Windows installer errors

When installing the ExpressVPN app on your Windows computer, you may encounter errors when running the Windows app installer.

Possible errors and troubleshooting steps

Error 0x80070005

This is caused by an error in system permissions. Follow the steps below and check if you can install ExpressVPN successfully after each step.

1. Quit ExpressVPN (if currently running). Right-click the ExpressVPN installer file and select Run as administrator.
2. Disable your firewall, antivirus, or anti-spyware program and run the ExpressVPN installer again.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Error 0x8007015E

This error says “No action was taken as a system reboot is required (0x8007015E)” when you are trying to install or update the ExpressVPN app for Windows. Follow these steps and see if the issue is resolved after each step:

1. Install any pending Windows updates.
2. Uninstall the ExpressVPN app for Windows.
3. Disable any antivirus or online security applications or firewalls.
4. Download the latest version of the ExpressVPN app for Windows.

If the issue persists, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Error 0x80070490

This error says “Element not found (0x80070490)” when you are trying to install the ExpressVPN app for Windows. The error is likely to occur when your device cannot install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable required by the ExpressVPN Windows app. Follow these steps and see if the issue is resolved after each step:

1. Move the ExpressVPN app installer file to the desktop and install it from there.
2. Manually install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ runtime (taken from Microsoft’s official site):
   • 64-bit: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe
   • 32-bit: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x86.exe
3. Install the ExpressVPN app normally.

If the issue persists, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Error 0x80070643

To resolve this error, follow the steps below and run the app installer after each step.

1. Restart your computer (complete all pending Windows updates).
2. Disable your firewall, antivirus, or anti-spyware program.
3. Restart the Windows installer service. To do so:

• Open cmd.exe. Type “services.msc,” then press Enter to open the Services window.
• Click Windows Installer, then click Restart.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Error 0x80070652

This is caused by an interruption from another application being installed. Please complete the installation before running the ExpressVPN installer again.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Further troubleshooting steps

If the error code you see is not mentioned above, or if you are still unable to complete the installation, please collect and send us your diagnostic file.

1. Collect diagnostic files

Open Windows Explorer and type %temp%
Find the files starting with “ExpressVPN_” and containing a timestamp matching your last installation attempt. For example:

• ExpressVPN_20180127183014.log
• ExpressVPN_20180127183014_002_mainmsi.log

Move the files to your desktop.

In the Windows Explorer address bar, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\ExpressVPN\v4\Log\

Locate the file “ExpressVPN-Installer.log” and move it to your desktop for easier access.

2. Contact ExpressVPN Support

Please email with the subject line “Windows Installer error [error code]” and the diagnostic files attached. The ExpressVPN Support team will respond to you shortly.