If you're trying to upgrade to Windows 11 and are encountering the 0xC1900101 error, you're not alone. This error can be frustrating, but don't worry – there are a few things you can try to fix it. In this article, we'll explain what the 0xC1900101 error is and what causes it.
First, let's talk about what the 0xC1900101 error is. Essentially, it's a code that indicates that there's been a problem with the installation process. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including compatibility issues with your hardware or software, or problems with the installation media.
Continue reading to find out how to fix the 0xC1900101 error and get your Windows 11 upgrade back on track!
What Causes the 0xC1900101 Error on Windows 11?
Many Windows users are running into the 0xC1900101 error when they try to upgrade to Windows 11. Depending on the underlying cause, the error can show up in a few different ways:
- 0xC1900101 - 0x2000c
- 0xC1900101 - 0x20004
- 0xC1900101 - 0x20017
- 0xC1900101 - 0x40017
- 0xC1900101 - 0x30018
- 0xC1900101 - 0x40021
One common cause is incompatible drivers or software. If there's a piece of hardware or software on your system that isn't compatible with Windows 11, it can cause the installation process to fail. This is often the case with older hardware or software that hasn't been updated to work with Windows 11.
Another cause of the 0xC1900101 error is problems with the installation media. If the installation files are corrupt or damaged, they may not be able to install correctly. This can happen if the files were downloaded from an unofficial source, or if the installation media has been damaged or corrupted in some way.
Finally, the 0xC1900101 error can also be caused by problems with the system itself. This can include issues with the hard drive, memory, or other hardware components. If your system is having problems, it may not be able to complete the installation process.
How To Fix the 0xC1900101 Error on Windows 11
Because the 0xC1900101 error can be caused by a variety of factors, there are a few different things you can try to fix it. Let's take a look at some of the most effective solutions:
1. Make Space on Your Hard Drive
One possible cause of the 0xC1900101 error is a lack of space on your hard drive. By freeing up some space, you may be able to successfully upgrade to Windows 11.
According to Microsoft, it's recommended that you have at least 64GB of free space in order to install and run Windows 11. To free up space, you can delete unnecessary files and programs, or use a cleanup tool to find and remove unwanted files. It's also advised that you find large files on your computer and see if you can safely remove them to get some extra storage space quickly.
After making sure you have the necessary amount of free space, try to install Windows 11 again and see if the 0xC1900101 error is gone.
2. Update Your Drivers
Incompatible drivers or software can cause the 0xC1900101 error. Updating your drivers to the latest version may resolve the issue.
How to update drivers with Windows Update
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Open the Start menu and select Settings. You can also press the Win + I shortcut on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
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Select Windows Update using the menu on the left, and then click on Advanced Options.
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Scroll down, and then click on Optional Updates.
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Next, expand the available Driver updates by clicking on the arrow icon to the right. Select all of the available updates for your drivers, and then click on the Download & install button.
Windows 11 will automatically download and install the updates for you. Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to reboot your computer.
How to update drivers with Device Manager
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Press the Win + X keys on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu.
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Locate the device that you want to update the driver for. In this case, you should update your Disk drives and other components like your processor. Right-click on a device, and select "Update driver" from the context menu.
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Select "Search automatically for updated driver software."
- Windows will now search for an updated driver for your device. If it finds one, it will automatically download and install it.
Once the driver is installed, you may be prompted to reboot your computer. Note that you can also choose to browse your computer for drivers. This is an excellent option if you want to manually download and install a driver from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Reinstall Your Drivers
If updating your drivers doesn't work, try reinstalling them. This can help resolve any issues with the drivers themselves.
- Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard at the same time to bring up the Run utility. Type in “devmgmt.msc” without quotation marks, then hit the OK button. This is going to launch the Device Manager in a separate window.
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Expand the category the faulty device is in. Right-click on the device you’re using from the list, then select Uninstall device from the context menu.
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Click Uninstall in the prompt that appears on the screen. Wait for Windows to remove the device before proceeding.
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Click on Action from the Device Manager menu, and then choose Scan for hardware changes. You can also use the shortcut icon as shown in the image below:
- After the driver is reinstalled, check if the same 0xC1900101 error appears when using your computer.
4. Run the System File Checker (SFC Scan)
The SFC scan is a built-in Windows tool that checks for and repairs any corrupt or missing system files. Running this scan can help resolve the 0xC1900101 error.
- Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. Press Windows + S on your keyboard as a shortcut.
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Type Command Prompt in the search box. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator. If you're using a local account that doesn't have administrator permissions, click here to learn how to grant admin access.
- When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
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Type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: sfc /scannow
- Wait for the System File Checker to finish scanning your computer. In the case of a discrepancy, the utility will restore system files and fix all errors related to them.
5. Run the DISM Command
The DISM command is another built-in Windows tool that can help fix the 0xC1900101 error. It can help repair any issues with the system image.
- Open the search bar in your taskbar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon. You can also bring it up with the Windows + S keyboard shortcut.
- Type Command Prompt in the search box. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator.
- When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
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Type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
After you execute the command, wait for the process to finish. Upon completion, close the Command Prompt window and restart your device to see if the 0xC1900101 error has been fixed.
6. Update Windows 11 Using a Bootable USB
If you're having trouble upgrading to Windows 11 through normal means, try creating a bootable USB and updating from there. To upgrade using a bootable device like a USB, all you have to do is download Windows 11 from the Microsoft website and create a boot media.
When your boot media is inserted, restarting the device will be possible as long as the correct system settings are met. In order to upgrade from an older version of Windows to the latest one--Windows 11--the upgrade wizard will direct you through a smooth transition.
7. Uninstall Recent Apps
If you've recently installed any apps or programs, try uninstalling them before attempting to upgrade to Windows 11. This can help resolve any compatibility issues. Here’s how to uninstall applications on Windows 11:
- Click on the Start menu and choose Settings. You can alternatively use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut as well.
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Switch to the Apps section using the menu on the left, and then click Installed apps. All of your installed applications will load on this page.
- Make sure to switch your filter to All drives, and your sorting to Date installed. This will show the most recent applications installed on your computer, which could likely cause conflicts and lead to error 0xC1900101.
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Click on the 3 dots next to an application’s name, and click Uninstall from the list.
- Allow the uninstaller to remove the application and any residual files. When the process is done, reboot your device and see if this helped you resolve the error at hand.
Conclusion
If you're running into the 0xC1900101 error when trying to upgrade to Windows 11, try one of the solutions outlined above. By freeing up space on your hard drive, updating or reinstalling drivers, running system scans, and uninstalling recent apps and programs, you should be able to resolve the issue. Good luck!
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