Upgrading to Windows 11 is usually smooth, but sometimes it fails with a confusing message like “Installation failed” or “We couldn’t install Windows 11.” In many cases, Windows also shows an error code, such as 0xC1900101 or 0x800F081F, which makes the situation feel even more technical and frustrating.
The good news is that these error codes are not random. Each upgrade failed code points to a specific type of problem, such as a driver conflict, storage shortage, corrupted system files, or a blocked app. Once you understand what the code means, fixing the upgrade becomes much easier.
In this guide, you will learn the most common Windows 11 upgrade failed error codes, what causes them, and how to fix them step-by-step in a simple way.
Why Windows 11 Upgrade Fails in the First Place
Before jumping into error codes, it helps to understand why Windows upgrades fail. Even if your PC meets the system requirements, Windows upgrade failures can still happen due to:
Old or incompatible drivers
Third-party antivirus or security tools
Lack of free storage on the system drive
Corrupted Windows update components
Damaged system files or component store issues
Apps that block installation (VPN, old tools, disk encryption software)
External devices connected during upgrade
BIOS or firmware issues
Most upgrade errors fall into one of these categories, and the error code gives you a hint about which one it is.
Where to Find the Exact Windows 11 Upgrade Error Code
Sometimes Windows shows the code on-screen, but if it disappears quickly, you can still find it.
You can check error codes in these places:
Windows Update screen in Settings
Windows Setup error popup (if using ISO)
Event Viewer logs
Upgrade log files in the Panther folder
For log files, check:
C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log
C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setuperr.log
You can open them using Notepad and search for the word Error.
Most Common Windows 11 Upgrade Failed Error Codes (And Fixes)
Now let’s break down the most common error codes and what you should do.
Error Code 0xC1900101 (Driver Problem)
This is one of the most common Windows 11 upgrade failures. In most cases, 0xC1900101 means the upgrade failed due to a driver issue, especially during reboot phases.
You may also see variations like:
0xC1900101 – 0x20017
0xC1900101 – 0x30018
0xC1900101 – 0x4000D
0xC1900101 – 0x40017
Common reasons include:
Old graphics driver
Faulty WiFi or Bluetooth driver
Storage controller driver issue
USB drivers causing crashes
External devices interfering
Best fixes:
Disconnect all extra USB devices before upgrading
Update GPU drivers (Intel/NVIDIA/AMD)
Update chipset and storage drivers
Uninstall third-party antivirus
Perform a clean boot before upgrade
If the code keeps coming back, upgrading through ISO setup instead of Windows Update often helps.
Error Code 0x80070070 (Not Enough Disk Space)
This error means Windows does not have enough free space to install the update. It can happen even if you had some space, because upgrades need extra space to unpack files and backup older system data.
What causes it:
C drive is almost full
Too many temporary files
Windows.old folder already exists
Large software and games installed on C drive
Fixes:
Clear temporary files in Settings
Delete old Windows update files
Move large files to another drive
Uninstall apps you don’t need
Aim for at least 30–40GB free space
After freeing space, restart your PC and try the upgrade again.
Error Code 0x800F081F (Missing or Corrupt Windows Components)
This error usually means Windows cannot find required files in the component store, or the system image is damaged.
Common causes:
Corrupted system files
Damaged Windows Update component store
Windows servicing issues
Fixes:
Run System File Checker:
Open Command Prompt as admin
Type:
sfc /scannow
Then run DISM repair:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC and try upgrading again. This fix solves a huge number of upgrade failures.
Error Code 0x80073712 (Update Files Corrupted or Missing)
This code means some update files are missing or damaged.
What causes it:
Broken Windows Update cache
Incomplete downloads
Corrupt update packages
Fixes:
Reset Windows Update components:
Stop update services
Rename SoftwareDistribution folder
Restart services
Try the upgrade again
This method works especially well if you are upgrading through Windows Update.
Error Code 0x8007042B (Upgrade Interrupted by App or Process)
This error may show up when Windows Setup is interrupted by another program, process, or system service.
Common causes:
Third-party antivirus interference
Heavy background apps running during upgrade
System optimization tools
VPN or firewall apps
RGB control software (gaming laptops/desktops)
Fixes:
Uninstall or temporarily disable antivirus
Close background apps before upgrading
Disable startup programs
Perform clean boot
Try upgrade again using ISO file
Upgrading using setup.exe from an ISO is usually more stable than relying only on Windows Update.
Error Code 0xC1900208 (Incompatible App Blocking Upgrade)
This means Windows detected an app that is not compatible and blocks the upgrade.
Common blockers include:
Old printer software
Legacy VPN clients
Older system tuning tools
Unsupported security programs
Old virtualization tools
Fixes:
Windows will usually tell you which app is blocking the upgrade. Uninstall the app and restart your PC. After the upgrade completes, you can reinstall a newer version of the app.
You can also check incompatible apps in:
Settings > Apps > Installed apps
And remove the suspicious one.
Error Code 0x80070002 or 0x80070003 (Files Not Found)
These error codes usually indicate Windows Update is missing required files or paths.
Common causes:
Corrupted update cache
Missing system update files
Windows Update services stuck
Fixes:
Reset Windows Update components
Run Windows Update troubleshooter
Restart update services
Retry upgrade using ISO installer
These errors are usually not hardware-related and are fixable with update cache cleanup.
Error Code 0x80070103 (Driver Update Issue)
This code is common after updates, and sometimes it appears during upgrade attempts. It usually means Windows tried to install a driver version that is not needed or not suitable.
Fixes:
Go to Device Manager and update the driver manually
Download drivers from your PC manufacturer website
Ignore this code if the system works fine (it’s often harmless)
If it blocks the upgrade, uninstall the related device from Device Manager and restart.
Error Code 0x800F0922 (Update Could Not Install)
This code can appear during major feature upgrades and is often linked to system partition size issues or connectivity problems with update services.
Common causes:
Reserved System partition too small
VPN or network restriction
Windows Update server communication failed
Fixes:
Disconnect VPN and proxy
Restart router (if needed)
Temporarily disable firewall
Free up space on system reserved partition (advanced)
Upgrade using ISO offline method
Many users fix 0x800F0922 simply by upgrading using a Windows 11 ISO without depending on online update delivery.
Error Code 0x80240020 (Update Needs User Action)
This code means the upgrade is ready but needs user action, like a restart or confirmation.
Fixes:
Restart your PC
Check Windows Update again
Run the upgrade manually using Installation Assistant
Sometimes Windows pauses upgrades until it gets permission to continue.
Error Code 0x8024402F (Network Connection / Update Server Issue)
This code is related to network problems or unstable connection between your PC and Microsoft update servers.
Common reasons:
Unstable internet connection
DNS issues
VPN or proxy enabled
Firewall blocking Windows Update
Fixes:
Restart your router
Disable VPN or proxy
Try different DNS (like Google DNS)
Retry upgrade using ISO
If you have poor internet, using the ISO method is much better because it reduces download failures.
Simple Fix Checklist That Works for Most Error Codes
If you don’t want to spend time guessing, these steps solve most Windows 11 upgrade failed issues.
Try them in this order:
Disconnect all external USB devices
Free up at least 30GB space on C drive
Uninstall third-party antivirus and VPN
Run SFC and DISM repair commands
Reset Windows Update components
Update BIOS (only if needed and safely)
Update GPU, chipset, and WiFi drivers
Perform a clean boot and try upgrade again
Use Windows 11 ISO setup.exe method
This approach fixes the majority of upgrade failures without reinstalling Windows.
Best Upgrade Method to Avoid Errors
If you get upgrade errors again and again, Windows Update may not be the best upgrade method for your PC.
The most stable upgrade methods are:
Windows 11 ISO upgrade using setup.exe
Windows 11 Installation Assistant
These methods reduce update component errors and often bypass common download glitches.
What If the Upgrade Fails Again After Fixing?
If the upgrade fails repeatedly, you should focus on the root cause instead of retrying blindly.
The best next move is checking log files:
C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log
C:$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setuperr.log
C:\Windows\Logs\MOSetup\MOSetup.log
Search for:
Error
Fail
Rollback
Driver
0xC1900101
In many cases, the logs will directly mention the driver or app that caused the failure.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 upgrade failed error codes may look confusing, but each code gives a useful hint about the real issue. The most common upgrade failure code is 0xC1900101, which is mainly linked to driver problems. Other common errors like 0x80070070 usually mean low storage, while 0x800F081F points to missing or corrupted Windows files.
The best way to fix these problems is to take a clean and safe approach: remove unnecessary devices, uninstall antivirus, repair system files with SFC and DISM, reset Windows Update components, and upgrade using a Windows 11 ISO if Windows Update keeps failing. With these steps, most users can successfully upgrade without doing a clean install.
