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Have to reinstall Express every time I connect my device

Former Member
Former Member
Please can anyone tell me why I have to install Garmin Express EVERY time I try to sync my device. I have recently bought a Forerunner 10 and downloaded Garmin Express by saving, running it and then adding my device. If I go into Garmin Express it shows my device. For some reason when I go into Garmin Connect and attach my device it says I need to install Garmin Express. When I go through reinstalling it again at the final stage it says it is already installed. It then syncs my Forerunner and adds my run to my activities. The next time I go for a run and try to sync again I have to start the whole process again. Does anyone know how to stop this happening. I want to be able to go into Garmin Connect, attach my device via the USB and it upload automatically as their tutorial says it should! Any help appreciated.
  • I'd think the Garmin Express sub-forum the best place to ask question about Garmin Express. Garmin reps actually answer questions about express there. They don't necessarily monitor and answer questions in the rest of the forums.

    You should not have to re-install every time. However Garmin Express does seem to be updated frequently. So maybe if your uploads are very infrequent, then you may be getting caught by the update. ..... though I doubt you actually getting caught by this.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    Thanks for your reply. I'm new to this forum and just finding my way around :confused: so your advice is really helpful.
    I've posted in the page you suggested so will hopefully get even more help. I've had to reinstall it 3 times this week so I don't think it would be updates affecting it.
    I'm afraid I can't find how to delete the original post from this forum page so it will appear in both. :o
  • What would happen if you have Express already open on your desktop and then connect your Forerunner?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    Tried that, checked my device is showing and it still then takes me to a page saying "To upload your activities, you'll need to download one of our apps." and has the facility there to download for a pc. Also tried with Express closed at the beginning.
    If I press the sync tab on the left (2 arrows) then I get this screen, even though there is information to sync.

    Device Sync How to sync

    Transfer information to and from your device, including activities and software updates, with Garmin Express or Garmin Connect Mobile.

    Nothing to sync right now.

    When I then click the link to Garmin Express (to try to do a manual upload) I have to reinstall it again.
  • I was thinking: What if I were Garmin Tech Support, what would I say? Have you tried uninstalling Express completely and then installing it again?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    Yeah, I have tried that once but maybe I'll give it another go and see if it rectifies it as I can't find anyone else who has the same problem on here........maybe it's me being an idiot!!! I always was a technophobe ;)
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    I have the same issue with my forerunner 15
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 10 years ago
    I've managed to sort it now. I deleted my device, uninstalled Garmin Express and started from scratch. It now seems to be working great, I just make sure I open Garmin Express and select my Forerunner before I connect it. After a minute or so it then syncs and when I open Garmin Connect it appears there. I think I got confused because I didn't realise I needed to open my device on Garmin Express in order to sync it. I hope this helps you.
  • I've managed to sort it now. I deleted my device, uninstalled Garmin Express and started from scratch. It now seems to be working great, I just make sure I open Garmin Express and select my Forerunner before I connect it. After a minute or so it then syncs and when I open Garmin Connect it appears there. I think I got confused because I didn't realise I needed to open my device on Garmin Express in order to sync it. I hope this helps you.


    Initially, I would open my device in Express in order to sync. Eventually, it was so solid that I started trying to connect the device without Express showing on my desktop and the device selected. 9 times out of 10 now, it has not been necessary. The odd time when it does not sync that way, I open the device in Express and go from there. Once you have the confidence that it's stable, I suggest you try it. It's a lot more efficient that way. Of course, I leave Express running in the background at all times.