Installation issues

If the installer finishes, but OpenKneeboard does not start

If OpenKneeboard tells you why it won’t start, follow the instructions in the message.

Otherwise:

• make sure you are running a version of Windows that OpenKneeboard supports
• you probably want the documentation for crashes and freezes

If the installer finishes, OpenKneeboard starts, but doesn’t work in some other way

This page isn’t for you; check for documentation related to your issue in:

• the FAQ
• the game compatiblity notes
• the hardware compatiblity notes
• the other troubleshooting guides
• the feature documentation

If you can’t install OpenKneeboard

These steps are only for if you are unable to open the installer, or if you get an error while installing.

OpenKneeboard uses the Windows Installer service for installation.

• make sure you have downloaded the msi (“Microsoft Installer”) file - this is the only file you need
• make sure you are running a version of Windows that OpenKneeboard supports
• make sure the “Windows Installer” service is running

If you’re having trouble using the MSI on a supported version of Windows with the service running, you need to repair the Windows Installer component of Windows:

• Try the Windows Installer Troubleshooter
• Try Microsoft’s documentation for these issues
• DISM and sfc
• Unfortunately, if these don’t resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall Windows; these problems are a problem with a Windows component, not OpenKneeboard. If you are using a ‘debloated’/’minimized’/’optimized’/’streamlined’ modified version of Windows, make sure that it does not exclude the Windows Installer component, and keep in mind that only standard consumer editions of Windows are supported/tested.

Unsupported alternative

You can use tools like 7-zip to extract the MSI.

• No help/support is available if you do this
• Check for and remove any old versions in add/remove programs first
• Check for and remove any old versions in my OpenXR API Layers tool first
• You will need to turn on OpenXR support in Settings -> VR
• You are likely to encounter issues with some applications/games from the Microsoft Store, including:
  • OpenXR Tools for Windows Mixed Reality
  • some editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)