When you get a brand new Nvidia graphics card for your gaming rig you will need to install its drivers for it to run properly. Most of the time installing the graphics driver is quite easy and straightforward. Sometimes though certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the windows 10 Nvidia installer failed issue.
How To Fix Windows 10 Nvidia Installer Failed Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a corrupted driver file to interference from the antivirus software. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Perform a custom driver installation
- Run the NVIDIA Installer.
- Go through the Installer until you get to the Installation options screen and are asked to choose between an Express (Recommended) installation and a Custom (Advanced)
- Select the Custom (Advanced) installation option and click on Next.
- Make sure that all of the driver components on the list provided to you are selected, select the Perform a clean installation option by checking the checkbox beside it and then click on Next.
- Go through with the rest of the Installer
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Nvidia installer failed issue still occurs.
Temporarily turn of the antivirus
There’s a possibility that the problem is caused by the antivirus software. Try turning off the security software of your computer then install the Nvidia drivers.
Avast
- Right-click on the avast! icon in the system tray. Select avast! shields control and there will be options to disable avast for 10 minutes, 1 hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently.
Bitdefender
- Double click on the System Icon for Bit Defender.
- When the Bit Defender window appears, move the mouse arrow to the left side and click >> Virus Shield.
- Move mouse arrow to the black check by Virus Shield is enabled and click.
- The black works will change to red, >> Virus Shield is disabled.
- Move mouse arrow to the top right corner and click the down arrows.
- Bit Defender is now inactive.
- To enable Bit Defender, do the same steps except click to enable.
Microsoft Security Essentials
- Right-click on the MSE icon in the system tray and choose Open.
- Click the Settings tab, then click Real Time Protection.
- Uncheck the box next to “Turn on real time protection”.
- Click the “Save changes” button.
- Exit MSE when done.
ESET
- Double click on the system tray icon to open the main application window.
- Or via Start >> All Programs >> ESET >> ESET Smart Security.
- Click Setup >> Antivirus and antispyware >> Temporarily disable Antivirus and antispyware protection.
- When prompted to confirm temporarily disable select Yes.
- Note: Protection will be automatically started after a system reboot.
McAfee
- Navigate to the system tray on the bottom right hand corner and look for the McAfee icon.
- Right-click it -> chose “Exit.”
- A popup will warn that protection will now be disabled. Click on “Yes” to disable the Antivirus guard.
Check if the Nvidia installer failed issue still occurs.
Turn off the Firewall
To check if the problem is caused by the firewall you will need to disable it.
- Hold Windows key and press R
- Type firewall.cpl and press Enter
- In the Windows Firewall, select the Turn Windows firewall on or off option in the left hand pane.
- Check the Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) option in both Public and Private network settings sections. Once done, click OK at the bottom.
Check if the Nvidia installer failed issue still occurs.
Delete Nvidia files
If your computer has Nvidia files present then you should try deleting these files first.
- Delete the nvdsp.inf file located in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
- Delete the nv_lh file in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
- Delete the nvoclock file in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
- Delete all files in C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\
- Delete all files in C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\
- Delete all files in C:\Program Files (x64)\NVIDIA Corporation\
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Nvidia installer failed issue still occurs.