How to fix Error 1315 on Windows 11

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Why This Error Happens

Error 1315 typically occurs during software installation or uninstallation when the Windows Installer service cannot properly resolve a user account name, often due to a malformed or corrupted user profile (SID) reference in the registry. This can happen if the account name contains invalid characters, if the installation is being run under a domain account that is not properly synced with local machine permissions, or if the installer package itself references a hardcoded username incompatible with the current system configuration. Corrupted user profile registry entries in HKEYLOCALMACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList are a common underlying cause.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Step 1: Verify and Correct the Windows Username

  • Ensure your Windows username does not contain special characters (such as @, #, %, or extended Unicode characters).
  • Navigate to Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage Accounts to check the current account name format.
  • If the username is problematic, create a new local administrator account with a simple alphanumeric name via Settings > Accounts > Other Users.

Step 2: Run the Installer as Administrator with Elevated Command Prompt

  • Right-click the installer .exe or .msi file and select Run as administrator.
  • Alternatively, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the installer manually:
  msiexec /i "C:\Path\To\Installer.msi"
  • This bypasses permission-related account resolution issues tied to the currently logged-in user context.

Step 3: Repair the Windows Installer Service

  • Open Command Prompt (Admin) and re-register the Windows Installer service:
  msiexec /unregister
  msiexec /regserver
  • Restart your Windows 11 machine after running these commands.

Step 4: Check and Repair Corrupted User Profile Registry Keys

  • Open Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
  • Look for duplicate or malformed SID entries (folders ending in .bak or with unusual characters) and back up the registry before deleting any suspicious keys.
  • Reboot the system and attempt the installation again.

Step 5: Use a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft/Domain Account

  • If you are signed in with a Microsoft account or domain account, switch to a local administrator account temporarily.
  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a local account instead, then retry the installation.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • After completing the steps, re-run the installer/uninstaller and confirm it completes without triggering Error 1315.
  • If the issue persists, use the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter tool (available from Microsoft Support) to automatically detect and fix broken installer references.