Published on 06 November 2020
Issues with Garmin Express are usually attributed to out-of-date software or poor communication with a connected device.
NOTE - If you are having an issue downloading updates in Garmin Express, see Related Content
To resolve most issues with Garmin Express:
Ensure that the computer meets the minimum system requirements found at www.garmin.com/express
Ensure that Garmin Express is up to date
Connect the device or ANT Stick to a USB port directly on the back or side of the computer. Avoid using external USB hubs, USB extension cables, or USB ports on the keyboard or monitor.
Verify that the USB cable used is a data transfer cable. USB charging cables do not allow Express to communicate with the device.
Restart the computer and try again1
These suggestions should resolve most issues in Garmin Express.
1Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 - Shutting down, pressing the power button, or closing the lid does not effectively restart a computer with these versions of Windows. These actions merely hibernate the computer. To restart:
Windows 10:
Click Start
Click Power
Click Restart
Garmin Express may not open when launched, may not display an error, or do nothing when the program is opened.
When this occurs, the following behavior may be observed:
The error message Garmin Express has stopped working appears on the screen
The error message An unexpected error has occurred and Garmin Express must close appears on the screen
The error message Garmin Express quit unexpectedly
The Garmin Express window does not appear on the screen, and no error message is displayed
Garmin Express failed to start
Click on the steps below for instructions to resolve these errors:
Download and reinstall the latest version of Garmin Express from the link below. If the message Garmin Express is already installed is displayed, Garmin Express is already up to date.
Windows System Requirements
Windows 7 SP1 or newer, Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 (included)
1024 x 768 display, USB port, and 1 GB RAM
High-speed Internet access (Not for use with dial-up, mobile or satellite connection)
May require up to 20 GB free disk space
Click here to Download Garmin Express for Windows
If you are not able to locate the Garmin Express file after downloading it, see Opening a Downloaded File on Windows
Note: Unplug any Garmin devices from the computer before trying the steps below.
The error may be caused by permissions issues for Garmin Express. Running the application as an administrator may resolve this:
1. Locate and right-click the Garmin Express icon in one of the following locations (examples from Windows 10 pictured):
Search for Garmin Express in the Start menu
Find the desktop shortcut (if present)
2. Click Run as Administrator
If opened from the Start menu in Windows 10, mouse over More, then click Run as administrator
1. Right-Click the Garmin Express icon on the desktop
2. Click Properties
3. Click the Security tab
4. Ensure the Full Control option is set to Allow under Permissions. If full control is not set to allow, contact the computer administrator, computer manufacturer, or a Microsoft repair tech for assistance in changing the permission.
The error may be caused by a corrupt application configuration file. Deleting the configuration folder will allow this file to be recreated so that Garmin Express can launch.
To delete the configuration folder:
1. Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box
2. Type %localappdata%
3. Right-click the Garmin_Ltd._or_its_subsid folder
4. Click Delete
5. Click Yes if prompted to confirm the deletion
Microsoft has released Windows updates that may resolve issues with Garmin applications. For more information about installing these updates, see the How do I keep my PC up to date? section of Microsoft's Windows Update FAQs page:
1. Open the Task Manager by holding down Ctrl + Shift + Esc
If prompted to allow Task Manager to make changes to your computer, click Yes
To uninstall Garmin Express from the computer, see the FAQ Full Uninstall of Garmin Express
Restart the computer
Note: Shutting down, pressing the power button, or closing the lid on a notebook computer may not effectively restart the computer on some operating systems. Follow the instructions below to ensure that the computer is completely restarted.
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7
Right-click the Start button
Click Shut down or sign out
Click Restart
On your keyboard, press the Windows key + i
Click Power
Click Restart
Click the Start button
Click ▶ next to Shut Down
Click Restart
See below for a Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 example.
Once the computer has been restarted, the latest version of Garmin Express can be reinstalled at www.garmin.com/express
You should be able to open Garmin Express after following these steps.
Contact Product Support by visiting our Support Center and entering Garmin Express as the product if Garmin Express will still not launch.
When installing Garmin Express to a Windows computer, there may be obstacles that can prevent the installation from completing successfully. When this occurs, an error message such as Install Failed may display or the installer may not launch.
NOTE: If Garmin Express was installed previously, see Removing Garmin Software and Garmin Registry Keys in Windows.
Try the following solutions:
1. Refer to the linked FAQ if Garmin Express is experiencing one of the following errors
2. Use a personal computer
3. Restart the computer and try again
4. Verify the computer meets system requirements for Garmin Express
5. If the installer will not launch, verify it is not blocked by Windows
6. Run Garmin Express as an Administrator
7. Disable antivirus applications
8. End any Microsoft Installer processes in Task Manager
9. Uninstall previously installed versions of Garmin Express
After these instructions are followed, Garmin Express should be able to install successfully. If not, the computer should be checked by a Microsoft certified repair technician, or another computer should be used.