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Garmin Express Fails to Launch or Open on a Windows Computer

Garmin Express™ software may not open when launched, may not display an error, or does nothing when the program is opened.

When This Occurs, the Following Behavior may be Observed:

  • The error message Garmin Express has stopped working appears on the screen.

  • The error message An unexpected error has occurred and Garmin Express must close appears on the screen.

  • The error message Garmin Express quit unexpectedly appears on the screen.

  • The Garmin Express window does not appear on the screen, and no error message is displayed.

  • Garmin Express program failed to start.

Select the Steps Below for Instructions to Resolve These Errors:

1. Ensure that the Latest Version of Garmin Express Program is Installed

Download and reinstall the latest version of Garmin Express™ software from the link below. If the message "Garmin Express is already installed" is displayed, the Garmin Express program is already up to date.

System Requirements for Windows

If you are not able to locate the Garmin Express file after downloading it, see - Opening a Downloaded File on Windows.

2. Run Garmin Express as an Administrator

NOTE: Unplug any Garmin devices from the computer before trying the steps below.

Windows Only: Run Garmin Express as an Administrator:

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

 Run as admin

3. Ensure Garmin Express Program Permissions are Allowed

1. Right-Click the Garmin Express™ software icon on the desktop

Example of Garmin Express Icon

2. Click Properties

Example of Properties in Menu

3. Click the Security tab

Example of Security tab 

4. Ensure the Full Control option is set to Allow under Permissions. If full control is not set to allow, contact the computer administrator, computer manufacturer, or a Microsoft repair tech for assistance in changing the permission.

Example of Full Control Setting 

4. Delete the Garmin Express Program Configuration Files

The error may be caused by a corrupt application configuration file. Deleting the configuration folder will allow this file to be recreated so that Garmin Express™ software can launch.

To Delete the Configuration Folder:

1. Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box

Example of Keyboard

2. Type %localappdata%

Example of Run Window

3. Right-click the Garmin_Ltd._or_its_subsid folder

Example of Garmin_Ltd folder

4. Click Delete

Example of delete option in menu

5. Click Yes if prompted to confirm the deletion

Example of Delete Confirmation Prompt

5. Install the Latest Microsoft Windows Updates

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.

6. Force Close Garmin Express Program in Task Manager

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.

Example of Keyboard 

2. If Garmin Express™ software displays under Processes, select Garmin Express program and click End Task

3. Try to open Gamin Express program again 

7. Uninstall Garmin Express, Restart the Computer, and Reinstall Garmin Express

  1. To uninstall Garmin Express™ software from the computer, see the FAQ Full Uninstall of Garmin Express

  2. Restart the computer

    • 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  

  3. Once the computer has been restarted, the latest version of Garmin Express software can be reinstalled at How Do I Install Garmin Express?

You should be able to open Garmin Express program after following these steps.

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