Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Cannot install VLC on Windows 8, I'm getting the error: A referral was returned from the server

VLC installation error on Windows 8

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling VLC or using a different download link.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. ⚠️ Common Causes
  2. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The error 'A referral was returned from the server' occurs when the VLC installer is unable to communicate with the VLC download server, preventing it from installing the application. This issue affects users of Windows 8 who are trying to install VLC for the first time.

This problem can be frustrating as it prevents you from accessing a widely used media player. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this issue and get VLC installed on your system.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason for this error is a misconfigured or outdated Windows update, which may have caused issues with the VLC installer's ability to communicate with the download server.
  • Another possible cause could be a corrupted or incomplete installation of the Windows updates, which might prevent the VLC installer from functioning properly.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Manually updating Windows and reinstalling VLC

  1. Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Windows 8 system.
  2. Step 2: Click on 'Update & Security' and then select 'Windows Update'.
  3. Step 3: Check for any available updates and install them. This will ensure that your system is up-to-date and should resolve any issues with the VLC installer's ability to communicate with the download server.
  4. Step 4: After updating Windows, go back to the VLC installer and try installing it again. If you still encounter the error, proceed to the next method.

Resetting Windows Update components

  1. Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click on the Start button and select 'Command Prompt (Admin)').
  2. Step 2: Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: `net stop wuauserv` `net start wuauserv` `sfc /scannow`.
  3. Step 3: This will reset the Windows Update components and may resolve any issues that were preventing VLC from installing properly.

🎯 Final Words

If you have followed these steps and still encounter the error, it is possible that there is a more serious issue with your system. In this case, you may want to consider performing a clean installation of Windows 8 or seeking further assistance from a qualified IT professional.

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