Fix: Error Code 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11

First, restart Windows File Explorer

Windows 11 » How To

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by Srishti Sisodia 

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Key notes

  • The error codes 2502 and 2503 on Windows 11 could occur due to missing Windows installer file, or lack for permissions to the temp Folder.
  • To fix it, you need to re-register the Windows installer, grant full access to the temp folder or run an SFC scan.
  • Keep reading to know the detailed steps for each method! 
Error Code 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11

Many users have reported facing error codes 2502 and 2503 on Windows 11 while installing or uninstalling programs like Epic Games Launcher. If you have encountered the same error, this guide can help!

We will discuss the expert-recommended solutions right after explaining the error message and causes of the same.

What are error codes 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11?

Error codes 2502 & 2503 indicate that the administrator user doesn’t have full write access to the Temp or Windows Installer directory.

However, the error is not limited to permissions; it could occur due to malware infection, corrupted Windows Installer, incorrect registry, damaged setup file, or third-party programs conflict.

How do I fix error codes 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11?

Before proceeding with any steps to fix the issue, go through the following preliminary checks:

  • Restart your computer.
  • Run a deep scan using a reliable antivirus tool.
  • Ensure no Windows updates are pending.
  • Press Shift + Ctrl+ Esc to open Task Manager, right-click Windows Explorer, and select Restart.
  • Right-click the program’s installer file and choose Run as administrator.

1. Run Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

  1. Visit this Microsoft support website and click Download troubleshooter.
  2. Double-click the setup file to run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter.
  3. Click Advanced.installuninstall step 1 - error code 2503 windows 11
  4. Next, select Apply repairs automatically, and click Next.installuninstall step 2
  5. Select Uninstalling or Installing.installuninstall step 3
  6. Choose the program that is causing the issue and click Next.installuninstall step 4
  7. Next, select an option to proceed.installuninstall step 5
  8. If the fix available is appropriate for you, click Apply this fix. Once done, restart your PC to confirm the changes.installuninstall step 6

If not, then click Skip this fix, close the window, and proceed to next method.

2. Gain complete control of the Temp and Installer folder

First, let us make the system files visible.

  1. Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer.
  2. Go to This PC, and go to the system drive(one which has Windows installed)
  3. Click on the three dots and Options.OPtions - to open FOlder options - error code 2503 windows 11
  4. Go to the View tab, locate Hide protected operating system files (Recommended), and remove the checkmark next to it.
  5. You will be prompted with a warning message; click Yes on it.Click yes
  6. Next, place a checkmark next to Show hidden files, folders, and drivers.
  7. Click Apply and OK.

Now, follow these steps to take ownership of the folders:

  1. In the system drive folder, navigate to the Installer folder.
  2. Right-click the file and select Properties.
  3. Switch to the Security tab and click Advanced. In case you get a user credentials prompt, enter the details and click OK.Security tab, and click Advanced - Error Code 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11
  4. Locate Owner, and click Change.cate Owner, and click Change
  5. For Enter the object name to select field, type Everyone, click Check Names, then OK.ype Everyone, click Check Names- Error Code 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11
  6. On the Advanced Security Settings for Installer window, click Add.Click Add
  7. Next, click Select a principal on the Permission Entry for Installer page.Permission Entry for Installer page, click Select a principal
  8. Type Everyone in Enter the object name to select field, click Check Names, then OK.Type Everyone
  9. Click the check box next to Full Control, then click OK.Full Control, then click OK.
  10. Click Apply, and OK to save the changes.

Now locate the Temp folder and follow these 10 steps to grant full access to this folder as well.

This troubleshooter can fix all the unexpected errors related to installation, including Error 1603.

3. Restart your computer in a clean boot

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.cleanboot1 - System Configuration - Error Code 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11
  2. Type msconfig and click OK to open the System Configuration.
  3. Go to the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.Clean boot Disable all
  4. Switch to the Startup tab and click the Open Task Manager link.Open task Manager Clean boot
  5. Now go to each Enabled item, select them individually, and click Disable.Disable Third party startup apps
  6. Close Task Manager, click Apply, then OK on the System Configuration window.CLEAN BOOT 5 Apply, then OK on the System Configuration window.
  7. Click Restart.

Your computer will restart with limited functionality and no third-party software interference; try to run the setup file to install the program.

Once done, reverse engineer the steps mentioned to regain the full functionality on your computer.

4. Restart the Windows Installer service

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.SERVICES - Error Code 2502 & 2503 on Windows 11
  2. Type services.msc and click OK to open the Services window.
  3. Right-click Windows Installer service and click Restart.Windows Installer Restart

5. Re-register the Windows Installer

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type in the following command to unregister the Windows installer service and click OK: msiexec /unregWindows Installer - msiexec /regserver
  3. Open the Run window again, type this command to re-register the Windows installer service, and click OK: msiexec /regserverRe-register the Windows Installer - msiexec /unreg

6. Run SFC & DISM scans

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated - error code 2503 windows 11
  2. To run the system file checker scan, type the following command to replace the corrupted files from the cache copy and press Enter: sfc /scannowSFCSCANNOW CMD - Error Code 2503 on Windows 11
  3. Copy & paste the following commands one by one to restore your Windows OS image from the Windows Component Store and hit Enter after every command:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth      cmd_IDISM scan health and restore health
  4. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

Repairing the corrupted system files can help you prevent issues like Microsoft Office error code 30204-44.

If you are facing the same issue, even after following all the steps, download the program installer from a reliable website and try again.

However, if nothing worked for you, try reinstalling Windows to repair all the corrupted files and fix the issue.

Windows Keyboard Layout Creator Error Code 2502 & 2503

To fix the Keyboard layout creator error codes 2502 & 2503, temporarily disable antivirus software, ensure system drivers are updated, and then follow the steps in Method 2 mentioned above.

Remember always to use an administrator account when performing installation or uninstallation processes.

If you are facing other issues related to Epic Games Launcher, such as Install Failed Error Code: II-E1003, read this post.

Did we miss a step that helped you? Don’t hesitate to mention it in the comment section below. We will happily add it to the list.

More about the topics: Windows 11

Srishti Sisodia

Srishti Sisodia Shield

Windows Software Expert

Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs. Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That's why she's part of Windows Report's Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She's also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.

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