Possible Causes:

• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is not enabled.
• User Account Control (UAC) is blocking it.
• Improper credentials on machine for installing

Option 1: Check that .NET Framework 3.5 is enabled

• Refer to: How do I install or enable Microsoft .NET 3.5 If it is not available in Windows?

Option 2: Turn off User Account Control

• Refer to: How to disable User Account Control (UAC)

Option 3: Reboot Server

• Reboot the server, then try to install SQL Express.

Option 4: Install SQL Express Manually (please read closely, we have specific configurations needed)

• Refer to: Unable to install SQL Server Express "failed to install new SQL instance" (Manual Reinstall)