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BaseCamp Software Fails to Install on a Windows Computer

When installing BaseCamp™ software to a Windows computer, there may be obstacles that can prevent the installation from completing successfully. When this occurs, an error message such as Install Failed may display or the installer may not launch.

NOTE: If Garmin BaseCamp software was installed previously, see .msi File Not Found when Updating a Garmin Software Application.

Try the Following Solutions:

1. Refer to the Linked FAQ if BaseCamp Software is Experiencing One of the Following Errors

"Garmin Express™ Software Is Not Compatible with Your Operating System" Error.

"You can only install apps from the Windows Store" Message When Installing Garmin Express Software on Windows 10.

2. Use a Personal Computer

A personal computer is often required to successfully run Garmin BaseCamp software. When installing BaseCamp software on a business computer, the IT department responsible for the computer may need to be contacted as computers owned by businesses often have restrictions set up to prevent the installation of unauthorized programs.

You may get an error message that says you don't have administrative privileges if you try to install a program without being signed into an administrative account. For more information see Administrator Password on a Windows Computer.

3. Restart the Computer and Try Again

NOTE: Shutting down, pressing the power button, or closing the lid on a notebook computer may not effectively restart the computer on some operating systems. Follow the instructions below to ensure that the computer is completely restarted.

Windows 10 and Newer

    1. Right-click the Windows Icon Start button
    2. Click Power
      • Some computers may skip this step.
    3. Click Shut down or sign out
    4. Click Restart

See below for a Windows 10 example.

Windows 8.1 and 10 Restart  

4. Verify the Computer Meets System Requirements for Garmin BaseCamp

System Requirements

  • IBM-compatible computer running Windows Vista x64 and later. App cannot be installed on Windows 7 (no SP) as this is not compatible with .NET framework 4.6. Machines with earlier operating systems can use BaseCamp 4.2.5.

  • Microsoft® .NET framework 4.6; a current version of .NET will be installed if needed.

  • 1 GB of system memory is required, 2 GB of system memory is recommended when using BirdsEye Imagery or Garmin Custom Maps.

  • A video card that supports OpenGL version 1.3 or later to view 3-D terrain.

Install the latest Microsoft Windows Updates

Microsoft has released Windows updates that may resolve issues with Garmin applications.  For more information about installing these updates, see the How do I keep my PC up to date? section of Microsoft's Windows Update FAQs page: Windows Update: FAQ.

5. If the Installer will not Launch, Verify it is not Blocked by Windows

  1. Right-click the downloaded Garmin BaseCamp software installer file
  2. Click Properties
  3. Click the General Tab
  4. Click the Unblock button if present
    • If there is no Unblock button, the installer is not blocked.
  5. Click OK 

6. Run Garmin BaseCamp as an Administrator

Run Garmin the Garmin BaseCamp™ Software as an Administrator

The error may be caused by permissions issues for Garmin BaseCamp. Running the application as an administrator may resolve this:

1. Locate and right-click the Garmin BaseCamp icon in one of the following locations (examples from Windows 10 pictured):

Search for Garmin BaseCamp in the Start menu.

Find the desktop shortcut (if present).

2. Click Run as Administrator

If opened from the Start menu in Windows 10 or newer, mouse over More, then click Run as administrator.

7. Disable Antivirus Applications

Although most security software will not interfere with Garmin BaseCamp software, some more aggressive applications such as those in a business environment (on a work computer) may cause this error. If possible, try temporarily disabling the software or try a different computer if the software can't be disabled.

8. End any Microsoft Installer Processes

1. Open the Task Manager by holding down Ctrl + Shift + Esc

  • If prompted to allow Task Manager to make changes to your computer, click Yes.

  • If using Windows 7, click Processes.

Windows Task Manager

  • If using Windows 8.1 and later, click More Details, then Details.

Windows Task Manager More Details Button

Windows Task Manager Details Tab

2. End any processes named msiexec.exe

Windows Task Manager End Task Option

9. Uninstall Previously Installed Versions of Garmin BaseCamp Software

Note: Before uninstalling BaseCamp software, you can backup all your data into a single archive file which you can restore after re-installing the program. For steps, see: Backing Up Data and Restoring Backup Data.

If BaseCamp software fails to uninstall, use the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter provided by Microsoft.

After these instructions are followed, Garmin BaseCamp software should be able to install successfully. If not, the computer should be checked by a Microsoft certified repair technician, or another computer should be used.

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