You're trying to install Windows 11 and you're getting all kinds of errors and crashes... What's going on? In this article, we'll explain. what to do if Windows 11 installation fails on your computer. To do this, we have compiled and analyzed information from the best resources on the web.
We'll show you the most common causes of these errors, detailed technical solutions, and some tips to prevent them from happening again.
Common causes of Windows 11 installation failure
Before getting down to business with solutions, it is essential to be clear about what the solutions are. Most common causes that can prevent you from installing Windows 11 correctlyHere are the top reasons based on community experience and official information:
- Connected external devices (hard drives, USB, SD cards) that generate conflicts during the process.
- Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially those related to networking, storage, and graphics.
- Unsupported equipment or that does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and GPT partition type, among others.
- Errors during the Safe_OS phase or the appearance of code 0xC1900101 and similar codes, which are usually related to hardware and drivers.
- Corrupt ISO files or installations from unofficial means.
- Problems with software distribution, bad downloads or updates that get stuck.
- Lack of disk space, especially on the drive where you want to install the operating system.
- Power outages or Internet connection interruptions during the update.
- Faulty hardware or configurations of BIOS / UEFI not suitable.
Understanding these causes is the essential first step to tackling the problem head-on and choosing the most appropriate solution.
How do you know if your PC is compatible with Windows 11?
One of the reasons why Windows 11 installation often fails is because the computer does not meet the minimum requirements required by MicrosoftAccording to official documentation, forcing the installation on unsupported computers is not recommended, as it can cause all sorts of issues, and you won't receive support or updates.
Key Windows 11 Requirements:
- 64-bit processor, 1 GHz or faster, with 2 or more cores.
- Minimum RAM of 4 GB.
- At least 64 GB of free storage.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled.
- TPM version 2.0.
- Graphics card compatible with DirectX 12.
To check if your equipment complies, you can use applications such as Windows 11 Compatibility Checker, which analyze your hardware and clearly tell you if your PC is ready. If any requirement is missed, the installer itself usually displays a warning and even a watermark on your desktop after installation.
Tip: It is not recommended to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices. Doing so could result in missing updates and support. If you decide to proceed at your own risk, back up your important data first.
Step-by-step guide to resolve the "Windows 11 installation failed" error
Let's review the most effective and recommended solutions, from least to most complex, so you can try to install Windows 11 successfully:
1. Remove external devices and peripherals
Disconnect all unnecessary devices such as external hard drives, USB flash drives, printers, or SD cards. These drives often cause conflicts when detecting the destination disk during installation.
2. Check disk space
For the installation to proceed, make sure you have enough free space on the drive where you'll be installing Windows 11 (usually C:). If you're running out of space:
- Remove temporary files and junk with the disk cleanup tool.
- Uninstall programs you don't use.
- If you have more than one disk or partition, consider moving personal files to another location.
- You can use specific software, such as EASEUS Partition Master and also to extend the system partition.
Remember: To install Windows 11, you need at least 64 GB of free space, although it's ideal to leave even more room to keep the system running smoothly.
3. Check and update the drivers
The outdated or corrupt drivers can cause all sorts of installation errors. Pay special attention to:
- Network adapters (Ethernet and WiFi).
- Storage controllers (SATA, NVMe).
- Graphic card.
Go to Device Manager and check if there are any devices with a warning icon. Update drivers manually from the manufacturer's website or use the official software.
4. Delete corrupted ISO files and use official means
Trying to install Windows 11 from a corrupted ISO file or unofficial software may be the cause of the error. Always download the ISO image from the official Microsoft website or recognized tools to avoid problems.
If you create an installation USB, use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to ensure it's valid.
5. Clean the software distribution folder
If the installation or update stuck at 100%An effective solution is to clean the software distribution folder:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Stop the Windows Update and BITS services by running:
net stop wuauerv y net stop bits - Navigate to folder C: \ Windows \ SoftwareDistribution and delete all content.
- Restart the services by running: net start wuauserv y net start bits
After cleaning, restart your PC and try the installation again.
6. Configure the BIOS/UEFI appropriately
Windows 11 requires both the Secure Boot such as TPM 2.0 are enabled. Enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings and:
- Enable Secure Boot.
- Enable TPM 2.0 (may appear as PTT on Intel or fTPM on AMD).
- Make sure the disk you want to install to is of type GPT (not MBR). If it isn't, you'll need to convert it.
You can change MBR to GPT with tools like EaseUS or the command itself mbr2gpt.
7. Upgrade or change the system disk
If the hard drive where you try to install the system has Bad sectors, too full or too old, errors may appear. Consider upgrading to a modern SSD or increasing its capacity before attempting the installation again.
Tools like EaseUS allow you to clone the operating system to a new disk and migrate the installation easily.
8. Fix specific errors like 0xC1900101
This code usually appears by hardware problems, external devices, GPU drivers, or incorrect BIOS settingsRecommended steps include:
- Disconnect all external devices.
- Uninstall the graphics card driver from the device manager.
- Enter BIOS and reduce the number of active cores to 1 temporarily.
- Make sure the services related to Windows Update are set to “Automatic.”
- If you have less than 4GB of RAM, upgrade it.
After making these changes, reboot and repeat the installation.
9. Internet and power outages
Un power outage or loss of internet connection In the middle of the process, they can leave your PC in an inconsistent state. Make sure you perform the installation with your laptop plugged in or your desktop connected to a UPS. If your internet connection is unstable, use a wired connection and download the necessary files beforehand.
10. What if no operating system boots after the failure?
Some users have reported cases where, after a failed installation, the PC won't boot at all, displaying errors such as code 35-37 or freezing during the boot process. In these cases:
- Disconnect all disks other than the primary disk and try booting with only the disk you want to install on.
- make a full BIOS/UEFI reset to factory settings.
- If your SSD/HDD has become unusable, try formatting it from another computer and running a health test.
In many cases, if the hardware is in good condition, it may be possible to restore the system without major complications. However, if problems persist, it may be necessary to consult a specialized technician or consider component replacements.
