Solution
Root Cause:
The main reason for this delay on Windows 11 is that LabVIEW installers use the WinMIF format, which extracts a large number of files from CAB archives during installation. Each extracted file is scanned by Windows Defender real-time protection and Smart App Control (SAC), causing significant delays.
In Windows 11 24H2, additional checks such as Software Restriction Policy and Smart App Control validation occur during MSI/CAB extraction, leading to long installation times. This behavior is not unique to LabVIEW; similar delays have been observed with other MSI-based installers.
Recommended Solutions:
- Consider migrating to package-based installers:
The industry is moving away from WinMIF/CAB-based installers toward package-based formats like MSI or MSIX.
LabVIEW’s package-based installer uses NI Package Manager (NIPM) format, which provides a package management system similar to MSIX/MSI, supporting dependency and version control. - Disable Smart App Control (specific to Windows 11):
Note: Once turned off, Smart App Control cannot be re-enabled without a clean install or PC reset. - Temporarily turn off Windows Defender real-time protection during installation.
- Add the installer to antivirus exclusion lists (including third-party AV like ESET).
- Pre-install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages (both x86 and x64).