It’s impossible for a PC to run smoothly unless its drivers are up to date. Usually, Windows 10 will update them automatically but, in case this does not happen, you can update them manually.

  • Getting the problem Installing the driver software for your device error occurs because the driver you’re trying to install is incomplete, damaged, or corrupt.

  • This can also occur because you’re trying to install a driver that is not compatible with your system or PC.

  • In this article, we will explore some easy ways to ensure your device will run smoothly again. For example, running the troubleshooter does wonder.

  • Download DriverFix (verified download file).

  • Click Start Scan to find all problematic drivers.

  • Click Update Drivers to get new versions and avoid system malfunctionings.

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It seems as though many users are reporting getting the error message Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device while installing or updating the drivers.

This usually means that there is an error with the installation package, but it can be easily solved in just a few steps.

Why can’t Windows install the driver software?

Actually, there are a lot of reasons why you’re receiving this error but mostly it comes down to the driver itself.

For instance, the system might recognize the device you plugged in as a different one and it’s trying to install the wrong driver.

Or, some of the components of the driver might be corrupted so that is why the system is rejecting it.

We have fixes for these problems below, but you can also read our guide with solutions if the USB is not working in Windows 10.

In this article, we will explore exactly how you can solve it, so make sure to keep reading.

How can I fix the driver installing error in Windows 10 & 11?

1. Run the troubleshooter

  • Click the Start button, type control panel, and select the app from the results.
  • In the Hardware and Sound section click on View devices and printers.
  • In the Device section right-click the device with the problem and choose Troubleshoot.
  • Restart your PC after the process is finished.

2. Install the driver manually

  • Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
  • Expand the component sections, right-click on the problematic driver and select Properties.
  • Next, go to the Driver tab and click on the Update Driver button.
  • Choose the Browse my computer for driver software option in the new window.
  • Select the following location and press Enter: C:\Windows\WinSxS

Updating your drivers is necessary for your system to work properly but that can be a tedious task so it’s not unusual to have old, malfunctioning ones.

However, you can do that a lot easier by using a dedicated tool like DriverFix. With just a few clicks you can update all your drivers in seconds so you should try it out.

3. Change the permission for TrustedInstaller

  • Press the Windows + E key and double click on Windows C drive.
  • In the Windows folder locate System32 and click on Properties.
  • Next, in the Security tab, click on Edit.
  • Under TrustedInstaller, check the box next to Full Control, then hit Apply and OK.

4. Remove and reinstall the driver

  • Go to Search, type devmngr, and go to Device Manager.
  • Find your driver, right-click it, and go to Uninstall Device.
  • Restart your computer.

When the error Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device appears, this usually indicates that there is something wrong with the driver installation package.

Another way to solve this issue is to completely uninstall the problematic driver and then reinstall it by downloading it from the manufacturers’ website.

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click here to download and start repairing.

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Once you’ve done all of this, you can try and update the drivers normally. You should not have any more problems.

How can I fix the driver installing error in Windows 11?

Unfortunately, the new OS has inherited this problem so if you get the error message Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device in Windows 11, you’re covered.

That is because all the solutions we provided above for fixing this issue in Windows 10 will apply to Windows 11.

Apart from the fact that the menus appear a little different, all the functions and options from our guide are identical in the new system.

Check your PC for malware

If none of the solutions above worked for you, then there is the possibility that your system has been infected with malware or viruses.

In this case, we recommend performing a full scan of your computer with the built-in Windows Defender or with a better third-party antivirus.

You will find the feature in the Virus & threat protection option from the Windows Security section in Settings. For third-party antiviruses, open their corresponding app.

That’s about it. These are our recommendations when it comes to solving the error message while installing or updating the drivers.

If you’ve switched to Windows 11 already, learn what to do if Windows 11 is not recognizing your USB device.

We certainly hope at least one of these solutions helped you install the drivers on your computer. If you have any additional comments or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

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