Fix: The Installer Failed to Uncompress Archive

When installing a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome, Brave, or Vivaldi, the error “The installer failed to uncompress archive” appears when the setup package cannot properly extract or unpack its contents. This issue typically occurs immediately after launching the installer.

This error is usually caused by a corrupted or incomplete installer file, low disk space on the system drive, or an inaccessible or full TEMP folder.

Since Chromium installers rely on compressed archives and often download additional files during setup, even a minor network interruption or permission conflict can interrupt the extraction process and trigger this message.

Before You Begin

Perform these quick checks before moving on to advanced fixes. Many installation issues can be resolved by simple maintenance steps:

• Re-download the Installer: Damaged or incomplete setup files are one of the most common causes of the “Failed to Uncompress Archive” error. Download a fresh copy from the browser’s official website and retry the installation.
• Check Disk Space: Ensure you have at least 5 GB of free space on your system drive to allow the installer to extract temporary files. For cleanup guidance, see our detailed article: What Are Temporary Files and Is It Safe to Delete Them?
• Run as Administrator: Right-click the installer and select Run as Administrator to avoid extraction failures caused by limited permissions.

1. Download the “Offline” or “Standalone” Installer

Using an offline or standalone installer often resolves this problem because it includes all required setup files in a single package. This eliminates issues caused by unstable internet connections, blocked downloads, or permission conflicts during installation. It’s especially helpful for systems with slow connections or aggressive security software that interferes with live installations.

Direct offline installer links for common browsers:

• Google Chrome: Download Chrome Offline Installer
• Microsoft Edge: Download Edge Offline Installer
• Brave Browser: Download Brave Offline Installer

2. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus and Whitelist the Installer

Your antivirus or Windows Defender may block the installer from extracting its temporary files, mistaking them for potentially unsafe content. This interference can lead to the “Failed to Uncompress Archive” error even when the installer is legitimate.

Temporarily disabling real-time protection allows the setup to unpack its files without interruption. Once the installation completes, make sure to re-enable protection to keep your system secure.

1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Manage Settings.
3. Temporarily disable Real-time Protection.
4. Run the installer again.
5. After installation completes, re-enable Real-time Protection.
6. Additionally, open Windows Security → Allow an app through Controlled Folder Access and add your installer to the whitelist.

Note: These steps apply to Windows Defender. If you use a third-party antivirus (such as Avast, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender), open its settings to temporarily disable real-time protection or whitelist the installer before proceeding.

3. Install the Browser in Windows Safe Mode with Networking

Installing the browser in Safe Mode with Networking ensures that unnecessary background processes, antivirus tools, and third-party software do not interfere with the setup. This mode loads only essential Windows components and network drivers, giving the installer a clean environment to extract files without conflicts.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Boot tab → check Safe boot → select Network → click Apply → restart your PC.
3. Once in Safe Mode, run the browser installer again.
4. After installation, open msconfig again and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal startup. (Important)