When upgrading to Windows 11, many users encounter error codes that halt the installation process. One notoriously stubborn error is 0xc1900101, a generic rollback code that can occur due to driver conflicts, hardware incompatibility, or third-party software issues. Understanding this error and knowing how to troubleshoot it is essential for anyone planning to make a smooth transition to Windows 11.
TL;DR
Error 0xc1900101 is commonly related to driver conflicts or hardware compatibility issues when installing Windows 11. Common fixes include updating device drivers, disconnecting unnecessary peripherals, and performing system checks. This error may also be caused by insufficient disk space or third-party antivirus interference. Step-by-step troubleshooting can usually resolve the issue and allow the installation to proceed.
What Is Error 0xc1900101?
Error 0xc1900101 is a generic hexadecimal error that indicates a failed upgrade due to a driver problem or incompatible hardware. It typically appears during the installation or upgrade phase of Windows 11 and causes your system to restart and revert to the previous version of Windows.
It is often accompanied by one of the following messages:
- “Installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation.”
- “Installation failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during MIGRATE_DATA operation.”
- “Installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during PRE_OOBE operation.”
Common Causes of Error 0xc1900101
Error 0xc1900101 is generally associated with the following issues:
- Outdated or incompatible drivers
- Faulty or unsupported hardware components
- Conflicts with third-party antivirus software
- Insufficient system disk space
- Corrupted system files
Steps to Fix Error 0xc1900101 When Installing Windows 11
1. Update All Device Drivers
The majority of installation failures are due to outdated or incompatible drivers. Before attempting to upgrade, update your:
- Graphics card drivers (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
- Network adapters
- Storage controllers
- Chipset drivers
You can update drivers using:
- Device Manager: Right-click on Start → Device Manager → Right-click devices → Update Driver
- Manufacturer websites: Visit your PC or component manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers
2. Unplug Unnecessary Devices
External peripherals like USB drives, printers, webcams, and even external hard drives can interfere with the upgrade process. Disconnecting them helps in reducing complications.
Only keep the mouse, keyboard, and monitor plugged in during the installation.
3. Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software
Sometimes, antivirus software can block important Windows installation files or processes. Temporarily disable or fully uninstall your third-party antivirus software before beginning the upgrade.
Don’t worry—Windows Defender will automatically activate when the third-party antivirus is removed, ensuring continued protection.
4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to detect and fix issues with the update process:
- Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to Windows Update
This step can resolve minor conflicts that might be contributing to the error.
5. Check Disk Space
Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB of storage space for installation. Insufficient disk space can halt the process and trigger error codes like 0xc1900101.
- Clear temporary files using Disk Cleanup or third-party tools
- Move non-essential files to an external drive
- Consider uninstalling large unused applications
6. Run System File Checker and DISM Tools
Corrupted or missing system files can prevent a successful upgrade. Use the following commands in Command Prompt (Admin) to repair your system files:
sfc /scannow
Wait for it to complete, then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These tools automatically detect and fix corrupted Windows files.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps isolate third-party software causing conflicts:
- Press Windows + R → type msconfig hit Enter
- Go to the Services tab → Check “Hide all Microsoft services” → Click “Disable all”
- Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager → Disable all unnecessary startup items
- Restart your computer and try installing Windows 11 again
8. Free Up System Reserved Partition
Some installations fail if the system reserved partition is too small. You can increase its size using partition management tools such as:
- MiniTool Partition Wizard
- EaseUS Partition Master
Warning: Changing partition sizes can be risky. Backup your data before proceeding.
9. Upgrade Using Windows 11 Installation Assistant
If Windows Update continually fails, consider upgrading manually using Microsoft’s installation tool:
- Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
- Follow the on-screen instructions
This method bypasses some of the common triggers for error 0xc1900101.
10. Check for Hardware Incompatibility
If none of the above works, certain legacy components—such as old network cards, unsupported CPUs, or obscure peripherals—may be incompatible with Windows 11.
- Check Windows 11 hardware requirements
- Use the PC Health Check Tool from Microsoft
- Consider removing or replacing problematic hardware
Preventing Error 0xc1900101 in the Future
To avoid encountering this error in future updates:
- Regularly update your drivers
- Maintain sufficient disk space
- Periodically check for corrupt system files
- Audit your installed hardware for compatibility
FAQs
What is error 0xc1900101 in Windows 11?
This is a common Windows Update error related to driver or hardware compatibility issues that occur during the installation or upgrade process of Windows 11.
Can outdated drivers cause error 0xc1900101?
Yes. Outdated or incompatible drivers are one of the leading causes of this error. Updating them usually resolves the issue.
Will I lose my data if the installation is rolled back?
No, a rollback usually restores your system to its previous working state, and personal files remain intact. However, it’s always best to back up your data before upgrading.
Is there any tool to automatically fix Windows install errors?
While there’s no one-click fix for all errors, tools like the Windows Update Troubleshooter, SFC, DISM, and Windows 11 Installation Assistant can significantly help.
Should I disable my antivirus when upgrading?
Yes, temporarily disabling or uninstalling third-party antivirus programs can prevent upgrade interruptions.
Can I install Windows 11 from a USB to avoid this error?
Sometimes creating a bootable USB drive and performing a clean installation can bypass error 0xc1900101, especially when the problem is hard to diagnose.
By following these steps and staying proactive about system maintenance, most users can successfully bypass error 0xc1900101 and enjoy Windows 11 without issues.