MikTex install fails - help requested

[PersonOfDisinterest]

I downloaded

basic-miktex-22.10-x64

on a brand new Windows 10 machine.
When I try to run it the installation fails, with the error message:

Windows API error 5
Details: CommandLine = "miktex -- disable installer -- verbose languages configure"

I tried running the installation wizard a second time, which required deleting all trace of
the original exe file, including from the trash, before redownloading and rerunning. Same result.
Each time, when the installation fails the MacAfee antivirus that came with the machine says that
it has successfully repelled a virus attack. However, the miktex site explains that they have cleared
the relevant file with a wide variety of antivirus programs, including MacAfee.
I am at a loss and would welcome any suggested explanations for what it happening here.