Garmin Express Will not Open in Widows

I have an HP laptop less than a year old and the latest and greatest version of Garmin Express and mine works fine.

Phil

This is just a guess on my part. Since this is a new computer, it could be that Microsoft .NET framework needs to be installed or updated. Many programs (apps) need it to run. Check in Windows 10 settings to see if .NET framework is one of the programs already installed.

To install or get the latest version:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/on...

Edit: .NET framework is required - Garmin Support:

https://support.garmin.com/en-SG/?faq=HHS8kOIfNh6Cs7skA62QpA...

dobs108

Even though it is a new computer, I would suggest you start out by doing an uninstall of the Garmin Express (GE), reboot, and then do a Windows update. If you aren’t familiar with Windows 10, type “Windows Update” in the search field at the bottom left corner of the screen, then follow the prompts. By the way in my experience, even though new, this might take an hour so be patient.

After the Windows update then do a reinstall of GE. As others have pointed out, GE requires the .NET framework, which is updated virtually any time Windows is updated.

In February 2020, I did a clean install of Windows 10 pro x64 on two PCs. The .iso files were downloaded from Microsoft to a flash drive on each PC. I formatted the C: drives. After running Windows setup, Windows Update was run multiple times until it displayed, "You are up-to-date."

I started installing programs (apps) and one of them was Garmin Express. It would not install itself and did not install .NET Framework. .NET Framework also did not appear on a list of installed programs in Windows 10 settings.

On a hunch, I downoaded .NET Framework from the link in my post above. That solved the problem since Garmin Express not only installed but also ran.

Afterward, .NET Framework was included in Windows Update.

The conclusion is that Windows 10 did not include .NET Framework in February 2020. It certainly could today.

dobs108

Does "will not open" mean the downloaded software will not run? Delete that downloaded file. It could be a bad download.

Download it again.

If you're able to install it, make sure the requirements are met:

Windows 7 SP1 or newer, Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 (included)

It says that .NET 4.7.2 is included in the download but you may want to download and install .NET separately. Get it from Microsoft.

Windows 10 works when it feels like it. It is going to go down in history as one with many problems. Just a few months ago a big windows 10 update was sent out and had about 10 problems they were scrambling to fix. Of course they claimed them did countless tests before releasing it and still had problems. About an hour ago i tried to open recycle bin and windows hung and sat there until i rebooted it. When 10 first came out i updated and ran for a couple of years before going back to Windows 7. The old computer was failing so i got a new one in april 2020. This is a Dell Studio expensive Core I9 Intel CPU and one week it is great the next crap

The latest Windows 10 update available on November 30 included an updated .NET:
November 30, 2020-KB4586876 Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10, version 2004, Windows Server, version 2004, Windows 10, version 20H2, and Windows Server, version 20H2.

Phil

Windows 8 and Windows 10 include versions 3.5 and 4 (the current version is 4.8) of .NET. They are installed on a first-time-needed basis, so the first time you install an app that needs one of those versions, Windows will add it automatically. I'll state that again, .NET is installed when an application, like Garmin needs it. Some people may remember a few years back, you would install something like TurboTax 2017, and you would get something to the effect that "TurboTax needs .NET Framework, do you want to install it now?" That is still what is supposed to happen when GE is installed but perhaps it isn't. GE is far from perfect as we've recently learned by the amount of garbage it needlessly leaves on your hard drive.

So, as others have suggested, if you are having issues with GE installation, uninstall anything you've done, download and install the current version of .NET Framework, and then attempt to reinstall GE. I'm betting things will go smoothly.

The current version can be found at https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-framework.

If you are running some software package really old, like from 2008, it may require an older version like 3.5. It is also available at the link provided.

Both 3.x and 4.x versions can be on the same drive and in fact may be necessary if you run old software.

I can install GE 7.3.1.0 and see the program in computer's memory through my task manager but it doesn't launch.
My window 10 is new (20H2 version updated)and MS .Net framework version is 4.8(the newest version)
I uninstalled and reinstalled many times and did with old version but the result is the same. Installation success message shows but can't launch.
So I guess new window 10 update may made this failure.
I'm gonna check with not-updated PC.

Version 7.4 has been released. See if that works.

I did with GE V7.4 but the result is the same.
I can see Installation successful message but the main program can't be launched (but I can see background process of GE on the MS Windows task manager.)
I don't have any update and launching problems with other laptop computer whose Window is not updated to Window 20H2.
Garmin can't follow up Window Updates maybe and didn't test GE under the latest Window version.

Could it be running minimized? Do you see a GE icon that needs to be opened or maximized from Windows' typical lower right hand corner date/notification/Wi-fi/volume area?

I ask this because I had no problem installing this and the previous Garmin Express on a fully updated Windows 10 Home 64-bit system.

No Icon at all. I think background process only and no main program launches.
Did you update your Windows 10 to 20H2 version and can you check your .NET framework version ?

GE can't catch up with the new(est) window update maybe.

My Windows 10:

Feature update to Windows 10, version 20H2
Successfully installed on ‎3/‎7/‎2021
Plus KB5000802, KB4023057, KB4580325, and KB4589212 all for 20H2 installed 3/7 to 3/10.

.NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 updated March 7, KB4601554.

I will say that there are many folks here at the POI Factory that install Garmin Express within a day or two of each offering and who run updated Windows 10 PCs, so if this were a Windows Update vs Garmin Express update issue, I really think we would be hearing from others. I've read nothing here regarding problems installing and using GE 7.3.x or the new 7.4.0. That makes me think there's something going on pretty unique to your setup. What's your Windows 10 UAC setting, security software, router situation?

Did you reinstall GE from the same download or did your delete the GE download, redownload, then run the installer?

In the search field at the lower left of the screen type in "Windows Services" (without the quote marks).

The resulting screen should show very near the top of the screen two entries that should be marked as ON. Mine are

.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and3.0)

.NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services

Make sure both your entries are ON. If you find them OFF enable them, reboot and retest Express.

GE needs Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 or later, so check that 2nd entry (Advanced Services) as well.

I have no issues running GE. I did have to uncheck the "leave it running in the background" though.

I also suspect it's a .net issue so verify what John is asking.

In case Windows Services isn't found this way, I found Windows Services through Control Panel. Open Control Panel, click Program, click Turn Windows Features On and Off.

This brings me to the Windows Services panel John refers to and yes, I see the same results (with the two .NET F boxes checked) as John does.

I don't understand why my search for "Windows Services" without the quotes doesn't find it and instead suggests I go to Services, which is not where you will find Windows Services...unless I'm missing something.

That's Windows Features. It's where you add/remove Windows software components.

That's because there is no such thing as Windows Services. It's called Services. It's where you check software component which is configured to start automatically (as a service).

You got confused with Windows Features and Services (app). 2 different things.

https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=9G1aJHKuFmAr5AcXDyFS87

I did a search for

"garmin express not opening windows 10"
(without quotes)

Yes, but as John from PA and I found, there is a Windows Services window and the two Windows Services at the top of the list are .NET Framework which can be turned on or off. John from PA suggested that if GE not opening is due to .NET Framework not being turned on, to check there and if need be, turn it on.

My post was to say that on my PC, using John's procedure, I was not taken to Windows Services and if others have the same issue, I gave an alternate way to bring up the Windows Services box.

Could you try John's or my method, whichever works on your PC and see what you find?

I do agree that It's where you check software component which is configured to start automatically (as a service) and that's exactly what we are suggested kilianjk (and possibly the OP, sejohnso, although I expect sejohnso's problem from December was already solved) do to see if these two Services are running.

I do fear that kilianjk will see them there and that they're checked already, but it could rule out an obvious potential cause. Then kilianjk's next step should be to follow the Garmin FAQ that jgermann offered and go through each procedure to see if the problem is solved.

I should have said "Windows features" (without the quotes).

Ah, you are right.

I have a fairly new HP laptop running on Win 10 and have no problems running GE v 7.4.0.0

that features are turned on.

And I can't find neither yet.
Maybe reinstallation of Windows for GE update ? --;

First of all get rid of any previous GE download that you are using and then downward a new copy of GE.

Uninstall any existing GE.

Reboot the PC then disable any antivirus package you are using. Windows Defender a few years ago didn't do well with a GE install. To temporarily disable Windows Defender, assuming you are using it do the following. IF you are using something else as an AV, then take appropriate steps to disable the AV temporarily.

At the Windows Start menu type Windows Security.
Press Enter on keyboard.
Click on Virus & threat protection on the left action bar.
Scroll to Virus & threat protection settings and click Manage settings.
Click the toggle button under Real-time protection to turn off Windows Defender Antivirus temporarily.

Now attempt to reinstall GE but right click the installation file and select "Run As Administrator".

Test GE. Either then re-enable your AV or reboot as it should be reenabled automatically.

Jgermann provided a Garmin FAQ earlier in this thread offering a step by step series of things to check when Garmin Express won't open. My suggestion is to follow Garmin's FAQ from most common to least common causes before you do anything else since you haven't stated that you've done any of them. You've already confirmed that you are up to date with .NET Framework and from what we see here, no one else with a currently updated Windows 10 and a variety of antivirus options sees a problem.

I particularly like the thought of Garmin's suggestions 4, 3 and 6 since your problem is an unusual one and none of the help offered by members here that you tried has worked.

Keep us in the loop as many here are interested in learning from your experience.

I followed the entire procedures(uninstall, delete installation program, restart computer, re-downloading, reinstall as a administrator) but nothing changed.
I can see "successfully installed(Ver7.4.0.0)" and press the [launch program] button but no response.
Interestingly, there aren't any error or warning messages during these processes.
I guess Garmin doesn't have ability to understand and solve this abnormal condition. Why do users have to configure complex settings of their computers for installation? The installation program must include functions to adjust computer conditions that make GE can run during installing. Or It must help users to do directly during installation.

The executable should be found at

C:^Program Files (x86)^Garmin^Express^express.exe

Replace every ^ with a backslash

See if you can put that line into the search box (lower left corner) and then hit enter. Select run as administrator. Do you get the screen "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"

This has to be immensely frustrating for you.

Just in case your answers to the below give someone here a thought to suggest you try, here are a few questions:

-Since you're new at the POI Factory, can you tell us if this is a new problem and past versions of Garmin Express have always opened and updated you devices or is this the first time trying to use Garmin Express to check a new device for software and map updates?

-Another useful Garmin software available (especially here where POI files are offered) is POILoader software. Out of curiosity, does POILoader install and run? OK, I don't know what this would prove.

-Is there anything odd about your Windows 10 PC? Things like you have multiple boot options to other OS types, you updated your old Windows XP PC to Windows 10, you've had other installation problems or error messages in the past, your PC hard drive is nearly full, etc.

-This will add to the frustration since they'll want to start at the beginning and repeat all you've already done, but have you emailed or called Garmin Support?

-I really hate to bring this up but years ago, maybe when MS first started using .NET Framework, there were some very odd issues coming up when installing or updating Garmin software and the error messages didn't at all suggest a problem with .NET Framework. The problem was caused by a failed .NET Framework installation or update, but without an error message, and the computer assumed the .NET Framework was there and running as desired, but it wasn't. The fix then sometimes involved uninstalling .NET Framework, then reinstalling it. Here's an ancient decade-old link (and please note that some of the links in the thread below no longer work):

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/31665

-I hate suggesting this even more, especially since you know what you're doing from all we know, but just to be safe, after installing Garmin Express, you are trying to run GE from ther Start menu and not trying to re-run the GE installer, right? I only ask because this has been the problem in the past.

Again, try running the executable directly (see my previous content). But there is also a .NET Framework Repair tool that Microsoft provides that is probably worth running. You can find it at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/microsoft-net-fram....

Many years ago (8,9,10?) I remember a problem with Garmin Express(?) not starting and someone discovered a circumvention: Hold the shift key down while you kick off the program. I worked for me until Garmin fixed the bug. Heck, it's worth trying since nothing else is working.

Phil

a lot of good responses but no feedback from Steve Johnson.

Steve, the original poster here, reported this last December so I'm assuming he solved his issue but never reported success here.

It's a highjacked thread by "kilianjk" who has experienced essentially the same issue. Scroll back to about 03/10.

"Shift Key"-TRY does not work.

especially since you know what you're doing from all we know, but just to be safe, after installing Garmin Express, you are trying to run GE from ther Start menu and not trying to re-run the GE installer, right? I only ask because this has been the problem in the past.

---> of course not...

.net framework repair tool was done and no issue shown and reinstallation again, no change.
as you know, .net framework cannot be reinstalled when there is a upper version one already installed.

Since the new 7.4.1 version is out with no Release Notes, I am hoping that maybe it could solve your issues with 7.4.0, kilianjk.

Repair tool was executed, the result is no problem with .net framework.

The executable should be found at

C:^Program Files (x86)^Garmin^Express^express.exe

Replace every ^ with a backslash

See if you can put that line into the search box (lower left corner) and then hit enter. Select run as administrator. Do you get the screen "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?"

---->I run it at that folder but the result is the same. Windows asks me Run as an Administrator and then I click "yes" and no more response.

I'm wondering if a DLL isn't properly registered? You could use the utility at http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/registered_dll_view.html to explore what files are registered and if need be then manually register the files.

As an alternative, I think I would back up the registry, completely and manually uninstall GE, then remove all entries within the registry referencing GE. Then reinstall from scratch.

By the way I have seen some issues with CCleaner on new PC. If you have it disable it or better yet get rid of it!

I had this happen once. No solution to be found.
in the end i did a search in my registry for Garmin and deleted every single entry. Painstaking long but in the end it installed and worked fine.

I had suggested this and I'd like to add that there is a utility that will scan the registry and prepare a list of all related entries. This is opposed to use the Find/Find Again which can be very time consuming.
You can find the utility at https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/regscanner.html

Just make sure a backup of the registry is made prior to actually doing the deletions.

Having exhausted everything else we can think of, this seems the next step.

Good luck, k.

doesn't works for my case.

Doesn't work for my case.

Doesn't work for my case.
I don't use any anti-virus program except Window Defender. And off status installation makes the same problem.