Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device

This is an error that appears after the computer tries to install a driver on the PC. The driver installation process is usually triggered when a certain device is connected to the computer for the first time and the error has appeared with multiple devices: iPods, cameras, headphones, etc.

Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device

The way to solve the problem is quite similar in all these scenarios and there are several useful methods that can be used to solve the problem. We have created this article to help you, so be sure to try these methods.

Solution 1: run the troubleshooter from the control panel

This is probably the easiest way to fix the problem, as it involves running a troubleshooter that should automatically identify and solve the problem. This method helped multiple users, but don't bother if it doesn't work for you, since there are other methods too. Definitely worth a try.

1. Launch the Control Panel by searching for the utility on the Start button or by clicking the Search button (Cortana) on the left side of the taskbar (bottom left of screen.

2. You can also use the Windows key combination + R where should you write “control.exe” and click Run, which will also directly open the Control Panel.

Operation control panel

1. Once the Control Panel opens, change the view to Category and click View Devices and Printers under Hardware and Sound to open this section. Note that you will have to solve the problem using Control Panel and not Settings in Windows 10.

2. In the Devices section, locate the problem device, left click on it once and click on the Troubleshoot button from the top menu. If you can't find the device with the problem, click on your computer icon.

Troubleshooting a device

1. Wait for the troubleshooter to finish trying to detect and resolve the problem and follow the on-screen instructions to allow them to fix the problem. Check if the error “Windows has encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device” keep going.

2. If you chose to troubleshoot your computer in step 4, you should see a list of errors after the troubleshooter collects the data. Choose the problem device by clicking its radio button and choose Next. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Solution 2: specify the path for driver installations

This is probably the most used method to solve this problem. This includes manual installation of the device driver after connection. This can be done through Device Manager with the device connected. This has helped countless users and we strongly recommend that you do not skip this method when troubleshooting.

1. Click the Start menu button at the bottom left of the screen, type Device Manager and click its entry in the list of results at the top.

2. You can also use the Windows key combination + R by clicking both keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog. Scribe “devmgmt.msc” in the box and click OK.

Execution Device Manager

1. Find the problem device you want to fix in the corresponding menu, right click and select Properties. After the Properties window opens, navigate to the Driver tab and find the Update Driver button.

2. click on it. In the new window that will appear, choose option “Search my computer for driver software”. Go to location C: WindowsWinSxS on your computer in option “Find driver software in this location”.

Change driver location folder

1. Your computer will now check this location for driver installation and should avoid the error “Windows has encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device”

Solution 3: repeat the process with the hidden administrator account

If the above solution doesn't help, you can try to use the hidden admin account to solve the problem, as it will bring you more hidden advantages. This profile is easily accessible and can be logged in without a password. Try to install the device driver in this way!

1. On your computer's login screen, when the computer starts up or after logging out, click the power icon and hold the Shift key while clicking restart.

2. Instead, or when restarting, a blue screen will appear with a couple of options. Choose Troubleshoot >> Advanced Options >> Symbol of the system.

3. Of course, you can open command prompt simply by using windows key combination + R and typing “cmd” before pressing OK or searching for it.

Executing the command statement

1. Copy and paste the following command in the command prompt and click Enter. You should be able to see the message “The command completed successfully” soon.

 internet user manager / active:and

1. Login to this administrator account and wait a couple of minutes before everything is ready.

2. Now you can try to restart the computer, login to the new administrator account without password and connect the device to install it.

3. Once you are done with the hidden admin account, you can disable it again by opening an administrative command prompt and typing the following command:

internet user manager / active:no

Solution 4: give TrustedInstaller full control

The TrustedInstaller account on your computer should have full control over the System32 and SysWOW64 folders on your computer, and you must provide it. This can be done easily, But you will have to repeat the same process for both folders!!

1. Open the Libraries entry on your PC or open any folder on your computer and click on the This PC option in the menu on the left. Double click to open your Local Drive C: and navigate to the Windows folder inside.

2. Right click on the System32 folder and choose Properties from the context menu. Go to the Security tab and click the Edit button. Make sure to grant administrator permissions if prompted.

System security properties 32

1. In Group or user names, look for the TrustedInstaller entry. If it is present in the list, click on it to select it and check the box next to Full Control under Permissions for TrustedInstaller.

TrustedInstaller full control access

1. If not present in the list, click the Add button and locate it to add it. Thereafter, give you full control too. Repeat the exact same process for the SysWOW64 folder in the Windows folder.

2. Restart the computer to apply the changes and check if the error “Windows has encountered a problem installing the driver software for the device” still appears after trying to install or connect the device.