Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Windows Computer 

Published on 06 November 2020

-USB communication issues can prevent your Garmin device from being detected by Garmin Express.  

Garmin Express Client Issues

Issues with Garmin Express are usually attributed to out-of-date software or poor communication with a connected device.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:

1. Click Start

2. Click Power

3. Click Restart

Garmin Express Fails to Launch or Open on a Windows Computer

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

Resolutions

Click on the steps below for instructions to resolve these errors:

Ensure that the latest version of Garmin Express is installed

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

Run Garmin Express as an administrator

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

Ensure Garmin Express Permissions are Allowed

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.

Delete the Garmin Express configuration files

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

Install the latest Microsoft Windows updates

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:

Windows Update: FAQ

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

Uninstall Garmin Express, Restart the Computer, and Reinstall Garmin Express

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

1. Right-click the  Start button

2. Click Shut down or sign out

3. Click Restart

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows key + i

2. Click  Power

3. Click Restart

1. Click the  Start button

2. Click ▶ next to Shut Down

3. 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. 

Garmin Express Fails to Install or Update on a Windows Computer

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.