Help with Installing Driver Updater

[Marg]

Good morning. I have purchased and downloaded Driver Updater, but when I try to install it this message appears. Any suggestions? I have Windows 11

[bjm]

@Marg

I have purchased and downloaded Driver Updater, but when I try to install it this message appears. Any suggestions? I have Windows 11

Hello @Marg
Welcome to the Norton Community!

Error 45056 during a driver updater installation typically indicates a compatibility block or a corrupted installation file on Windows 11. This most frequently happens if you are using an ARM-based computer (like an ASUS Vivobook or Microsoft Surface with a Snapdragon processor), which these third-party utilities do not fully support.

The error window explicitly shows a “This operating system is not supported” notification alongside Error code: 45056 inside the installation log path (...\Norton\Icarus\Logs\sfx.log).

This specific combination indicates that the Norton Driver Updater installer is blocking the installation because it detects an incompatible Windows architecture—most commonly a Snapdragon (ARM-based) processor running Windows 11. Software modules built entirely for standard Intel or AMD (x64) hardware architectures often fail to deploy on ARM machines.

To bypass or resolve this block, use these solutions:

1. Check for Pending Windows Architecture Updates
   If you are on an Intel or AMD processor and getting this error erroneously, Windows might be missing necessary emulation layers or core framework components.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates and install all critical updates.
• Restart your PC and try running the installer again.

2. Verify Your System Architecture
   To confirm if your device is an ARM device (which Norton Driver Updater cannot fully support):

• Open Settings > System > About.
• Look under Device specifications for the System type.
• If it says ARM-based processor, this tool cannot be installed on your computer.

3. Clear Installation Remnants
   If you previously had another variant of Norton or an Avast/AVG-based driver engine (which uses the same “Icarus” installation framework), residual cache folders can trigger a false block:

4. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run box.

5. Type C:\ProgramData\ and press Enter.

6. Locate the Norton folder, open it, and see if there is an Icarus folder.

7. Delete the contents inside Norton\Icarus\Logs.

8. Re-download a clean setup file from the official Norton Dashboard

9. Switch to Native Windows 11 Driver Updates
   If your system architecture prevents the app from running, do not force the installation. Third-party updaters can risk system stability. Instead, handle driver management entirely through native Microsoft channels:

• Windows Update: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates. Microsoft aggregates all verified driver signatures specifically configured for your device’s exact architecture here.

Check your system type under Settings > System > About

According to Norton Driver Updater - System requirements, the software has clear restrictions regarding hardware compatibility:

• Windows-on-ARM Incompatibility: The tool does not support Windows-on-ARM hardware. It is strictly designed for standard x86 and x64 processor architectures (Intel and AMD).
• S Mode Restrictions: Norton documentation also indicates that the software cannot run on Windows PCs in S Mode.

Because the error message explicitly states “This operating system is not supported”, your Windows 11 device is likely powered by an ARM-based chip (such as a Snapdragon processor) or is operating in S Mode.

Official Solution and Refund Policy
Since this is a hard hardware limitation, the installer will continue to block execution. Norton recommends requesting a refund if you purchased a standalone subscription for a device that does not meet the system requirements:

1. Request a Refund: If you purchased this within the last 60 days, you are fully covered under Norton’s 60-day money-back guarantee. You can sign in to your account and submit a request via the Norton Support Refund Page.
2. Alternative Native Updates: To safely manage your drivers without third-party software, follow standard Microsoft practices by going to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates. Microsoft delivers verified, architecture-specific drivers natively to ARM devices through this channel.

AI curated content may include mistakes

[bjm]

@Marg

I have purchased and downloaded Driver Updater, but when I try to install it this message appears. Any suggestions? I have Windows 11

Norton Driver Updater is available only on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, or 7 (both the 32 and 64-bit versions, excluding Windows on Arm, in S mode, Mixed Reality, Mobile, IoT, Starter, and RT editions).
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v20230418101858959

The error you are seeing (“This operating system is not supported. Error code: 45056”) usually happens during the installation of products built on the Icarus installer engine (like Norton and Avast Driver Updaters) when there is a mismatch between the software and the processor architecture, or when compatibility settings trick the installer.

Even though you are running Windows 11, here is why this happens and how to fix it:

1. Check if you are using an ARM-based processor
   Norton Driver Updater explicitly does not support Windows on Arm or Windows in S Mode. If you are using a device like a Microsoft Surface Pro (ARM), a Lenovo Yoga Slim (Snapdragon), or running Windows 11 via Parallels on an Apple Silicon Mac, the installer will trigger this exact error.

• To check: Click Start > Settings > System > About. Look under System type. If it mentions ARM64, this software cannot be installed on your device.

2. Disable Compatibility Mode on the Setup File
   If your computer has a regular Intel or AMD processor, the installer file itself might be mistakenly trying to run in compatibility mode for an older operating system (like Windows XP or 7), which causes the Windows 11 setup to fail.

3. Right-click the Norton Driver Updater installation file you downloaded (usually an .exe file in your Downloads folder).

4. Click Properties.

5. Go to the Compatibility tab.

6. Uncheck the box that says “Run this program in compatibility mode for:”.

7. Check the box at the bottom for “Run this program as an administrator”.

8. Click Apply and then OK. Try running the setup file again.

9. Clear Out Leftover Installer Data
   Sometimes a previous corrupted or interrupted installation attempt leaves residual files behind that block a fresh installation.

10. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run window.

11. Type %programdata% and hit Enter.

12. In the folder that opens, look for a folder named Norton (or Avast if you have had their software previously).

13. Navigate inside to see if there is an Icarus folder. Delete the Icarus folder completely.

14. Press Windows Key + R again, type %temp%, and hit Enter. Delete everything inside that folder.

15. Restart your computer and try launching the installer again.

What System type (ARM64 or x64) you see in your device settings?
Are you on a standard Intel or AMD processor?
What other security software?

AI curated content may include mistakes

[Marg]

Thank you everyone for your input. I have a Snapdragon ARM-based processor and will request a refund.

[bjm]

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[bjm]

Hello @Marg
Care to share your progress