The Wacom tablets are helpful drawing tools that allow you to connect them to your PC or Mac and use them as a second display. The included stylus gives you as close to a genuine paper and pen experience as digital can get you. The Wacom tablets are designed to be used on various operating systems from Windows to macOS to Linux. Despite this, installation can run into some problems.

If you have ever seen “Wacom tablet can’t be installed on this disk,” you know what that means. Fortunately, there are ways to address this error message that will have you using your tablet in no time. Keep reading for quick and easy fixes to this issue.

3 Fixes for Wacom Tablet Can’t Be Installed on This Disk

You’ve just shelled out hard-earned money for your Wacom tablet in the hopes that it will hook up to your computer or laptop as a second monitor. You’re also looking forward to using the user-friendly stylus to illustrate or edit rather than a mouse and keyboard, but it won’t install correctly. Before you call it a loss, try one of the following fixes to address the problem.

1. Upgrade Your Operating System

On occasion, you will see a more detailed error message pop up when attempting to install the Wacom tablet. The error message may even offer a solution to the problem with the installation, like upgrading your operating system to the latest version that would work with the device.

Even if you don’t see this specific message, you should still try updating your operating system to see if that solves the issue with the installation. Before you attempt to update your operating system, check that your hardware meets the requirements for the upgrade and backup your Mac or PC. Then you can proceed with the download and installation. Once completed, restart your device and attempt to install the Wacom tablet again.

2. Remove Any Previous Wacom Drivers

This solution may not apply to all users, but if you’ve ever used a different Wacom tablet with your computer, perhaps an older model, it could be affecting your current installation. There is no need to fret; locate your “Device Manager” in your “Control Panel.” Find the Wacom tablet under “Human Interface Devices.” Right-click on the tablet and select “Uninstall’ in the pop-up menu.

Uninstalling any previous Wacom tablet drivers may look different on a MacOS or Linux. You’ll want to open a new “Finder” window for macOS and then select Go>Library. You’ll have to go through several folders to ensure all files related to the Wacom tablet driver are removed: Application Support, Caches, LaunchAgents, Launch Daemons, Preferences, and System Preferences.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot on your system will isolate any application or service that is causing interference with the installation of your Wacom tablet driver. The clean boot will only load essential files and programs, dumping any unnecessary applications and services.

 In Windows, you will need to go to “System Configuration.” A window will appear, and you will click on the “Services” tab and check the box entitled “Hide All Microsoft Services,” then select “Disable All.”

Then you will go to the “Startup” tab and click on the hyperlink for “Task Manager.” A new window will open, and you will right-click on the first entry and select “Disable.” You will do this for each entry on the list before returning to “System Configuration” and selecting “Apply.” Restart your computer and attempt to install the Wacom tablet.

The process for clean booting your system is more simplistic for MacOS users. All you have to do as the computer is starting is press Option, Command, P, and R simultaneously. Do this as soon as you turn on your computer and hold the keys until you hear the boot sound.

Check if Your Wacom Tablet is Compatible With Your Computer

This request is not so much a fix as it is a harsh reality. There may be no way around the compatibility issue between your Wacom tablet and your computer or laptop. If you have an older version of your system, it may be unsupported for newer tablets.

For example, OS X 10.6.8 is no longer supported with newer Wacom tablets. Some macOS users have attempted to update but could not do so because of a lack of a processor like Core 2 Duo.

You can opt for an older model of a Wacom tablet, you can try another device, or you can purchase a new computer. Unfortunately, there is no way to update the processor. Anything before Windows 7, like Windows Vista, is not supported either. You will have to purchase a new operating system to upgrade to a supported version of Windows. If you want a design tool that doesn’t require a whole new computer check out websites like Placeit.net for their internet-based design software.

Conclusion

If you’re coming across installation issues with your Wacom tablet, one of these fixes should solve the problem or, at the very least, offer insight into what could be affecting your ability to use your Wacom tablet with your computer. You can always reach out to Wacom support for more particular assistance with your installation.