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Garmin Express Fails While "Downloading Files" to an Outdoor Handheld

Garmin Express connects to the Internet to download software, map updates, and downloadable content for Garmin devices. Internet connectivity and network connection issues can prevent Garmin Express from downloading this content. Symptoms of these issues may include:

  • There was an error installing the update error message
  • There was an error installing the content error message
  • The update failed due to a server connection issue error message
  • No visible progress over time (Update stuck or update frozen)
  • The progress bar periodically lowers to an earlier value

 

If any issues occur during the "copying files" stage of the update, including those listed above, see - null.

If you have purchased a downloadable content (DLC) map in the past, and are attempting to activate a new purchase of the map in Garmin Express, see - null.

Items to Check

Garmin Handheld USB Connectivity

Ensure the Handheld Recognizes the Connection

Most handheld devices will display a USB icon on the screen indicating that the device is communicating with your computer. If you do not see this, make sure to select Yes on the handheld if prompted to go to Mass Storage.

Outdoor Handheld Mass Storage Mode Icon

If the handheld still does not recognize the connection, see - Outdoor Handheld Device Not Detected by Garmin Express for additional troubleshooting.

Close Other Applications That Might Be Actively Reading or Writing to the Garmin Device

  • Devices can only be actively read by or written to one application at a time.

  • For example, if Garmin BaseCamp is currently reading and caching the pre-installed map from your device, Garmin Express will not be able to write to your device.

Internet Connectivity and Related Settings

IMPORTANT: A high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable is required to use Garmin Express. If you are unsure what type of internet connection you are using, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Things to Avoid

Using these types of computers or network connections can introduce many obstacles that can prevent a successful download. If any of the following items cannot be avoided, attempt the download again later on a different computer or network.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Work computers and/or networks
  • Public Wi-Fi connections
  • Mobile broadband (such as a 4G/LTE or 5G MiFi, AirCard, or cell phone tethering)
  • Satellite internet
  • Fixed wireless internet
  • Dial-up internet

When Using a Wi-Fi Connection, Ensure You Have a Strong Signal

  • Try moving the computer closer to the Wi-Fi router if possible.
  • If you are still unable to get a strong signal, try using a computer that is plugged in with an Ethernet cable.

Ensure Your Data Limit Is Not Capped/Throttled by Your ISP

  • Many of Garmin's downloadable map products are several gigabytes (GB) in size.
  • Some ISPs will place a limit on how much data may be downloaded during a daily or monthly cycle.
    • Depending on the ISP, exceeding this limit could result in reduced Internet performance or fees for the additional data used.
  • To find out whether your internet service is capped/throttled or restricted, contact your ISP before contacting Garmin.
    • If your internet service is being capped/throttled or restricted, the map update download will take longer to complete and may appear frozen at times.
    • Asking your ISP to remove the capping/throttling or restricted download may be an option.

Reset the Network Hardware

  • Shut down the computer and reset the network hardware by unplugging the router and/or modem.
  • Bypass the router by connecting the modem directly to the computer.
  • After one minute, plug the modem back in to restart it, turn the computer back on, and try the update again.

Check the Proxy Settings on the Computer

Temporarily Disable Internet Security/Firewall

  • Although most security software will not interfere with Garmin Express, some security software (such as software that is used on work computers or in a business environment) may cause errors in Garmin Express.
  • If possible, try temporarily disabling the software.
    • If you cannot disable it, it will be necessary to use a different computer.
  • If disabling fails to resolve the issue, you can set up an exception for Garmin Express.
  • See null for more information.
  • For advanced users: Check for any bandwidth limiting settings on the router such as Asus QOS.

Garmin Express Troubleshooting

Ensure Garmin Express is Up to Date

Ensure the Computer has Enough Free Disk Space

  • Maps contain a lot of information that must be downloaded to your computer before installing it on your device. Some downloads can require up to 20GB of available disk space to install successfully. If you receive the error message "not enough space on computer, this computer does not have enough space to download the update." You will need to free up additional space on your hard drive.

Ensure the Date, Time, and Time Zone Settings are Correct on the Computer

  • Even if the time and date appear to be correct on your computer, if the time zone setting is set incorrectly, Garmin Express will not be able to communicate properly with the Garmin servers.
  • For steps on checking these settings, see - null.

Windows Only: Run Garmin Express as an Administrator

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

  1. Locate and right-click the Garmin Express icon in one of the following locations:
    • Search for Garmin Express in the Start menu.
    • Find the desktop shortcut Garmin Express Icon (if present).
  2. Select Run as Administrator or More > Run as Administrator.

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

  • To uninstall Garmin Express, see - Full Uninstall of Garmin Express.
  • To restart the computer, follow the steps below. Shutting down, pressing the power button, or closing the lid on a notebook computer may not effectively restart the computer on some operating systems.

    Restarting the Computer

    Windows 8.1 and higher

    1. Right-click the Start button.
    2. Click Shut down or sign out.
    3. Click Restart.

    Windows 7

    1. Click the Start button.
    2. Click ▶ next to Shut Down.
    3. Click Restart.

    MacOS/OS X

    1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
    2. Click Restart...
    3. Click Restart to confirm.
  • To reinstall Garmin Express, see - How Do I Install Garmin Express?.

These steps should resolve the issues that prevent content from downloading in Garmin Express. If these steps do not resolve the issue, visit the Garmin Express section of the Support Center to search for other Express topics.  

You will also find available options to contact Product Support.

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