This Operation Requires an Interactive Window Station

The permissions of the drivers directory located in the System32 folder are typically the cause of the error “This operation requires interactive window station.” Users have reported being unable to install new drivers for their hardware or update existing ones using the Device Manager.

Many users have been troubled by this problem because it can affect anyone using any driver and is not caused by any particular hardware.

This Operation Requires an Interactive Window Station

Some users claim to have run into the error while updating their video card driver, while others claim to have run into it while installing their mouse driver. Additionally, some reports claim that the problem appeared out of nowhere because the drivers were operating correctly before the error. Nevertheless, by reading the solutions offered below, you can quickly resolve this problem.

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What Results in the Windows 10 error “This Operation Requires Interactive Window Station”?

So, when you update or install a driver on your system, this message will show up. The following factors frequently contribute to the error:

  • Inadequate permissions: The error is frequently caused by the permissions of the System32 folder’s Driver and DriverStore directories.
  • Third-party applications: Your system’s third-party applications, primarily the antivirus, may be interfering with the issue.

Now, please confirm that you are utilising an administrator account before implementing the solutions on your system.

You will need administrative rights to take ownership of specific directories in the solutions listed below. To ensure a speedy and easy resolution, we also advise applying the solutions in the same order as listed below. After saying that, let’s move on to the solutions.

Solution 1: Take Control of the Driver and Driver Store Directories.

You must take ownership of these files because the system32 folder’s driver and driver store directories’ permission restrictions are largely to blame for the error. You have two options for doing this: manually editing the Windows Registry or simply running a.reg file. You can use this article from our website to manually perform this action by editing the Windows Registry.

However, you can just download and extract this.reg file if you’re unsure and want an alternative solution. The “Add Take Ownership.reg” file should be run as an administrator after the file has been extracted.

Once you’ve done that, simply go to the C:WindowsSystem32 directory and look for the folders containing the drivers and the driver store. Take Ownership can be chosen by right-clicking. Restart your computer after that, then attempt to install or update the driver once more.

Solution 2: Performing a System Restore.

Any action you took prior to the error’s appearance may have caused it if it suddenly appears to be a mistake. The System Restore feature can be very helpful in such a situation. You can use the System Restore feature to return your system to a time before the error. This usually comes in handy when a user’s specific action has led to an error.

Solution 3: Switch off Your Firewall and Antivirus Software.

The Windows Firewall or the third-party antivirus software you have installed on your computer may in some cases be to blame for the error. In this situation, you must disable your antivirus software and turn off the Windows Firewall to see if the problem is resolved.

Do the following to disable your Windows Firewall:

  1. Access the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
  2. Select Windows Defender Firewall after changing the View by setting to Large Icons.
  3. Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” on the left-hand side.
  4. Verify that both the Public and Private settings have the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” checkbox selected.
  5. Press OK.
  6. Right now, try installing the driver.