS error when installing a program. NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) is a tool that allows developers to create installers for their applications.

However, the installers sometimes fail to run properly, prompting them to display an NSIS error message. This error message indicates that the installer is corrupt or has not been completely downloaded.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix this error. In this article, we’ll explain how to easily fix the Windows 11 NSIS error.


Reasons for the NSIS error in Windows 11

You are encountering an NSIS error in Windows 11 for various reasons. Some of the most common reasons are as follows:

  • The installer file name may contain special characters.
  • Incomplete download of the installation file due to disruption in the internet or corrupt file itself.
  • Malware infection on your PC.
  • Conflicting third-party programs.

Also read: Why is the Touchpad not working on your Windows 11 laptop? Quick Fix


How to fix Windows 11 NSIS error?

Now that we have seen what causes the NSIS error in Windows 11, here are the fixes that you should try to resolve the issue:

Rename the installer file

The easiest way to fix this error is to rename the installer file simply. Locate the file by navigating to your downloads location or searching the File Explorer.

Now, right-click on the file and then select Rename. Remember to remove special characters while renaming the file.


Relocate the file

Another easy way to fix the NSIS error on Windows 11 is to relocate the downloaded installer file to another location. Locate the file and press Ctrl + X or Ctrl + C to cut or copy it.

Now, press Ctrl + V to paste the file to another location on your computer. Rerun the installer and see if it fixes the error.


Download the installer again

If the above two steps don’t work, head to the internet and redownload the installer file. This time, download from the authorised sources; otherwise, the problem will likely reappear.

Also, ensure your internet and WiFi work perfectly to download the installer. If you are facing problems with your internet, check out our detailed article on what to do if the internet isn’t working.

Similarly, for various WiFi troubleshooting tips, head to our article on what to do if the WiFi is not working on your computer.


Run the installer in compatibility mode

If the simple method to install the program is not working, you can force download the program using the Run in compatibility mode option.

Step 1: Right-click on the installer file and then select Properties.

Step 2: Head to the Compatibility tab and then check the Run the program in compatibility mode for option. Next, select the Windows version that you want the program to run.


Scan your computer for malware

Sometimes, if your computer is infected with a virus or other harmful programs, you will face various issues, including the NSIS error on Windows 11. To fix this, run an antivirus scan on your computer.

Windows has an in-built virus scanner that you can try. Here’s how to do this:

Step 1: Head to the taskbar search bar and type Windows Security. Click on the app to open it.

Step 2: Click on the Virus and threat protection icon.

Step 3: You can quickly select the Quick Scan option for a preliminary scan. However, this will not be an in-depth scan. For the latter, click on Scan options.

Step 4: Finally, select Full Scan and then click on Scan now.

The scanner will run and notify you about any malware infection on your Windows PC.

Also read: How to stop Excel from rounding?


Update Windows OS

An outdated Windows OS is generally slow and lacks several new improvements. This can cause the OS to show errors, such as the NSIS error on Windows 11. To fix this, you should promptly update your Windows OS.

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Now, head to Windows Update and then click on Check for updates.


Run Check Disk

Check Disk is a tool to detect and repair hard disk sectors. Bad sectors can also cause the NSIS error in Windows 11.

Check out our article on how to run Check Disk on Windows to understand the process.


Turn off Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall is a defensive feature that filters network traffic and ensures that only the authorised and infection-free traffic passes through. You can also manually block programs using Windows Firewall.

However, this tool can sometimes interfere with several programs, causing them to display errors like the NSIS error in Windows 11.

To fix this, you may need to turn off the Windows Firewall. Check out our detailed article on how to disable Windows Firewall to learn the steps.

In conclusion, the NSIS error on Windows 11 occurs when the program installer fails to open. Head to the fixes we have mentioned above to resolve the issue quickly.

Also read: File is open in another program: Quick Fix

Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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