Windows installer errors

When installing the ExpressVPN app on your Windows computer, you may encounter errors when running the Windows app installer.

Before you begin troubleshooting installation errors

Before troubleshooting a specific error, check the following:

1. Check your Windows version is compatible

The latest ExpressVPN app requires Windows 10 or above.

• If you are using Windows 11 on ARM64: You will need the ExpressVPN Windows app for ARM64. Find instructions on how to download and set up the app for ARM64 here.
• If you are running Windows 7, 8, or 8.1: You can still use ExpressVPN via Version 10.54.0.8 of the Windows app. You can get it by clicking Download older version in your ExpressVPN+ setup page.

Follow these instructions to find out which version of Windows you are using. If your Windows version is not compatible with the latest version of ExpressVPN, update Windows or install the appropriate installer for your OS.

2. Try a different browser

Browser extensions or security settings can sometimes interfere with downloading executable files like the ExpressVPN installer. If the download is not completing or the file seems corrupted, try a different browser, preferably without extensions enabled.

3. Connect to a different network

Some networks, like office or public Wi-Fi, can block certain downloads. If you are connected to one of these networks, try switching to a different network or using your phone’s mobile data as a hotspot.

4. Disable antivirus or security software

Antivirus and security software can sometimes mistake the ExpressVPN installer for a threat and block or delete it mid-installation. Temporarily disable any security software before running the installer, then re-enable it once the installation is complete.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Possible errors and troubleshooting steps

Error 0x80070005

This is caused by an error in system permissions. Follow the steps below and check if you can install ExpressVPN successfully after each step.

1. Quit ExpressVPN (if currently running). Right-click the ExpressVPN installer file and select Run as administrator.
2. Disable your firewall, antivirus, or anti-spyware program and run the ExpressVPN installer again.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Error 0x8007015E

This error says “No action was taken as a system reboot is required (0x8007015E)” when you are trying to install or update the ExpressVPN app for Windows. Follow these steps and see if the issue is resolved after each step:

1. Install any pending Windows updates.
2. Uninstall the ExpressVPN app for Windows.
3. Disable any antivirus or online security applications or firewalls.
4. Download the latest version of the ExpressVPN app for Windows.

If the issue persists, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Error 0x80070490

This error says “Element not found (0x80070490)” when you are trying to install the ExpressVPN app for Windows. The error is likely to occur when your device cannot install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable required by the ExpressVPN Windows app. Follow these steps and see if the issue is resolved after each step:

1. Move the ExpressVPN app installer file to the desktop and install it from there.
2. Manually install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ runtime (taken from Microsoft’s official site):
   • 64-bit: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe
   • 32-bit: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x86.exe
3. Install the ExpressVPN app normally.

If the issue persists, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Error 0x80070643

To resolve this error, follow the steps below and run the app installer after each step.

1. Restart your computer (complete all pending Windows updates).
2. Disable your firewall, antivirus, or anti-spyware program.
3. Restart the Windows installer service. To do so:

• Open cmd.exe. Type “services.msc,” then press Enter to open the Services window.
• Click Windows Installer, then click Restart.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Error 0x80070652

This is caused by an interruption from another application being installed. Please complete the installation before running the ExpressVPN installer again.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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Further troubleshooting steps

1. Run the Microsoft Troubleshooter

If you are still experiencing installation issues, corrupted registry keys may be blocking the process.

1. Go to Microsoft’s official support page and download the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter.
2. Run the downloaded file and select Next.
3. Choose Installing when asked if you are having problems installing or uninstalling a program.
4. Select ExpressVPN from the list of programs. If it is not listed, select Not Listed.
5. Allow the troubleshooter to repair any corrupted registry keys, then try installing the ExpressVPN app again.

2. Collect diagnostic files

If the error code you see is not mentioned above, or if you are still unable to complete the installation, please collect and send us your diagnostic file.

Open File Explorer and type

%temp%

Find the files starting with “ExpressVPN_” and containing a timestamp matching your last installation attempt. For example:

• ExpressVPN_20260127183014.log
• ExpressVPN_20260127183014_002_mainmsi.log

Move the files to your desktop.

In the Windows Explorer address bar, type

%LOCALAPPDATA%\ExpressVPN\v4\Log\

Locate the file “ExpressVPN-Installer.log” and move it to your desktop for easier access.

3. Contact ExpressVPN Support

Please email support@expressvpn.com with the subject line “Windows Installer error [error code]” and the diagnostic files attached. The ExpressVPN Support team will respond to you shortly.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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