How to Fix Game Install Issues on a Nintendo Wii U

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you to resolve issues installing programs and updates to your Wii U system.

2. Check Game Disc

Checking the Game Disc

1. Eject the disc and make sure it is not dirty, scratched or damaged.
2. Ensure you are using the correct disc for this console.
3. Insert another disc to see if it works.
   
4. If another disc can be read, the disc you are trying to use may be dirty or faulty.
5. If no other disc can be read, there may be a hardware issue with the console.

3. Power Cycle Console

1. Power down the Wii U console. If the power button does not power down the console, press and hold it until the system powers down.
2. Unplug the AC adapter from the Wii U console and the wall outlet and wait 90 seconds.
3. Reconnect the AC adapter, turn the Wii U console on and attempt to install or update your software again.

4. Connect Wi-Fi

1. Select System Settings.
   

1. Select Internet.
   

1. Select Connect to the Internet.
   

1. Select your Wi-Fi network name.
   

1. Enter your password, then select OK.
   

1. Your Wii U will test the connection.
   

1. When the test is successful, you'll see the green check marks at the top. Select OK.
   

1. Finally, you'll be asked if you want this to be your default connection; the one you use most of the time. Select Set.
   

5. Software Install/Update

Install Program from eStore:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select a category.
   

1. Select a game / program.
   

1. If you're purchasing a game, click through the purchase options and then click Download.
   

1. The Wii U will check for updates automatically and install them the background. In the event that software is started and an available update has not been installed, the Wii U will begin downloading that update prior to the software starting.

6. Delete Console Data

1. From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings.
   

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2. Using the Left Stick, scroll to the Data Management and press the A Button.
   

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2. Select Copy / Move / Delete Data.
3. Select the location of the data you wish to delete.
4. Select the application that has the data you wish to delete and press the A Button.
5. Select what you wish to delete from within the application data and press the A Button.
   If you wish to delete multiple items, press the Y Button to select multiple items, select the items you wish to delete, and then press the X Button. Items selected for deletion will be marked with a white checkmark on a red background.
6. Once an individual application item is chosen, select Delete and press the A Button.

7. Software Install/Update

Install Program from eStore:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select a category.
   

1. Select a game / program.
   

1. If you're purchasing a game, click through the purchase options and then click Download.
   

1. The Wii U will check for updates automatically and install them the background. In the event that software is started and an available update has not been installed, the Wii U will begin downloading that update prior to the software starting.

8. USB Media

Next, we will troubleshoot filesystem issues.

9. Try Another Port

Ensure that the Wii U console is powered off when connecting or disconnecting a USB storage device.

• Connect the USB Storage to another USB port.
  

10. Software Install/Update

Install Program from eStore:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select a category.
   

1. Select a game / program.
   

1. If you're purchasing a game, click through the purchase options and then click Download.
   

1. The Wii U will check for updates automatically and install them the background. In the event that software is started and an available update has not been installed, the Wii U will begin downloading that update prior to the software starting.

11. Format External Storage

This will delete all saved data from the USB storage device. Once deleted, this data cannot be recovered.

1. Go to System Settings.
   

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2. Using the left stick, go to Data Management, and press A.
   

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2. Select Format USB Storage Device and follow the on-screen prompts.

12. Software Install/Update

Install Program from eStore:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select a category.
   

1. Select a game / program.
   

1. If you're purchasing a game, click through the purchase options and then click Download.
   

1. The Wii U will check for updates automatically and install them the background. In the event that software is started and an available update has not been installed, the Wii U will begin downloading that update prior to the software starting.

13. Delete All Contents & Settings

All software data, save data, user information, and other information saved to the console will be deleted.

1. From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings.
   

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2. Using the Left Stick, scroll to the Delete All Content & Settings and press the A button on your controller.
   

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2. Please read the information displayed on your TV screen, and then tap Next.
3. Wait for a few seconds, and then tap Delete Everything.

14. Software Install/Update

Install Program from eStore:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select a category.
   

1. Select a game / program.
   

1. If you're purchasing a game, click through the purchase options and then click Download.
   

1. The Wii U will check for updates automatically and install them the background. In the event that software is started and an available update has not been installed, the Wii U will begin downloading that update prior to the software starting.

15. What's next?

16. Delete All Contents & Settings

All software data, save data, user information, and other information saved to the console will be deleted.

1. From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Using the Left Stick, scroll to the Delete All Content & Settings and press the A button on your controller.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Please read the information displayed on your TV screen, and then tap Next.
3. Wait for a few seconds, and then tap Delete Everything.

17. Software Install/Update

Install Program from eStore:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select a category.
   

1. Select a game / program.
   

1. If you're purchasing a game, click through the purchase options and then click Download.
   

1. The Wii U will check for updates automatically and install them the background. In the event that software is started and an available update has not been installed, the Wii U will begin downloading that update prior to the software starting.

18. What's next?