Emacs package-install Fails (Package Not Found or Archive Error)
Workaround available Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 14, 2026Based on 2 user reportsHow we research
Quick answer
package-install fails when the package list is stale or an archive is missing. Run package-refresh-contents first and check package-archives.
Most likely fix: Refresh the package list
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Refresh the package list
- Run M-x package-refresh-contents
- Retry M-x package-install
Did this fix it?2. Add MELPA
- Add (add-to-list 'package-archives '("melpa" . "https://melpa.org/packages/") t)
- Run package-refresh-contents
Did this fix it?3. Check network and signature
- Open the archive URL in a browser
- See the failed-to-verify-signature guide if the error mentions a signature
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
'Package X is unavailable', 'Failed to download archive' or 'Error retrieving' messages when installing from MELPA or ELPA.
Why it happens
- The package list was never refreshed
- MELPA is not in package-archives
- TLS or network problems reaching the archive
- Signature verification failing for ELPA
This guide also covers
- emacs package install failed
- emacs package unavailable
- emacs melpa not working
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