SSMS 18 installation fails with "The current operating system is not supported"

Better Parts 21 Reputation points
2022-05-06T16:29:54.057+00:00

Attempting to install SSMS on Windows 10 Pro computer. The installation fails with the message "The current operating system is not supported. This application requires at least Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 to run." I found a similar post here -
https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/sqlserver/en-US/0985acc7-88df-4220-9ff4-e333e3458639/cant-install-ssms-on-win10-64bit-pro-1607-jan-version

In the log from the failed installation, the first line is -
[1944:1F2C][2022-05-06T09:44:01]i001: Burn v3.8.1128.0, Windows v5.1 (Build 2600: Service Pack 3), path: C:\Users\System User\Downloads\SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe, cmdline: '-burn.unelevated BurnPipe.{58C95D31-0675-4E89-A80C-1BD46DE2FCC8} {934F596D-2D50-4183-9DCD-D74FB27DF719} 7616'
So the installer apparently thinks that I'm running Windows XP instead of Windows 10. Running winver.exe verifies that I have Windows 10 Version 21H2 (OS Build 19044.1645).

The previous post that I referenced doesn't seem to include an actual solution, just the information that someone was able to solve the problem by logging on remotely to the computer with the issue. Any ideas on what might be causing this or how to fix it?

SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
12,793 questions
Windows 10 Compatibility
Windows 10 Compatibility
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Compatibility: The extent to which hardware or software adheres to an accepted standard.
457 questions
Accepted answer
  1. Michael Taylor 48,821 Reputation points
    2022-05-06T17:58:02.973+00:00

    Right click the binary and go to Properties. Ensure there is no Unblock option. If there is then check it and apply and try again.

    On the Compatibility tab ensure you have not enabled any compatibility options.

    Ensure that you are running the latest installer (18.11.1) from here.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Better Parts 21 Reputation points
    2022-05-09T13:55:50.177+00:00

    Thanks, cooldadtx. The compatibility turned out to be the issue, it was set for WinXP. Turned that off and everything installed fine.

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  2. ViraJ 1 Reputation point
    2022-09-22T12:59:26.903+00:00

    I will always be grateful to you cooldadtx :) . If only I had seen this comment and site earlier

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