Fix: Error 1603 or 0x00000643 Microsoft Edge Installation or Update

Wondering how to fix the 1603 or 0x00000643 Microsoft Edge Installation or Update error on your PC?

 

 

Microsoft’s history with web browsers isn’t exciting, to say the least. With the launch of Microsoft Edge in 2020, Microsoft tried really hard to outdo itself, and well, we wouldn’t mind saying that it managed to achieve its goal this time. 

The new Microsoft Edge comes with a handful of useful features, and most importantly, it is a long way from the Internet Explorer. In terms of looks, it feels unique, and the performance is far better than expected.

Moreover, it supports a wide range of extensions available for Google’s browsers. With that being said, it is safe to assume that Microsoft Edge is a useful Chrome alternative. 

Unfortunately, several users have reported that they are facing the 1603 or 0x00000643 error while installing the Microsoft Edge on their PC. If you cannot install Microsoft Edge on your PC and your screen is displaying the 1603 or 0x00000643 error, you are in the right place. 

This guide will walk you through the process of fixing the 1603 or 0x00000643 error on your PC. 

Let’s get started. 

• 1. Run the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter. 
• 2. Uninstall Apps Previous Version. 
• 3. Use the Registry Editor.
• 4. Re-register Windows Installer Service.
• 5. Try Using CleanMyPC. 
• 6. Grant Full Control Permissions to the SYSTEM Account. 

 

1. Run the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

If you face the error 1603 or error 0x00000643 on your device, the first thing you should do is run the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter. It will automatically repair the issues that are preventing you from downloading or removing programs. 

Here is what you need to do:

1. Download the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter from the Microsoft Support page. 

 

2. Once the program is downloaded, launch it and select Installing from the troubleshoot options available on your screen. 
3. Now, select Microsoft Edge from the list of programs in the troubleshooter window. 
4. Click on Next to start the troubleshooting process. If the troubleshooter detects any corruption errors, it will recommend fixes. In this case, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation. 
5. Finally, reinstall the browser and see if the error is resolved.

Hopefully, the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter will fix the error. You should now be able to use Chrome without any issues. If the troubleshooter couldn’t identify the problem, follow the next troubleshooting methods. 

 

 

2. Uninstall Apps Previous Version. 

If you face the 1603 error while trying to install a Windows Installer package, it is likely because the Windows Installer is attempting to install an app that you already have on your PC. In this scenario, uninstalling the previous version of the app will resolve the issue. 

Here is what you need to do:

1. Check if the app that the Windows Installer is attempting to download is already installed on your PC. 
2. If it is, go to Settings and click on Apps and Features. 
3. Inside the Apps and Features window, locate the app and Uninstall it. 

 

4. Once done, try reinstalling the app and check if doing so resolved the error. 

If a previous version of the app was conflicting with the newer installation, removing the previous version will resolve it. 

 

 

3. Use the Registry Editor. 

If you face errors while using Windows now and then, you’re probably very well-aware of the Windows Registry Editor by now. The Registry Editor stores low-level settings for both operating systems and certain programs. 

If you cannot download or install Microsoft Edge, it might be because the installation program is running from another browser. 

Here is how you can fix the issue:

1. Open the Downloads folder on your PC and run MicrosoftEdgeSetup.exe in this folder. 
2. If you fail to find the installation program on your PC, press Windows + R keys simultaneously to open a Run dialogue box. 
3. Type ‘regedit’ in the dialogue box and hit Enter. 

 

4. Doing so will open the Registry Editor. Now navigate to the location mentioned below and delete it. 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\Clients\{F3C4FE00-EFD5-403B-9569-398A20F1BA4A}

 

5. Finally, download and reinstall Microsoft Edge Insider Build. 

That’s it. You should now be able to download and install programs via Microsoft Edge without any issues. 

 

 

4. Re-register Windows Installer Service.

If Method 3 has not worked for you, try re-registering ‘Windows Installer Service’ to fix the registry issues. Re-registering ‘Windows Installer Service’ will revert the installer back to its initial state, thus resolving the error in the process. 

Here is how you can re-register Windows Installer Service on your PC:

1. Type cmd in the search bar and click on Run as administrator. Doing so will launch Command Prompt with administrative rights. 
2. Inside the Command Prompt window, type the commands mentioned below one by one and hit Enter to execute them. 

%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /unregister

%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /regserver

%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /unregister

%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /regserver

 

3. Once the commands are executed successfully, try reinstalling the required file and check if the error is resolved. 

Re-registering the Windows Installer Service will help you get rid of the bugs and errors preventing your installing files. If your screen displays the message again, see the next method below. 

 

 

5. Try Using CleanMyPC.

It is common for corruption errors, viruses, and malware to prevent users from installing apps and programs on their devices. If you are unable to install Microsoft Edge on your PC, we encourage you to eliminate all the unwanted files from your system. 

 

 

Since getting rid of all wanted files is a daunting task, try using CleanMyPC. This easy-to-use and effective cleaning tool will take care of everything from removing junk files to increasing the speed of your PC and protecting your system from scammers. 

Download CleanMyPC now and give your PC a much-needed performance boost. 

 

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6. Grant Full Control Permissions to the SYSTEM Account. 

Another possible reason behind the 1603 or 0x00000643 error is that the SYSTEM account on your PC does not have Full Control permissions of the folder where you want to install the Windows Installer package. 

You can resolve this issue by granting Full Control permissions to the relevant folder. 

Here is what you need to do:

1. Open File Explorer and right-click on the relevant folder. 
2. Select Properties and go to the Security tab. 
3. Locate the SYSTEM account inside the Group and user names box. If the SYSTEM account is not available, click on the Edit button. If you can see the SYSTEM account, jump to step 7 directly. 

 

4. Select Yes in the User Account Control (UAC) window.
5. Next, click on Add and in the Enter the object names to select field, type SYSTEM.
6. Now click on Check names and select OK. 
7. Once you have added the SYSTEM account, now is the time to change permissions. For that, click on Edit.
8. Select SYSTEM account, and under the Permissions for SYSTEM box, checkmark the Full Control option. 

 

9. Once done, close the window and return to the Properties window. 
10. Click on Advanced and select Change permissions.
11. Now click on the SYSTEM user account and select Edit. 
12. Finally, click Applies to option and select This folder, subfolder, and files. 

 

13. Click OK to save changes and see if doing so resolved the error. 

Hopefully, doing so will resolve the 1603 or 0x00000643 error once and for all. 

This wraps up our guide on repairing the Microsoft Edge error 1603 or 0x00000643 on your PC. We tried to walk you through the steps in detail and hope that our troubleshooting steps helped fix the issue. If you have questions regarding the troubleshooting methods, please let us know in the comment section below.  

 

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