Windows 10 users found “the feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable” warning popup message during installation and uninstallation or launching software. You have to close the installation or uninstallation process if you found this error cause you can’t progress without fixing it. We searched Microsoft Windows 10 users forum and observed how they fix this error. Don’t worry 99% of the time they work like a charm!!!
What causes network resource unavailable errors for windows 10?
During the time of installing or uninstalling any software package, there are lots of processes going on in the background. When a process wants to use any network service and find it unavailable, then it shows this network unavailable warning. There can be some other reasons behind the malfunction :
- Access restriction: For installing a software, system needs to access some storage, but due to access restriction, warning popup may show up.
- Corrupted registry values: If the windows installer found any corrupted registry values in the installation package, it will show an error until you fix it manually.
- Missing or corrupt file: corrupt files always create issues when the system tries to repair them automatically.
Whatever the reason behind the error, it is fixable. Let’s go through some potential solutions.
Solutions for the feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable
- Check Windows Installer service
- Run Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter
- Edit or Delete the registry key
- Download installation package from another source
Fix 1: Check Windows Installer service
Most of the time, network resource unavailable error can be solved by only repairing corrupted windows installer service. Here how to do it :
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R for the Run dialog box
Step 2: Type services.msc in the box > Click OK
Step 3: A process list will be opened, Check for Windows Installer
Step 4: Check Windows Installer service is running or not, if not then change it to Automatic or manual.
Step 5: Double click on Windows Installer to change the settings.
Most of the time, you may find your windows installer service already set to Automatic or manual. In that case, change it once again and click OK. Then Restart your computer. If the error sign shows up even after you change your windows installer setting, then you need to follow the next methods.
Fix 2: Run Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter
Windows official program install and uninstall troubleshooter will automatically detect and resolve any issue restricting you from installing or uninstalling apps. You will find an official Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter in your computer, but if somehow the feature didn’t exist in your computer, then download the Windows Installer Troubleshooter from Microsoft official website: http://aka.ms/Program_Install_and_Uninstall
What kind of error can Troubleshooter detect and restore to working order?
Windows installers mainly fix corrupted registry keys in 64 Bit OS also corrupted keys that are related to updating data. It effectively fixes malfunction that prevents new programs from being installed, interrupting existing programs from uninstalling or updating, and preventing you from uninstalling an application with Add or Remove or Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
Follow below instruction to run this troubleshooter :
Step 1: Download and Run Windows Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Step 2: Follow on-screen instructions and do as it says
Step 3: It will detect any corrupted registry values you have and resolve it automatically
Step 4: After the completion of the process restart your computer
If the error still exists move to the next method
Fix 3: Edit or Delete the registry key
Editing or deleting registry keys is a proven method of solving network resource unavailable problems. But you have to be always careful when dealing with windows registry keys cause deleting wrong registry entries can negatively impact your windows system. So, follow the instructions carefully :
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the run dialog box
Step 2: Type Regedit on the dialog box > press OK
Step 3: Navigate to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products
Step 4: search every folder here until you find ProductName with the program you facing the error
Step 5: To search Right-click on these entries
Step 6: If you find the right registry key > Right-click the key > Choose backup ( you can choose export option too for this ), it will save a file with .reg extension. You will need this file if anything goes wrong.
Step 7: Now right-click the key again > Choose Delete
Step 8: Confirm the process by clicking yes on the popup
Step 9: Close registry editor and restart your computer
Your problem should be fixed by now. Unfortunately, if nothing changes, then try our last method.
Fix 4: Download installation package from another source
Most of us assume “the feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable” as a system error, but sometimes the problem lies with the software package itself. If you use Winrar or any other unzipper software to unzip the package, you can detect the software fault. It’s not a software error. Some websites upload corrupted software unintentionally. So, it will be wise to try downloading the software from another source or website. It can fix the malfunction lies with software. We hope you can resolve your Windows 10 network resource availability error with our easy solutions.
Final thoughts on Windows 10 network resource unavailable error
On windows 10 this is a common issue for installing and uninstalling software. Main reason behind the complication is the windows installer service or registry key. We surveyed windows 10 users and collected only working solutions. Usually, the first two methods are very effective in this issue. If you have any other solution, then share it with us.
FAQ:
How do I fix windows installer service?
Answer: You can fix the windows installer service by uninstall and reinstall it. For a detailed process, follow fix 1. You can solve this problem yourself by following our instructions.
How do I set Windows Installer to automatic?
Answer: Go to service process > find windows installer > right-click on it > change to automatic > click OK to apply the change. Read our fix 1 for more detailed instructions.
How do I uninstall a program that won’t uninstall?
Answer: Any program will not uninstall if the Windows installer service got corrupted. So, you have to reinstall the windows installer service again. You can find the official download link in our fix 2
Why Windows Installer is not working?
Answer: Sometimes, windows installers got corrupted because of a system clash. But we can’t find it out because of the complex OS system. You can detect this malfunction in the time of installation or uninstallation process. Registry key, value can be another reason for windows installer not working.
