How to fix installation issues for windows 11 sdk? Insufficient privileges

Question

Installation for windows 11 sdk 10.0.22621.1778 fails from both Visual Studio installer as well as the standalone SDK installer. Install seems to fail during the performance monitor install and complains about insufficient privileges to the ...start menu/programs/windows kits folder which does not even exist on my machine.

Answer 1

Hello C Simeone,

The initial checks for this error are the usual ones: Check for space in the system drive (usually C:, doesnt need to be exactly the same as the install drive), Run the installer as Administrator, add the installing user account as Administrators member, or disable Antivirus or Firewall programs.

Furthermore, I can recommend the next:

• Check for previous installations: If you have previously attempted to install the SDK and it failed, remnants of the failed installation might be causing conflicts. Uninstall any existing Windows SDK components or Visual Studio components related to the SDK, and then attempt the installation again.
• Cleanup failed installations: Uninstall if they appear in the "Remove or Add Programs", and delete manually partially installed folders. In some cases, remnants of previous installations can cause issues. Microsoft used to provide a tool called the "Windows Installer Cleanup Utility" (MSICUU2.exe), but it's no longer available from Microsoft. However, you may find it from trusted sources online.
• Ensure that the version of the SDK you are trying to install is compatible with your version of Visual Studio and your Windows 11 installation.
• Check that User Account Control (UAC) is enabled. Sometimes, disabling UAC can lead to installation issues. Navigate to "Control Panel" > "User Accounts" > "Change User Account Control settings" and set it to the default level
• Create the "Start Menu\Programs\Windows Kits" folder structure on your system drive (usually C:). Then, run the installer again.
• Cleanup WinSxS folder: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/clean-up-the-winsxs-folder?view=windows-11
• Perform a Clean Boot: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd

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