setup.exe file

An installed program does not necessarily retain its original setup.exe; search the PC for it, and if it is absent, download a new installer from the program’s official publisher or reinstall it through Microsoft Store.

Search for the original installer

1. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Select This PC in the left pane.
3. In the search box at the upper-right, enter:

      setup.exe
   

4. Wait for the whole-PC search to finish. Windows documents This PC search as the deeper option for searching all drives.^1^
5. Check likely locations first:
   • Downloads
   • Desktop
   • The folder where installation media was copied
   • A USB drive or disc used to install the program
6. For a result, right-click it and select Open file location.^2^

There may be several unrelated files named setup.exe. Check the file’s folder and Properties → Digital Signatures before opening it. Do not run an unknown setup.exe merely because its name matches.

If the installer is not found

That usually means the downloaded installer was deleted after installation, or the program was installed from Microsoft Store, a disc, or another installation package.

• Program downloaded from a website: Visit the software publisher’s official site and obtain its current installer.
• Program installed from a disc or USB drive: Reconnect that media and look in its top-level folder for Setup.exe or Install.exe.^3^
• Microsoft Store app on Windows 10: Open Microsoft Store → More (…) → My Library, select the app, and choose Download/Install.^4^
• Other desktop program: Reinstall it from the publisher’s site or installation media you own; this is Microsoft’s recommended reacquisition path.^4^

Avoid downloading installers from unofficial “EXE download” sites.

If the goal is to repair or remove the installed program

You may not need setup.exe:

1. Press Windows key, type Control Panel, and open it.
2. Select Programs → Programs and Features.
3. Select the program.
4. Choose Change, Repair, or Uninstall, depending on what the program provides.^5^

References

1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/storage-filemanagement/find-your-files-and-apps-in-windows)
2. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/find-lost-files-after-upgrading-windows#look-for-the-files-using-search)
3. How to install programs from a disc | Microsoft Support
4. Set up your Surface after service | Microsoft Support
5. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/accessibility/windows/use-a-screen-reader-to-explore-and-navigate-windows-app-support-tools)