Problem updating software

Question

Problem updating software

Paul Baker 0

I have a problem updating software which I believe was caused by my moving an install kit off of my system disk. Updating the software (Copernic) failed and hasn't worked since - despite my moving the install kit back.

I now cannot install Edge (get Installer error 514)

or Chrome (Installation failed due to unspecified error)

I am running Windows 11 Pro 25H2

Any hints for troubleshooting gladly received

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3 answers

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Answer 1

Sin-D 10,015 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Paul Baker,

I understand how frustrating this is, especially when software installs were previously working and started failing after moving files. Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, before we go further, I’d like to narrow this down a bit:

Even though you’re running Windows 11 Pro, are you signed in with a personal Microsoft account, or is this device joined to a work/school account or organization (for example, Azure AD / Entra ID)?
When you mentioned moving the “install kit,” could you clarify:
- The original full path (for example: C:\Program Files\... or C:\ProgramData\...)
- Where it was moved to
- Whether this was done manually (copy/delete) or via a product uninstaller
As a quick check, does installing a built‑in Microsoft app (for example Notepad from Microsoft Store) fail as well, or is the failure limited to Edge/Chrome only?

In the meantime, please try this step and let me know the result:

Press Win + X > select “Terminal (Admin)”
Run the following command: msiexec /regserver
Restart the PC and retry installing Edge or Chrome

This command re‑registers Windows Installer without modifying user data.

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Paul Baker 0 Reputation points

2026-04-14T14:58:12.6566667+00:00
Hi,

Thanks for your suggestions. You're right about this being frustrating, I have wasted hours on trying to fix the problem. I have tried all the suggestions in the Q&A assist, except store-based installs. I tried the repair install of Windows, which took some hours but made no difference.

To answer your questions:

It's a personal account and pc

I'm afraid I can't provide info on moving the install kit (I guess this was the msi file). This happened a long time ago and I did not keep a record of the file move. I've just checked where I restored the file to but I'm sorry to say that the msi I found was the one that was downloaded whilst Copernic was trying to update. It seems I don't have the original flle needed to remove Copernic as part of the upgrade process. I don't see why this should affect other installs though.

I haven't tried a store install yet. I ran the msiexec command and tried to install Chrome & Edge but bot failed again.
Paul Baker 0 Reputation points

2026-04-14T16:48:10.55+00:00

Installing Notepad worked fine
Sin-D 10,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-15T06:58:24.0566667+00:00
Hello Paul Baker,

Thank you for the detailed update. In addition, please try clearing the Chromium installer update cache, which is separate from Temp files and is commonly reused across Edge and Chrome installations.

Close all browsers.

Press Win + R, type: %LOCALAPPDATA%

Press Enter

Manually delete the following folders if they exist:

“Google” (specifically the Update subfolder)

“Microsoft\EdgeUpdate”

Restart Windows.

Download fresh installers for Edge and Chrome
Paul Baker 0 Reputation points

2026-04-15T12:24:50.01+00:00

Hi,

I appreciate your help. I followed your instructions and deleted the Google folder (there was no Update subfolder) and Microsoft\EdgeUpdate folder (which was empty). Rebooted & downloaded Chrome installer again but it failled once again.

I am trying to avoid reinstalling Windows because I have a number of applications which I have been using for some years and it would be tricky to reinstall them all. My son has suggested buying a new pc and gradually migrating over time, but that seems like overkill.

I suspect that the problem might be due to reg keys. Is the update process documented anywhere?

Regards,

Paul.
Sin-D 10,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-17T07:05:20.1066667+00:00
Hello Paul Baker,

Thank you for the thoughtful follow‑up.

Microsoft documents how Microsoft Edge updates are managed, but does not publish or support step‑by‑step registry‑level cleanup or repair procedures for consumer devices.

For reference:

Microsoft Edge update mechanism and supported policies

General Windows Installer behavior (msiexec)

Registry safety guidance

Incorrect registry changes can prevent other applications from installing

Since:

Notepad installs successfully (Windows Installer is functional)

The failure is limited to Chromium‑based installers

Repair install and cache resets made no difference

Please try installing Microsoft Edge via Microsoft Store. This uses a different installer path from the Chromium web installers.

If your issue persists, at this point, please try to contact Microsoft Support:

Visit  Contact Us - Microsoft Support

Select the product or service you're having issue with.

Click Get Home Support

Type a brief description of your issue in the search box.

Click Get Help and select  Contact Support  below.

Go to the Products and services tab, and choose the appropriate product.

On the Category tab, choose the appropriate category or an alternative option.

Go to  Confirm.

Look for and select "Chat with a support agent in your web browser" (during business hours) if available. Explain your situation clearly.
Sin-D 10,015 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-04-18T04:15:33.7233333+00:00

Hello Paul Baker,

Have you had the chance to check my answer yet?

Please do keep me updated.

Answer 2

DaveM121 877.9K Independent Advisor

Installer error 514 is just a generic installer error indicating files are moved to a different drive, or previous registry keys remain.

Before proceeding, you indicate you move an Install Kit to another drive, please provide full details on that, what exactly was moved and the exact folder location on your C drive before you moved it.

DaveM121 877.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-04-14T16:22:12.2033333+00:00

Just checking with you, how are you proceeding with this problem.
DaveM121 877.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-04-15T05:17:13.76+00:00

Open the Settings App.

Go to System - Recovery.

Click the 'Reinstall Now' button in the 'Fix problems with Windows Updates' section and wait for that process to complete.

If that does not resolve the problem, then because you have already tried an in-place repair and that also did not resolve the problem, you will need to reset Windows while keeping your files.
Paul Baker 0 Reputation points

2026-04-16T11:59:55.7033333+00:00

Hi Dave,

I tried the Reinstall Now fix and it didn't resolve the problem.

Does the reset Windows option remove my applications or are they kept as well as my personal files?

Answer 3

Follow these steps to troubleshoot installation/update issues for Edge and other software on Windows 11 Pro 25H2:

Run the Program Compatibility troubleshooter for Edge
- Open the Get Help app.
- Run the automated Program Compatibility troubleshooter for Windows 11.
- When prompted, select Microsoft Edge and follow the on-screen instructions to let it diagnose and repair common install/update issues.
Check basic download and install prerequisites
- Ensure the internet connection is stable; if needed, restart the router or switch networks.
- Temporarily disable any third‑party antivirus or firewall:
  - Open the antivirus/firewall app from Start.
  - Use its Settings/Tools/Protection tab to pause protection for a short time (e.g., 10 minutes or 1 hour).
  - Retry the Edge/Chrome install.
- If the download/installer is being launched from a browser, try a different browser to download a fresh copy of the installer.
Clear temporary files and browser cache
- Press Win + R, type %temp%, press Enter, and delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Clear the cache and cookies of the browser used to download the installers, then re-download the installers.
Run Edge install/update with elevated permissions
- Select Start, type Microsoft Edge (if present), right‑click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- If using a standalone Edge installer, right‑click the installer file and select Run as administrator.
Verify Windows Update services and general update health
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
- Ensure Windows Update service is running; if not, right‑click it and select Start.
- Also confirm related services like Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Windows Installer are running.
- Then go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any pending updates.
- If Windows Update itself has issues (e.g., stuck or failing), run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Windows Update.
Retry Microsoft Store–based installs (if applicable)
- If Edge or other apps are being installed via Microsoft Store:
  - Press Win + S, type services.msc.
  - Find Microsoft Store Install Service.
    - If Running, right‑click and select Restart.
    - If Disabled, set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then OK.
  - Try the install/update again from Microsoft Store.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider a repair install of Windows (Settings > System > Recovery > Reinstall) which keeps apps and data, then reattempt browser installations.

References:

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Problem updating software

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