Windows 11, version 25H2 error 0xc1900101

Question

Windows 11, version 25H2 error 0xc1900101

Harsimran Singh 15

I am experiencing an installation error while trying to update Windows 11 to version 25H2. The error code displayed is 0xc1900101. I encountered the same issue when attempting to update to version 24H2 previously, and I was never able to successfully complete the update.

Could you please provide assistance in resolving this issue?

Ruth Lezama 15 Reputation points

2025-12-07T23:12:51.21+00:00

I have the same problem. I had the same one with 24h2 and I have the same problem now with 25h2. I have an Asus VivoBook laptop. I don’t understand why they don’t resolve this problem once and for all; it’s bothering me. Windows Update constantly consumes resources in the background trying to reach the latest update and when I click install, after 2 hours showing 0% 'do not restart,' it does nothing.. And in the end, it asks me to download the latest update again in an endless loop. I don’t understand how Microsoft can allow this.

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Ruth Lezama 15 Reputation points

2025-12-07T23:12:51.21+00:00

I have the same problem. I had the same one with 24h2 and I have the same problem now with 25h2. I have an Asus VivoBook laptop. I don’t understand why they don’t resolve this problem once and for all; it’s bothering me. Windows Update constantly consumes resources in the background trying to reach the latest update and when I click install, after 2 hours showing 0% 'do not restart,' it does nothing.. And in the end, it asks me to download the latest update again in an endless loop. I don’t understand how Microsoft can allow this.

Answer 1

Jan Maassen 10

Te gek voor woorden. Windows constateert een fout, maar zegt niet waar die zit.

Zoiets als uw auto rijdt niet goed, zoek het verder maar uit!
En dat je dan een virtuele schijf moet laden met alle risico's van dien, is zeer riskant heb al een paar keer eerder bij upgrades mijn hele pc opnieuw moeten inrichten en die kans zit er nu weer in.

Je bent er dagen zoet mee. Inmiddels al een 20 tal keren 22H2 te updaten; 2 jaar verder en nog niks!!!!

Microsoft bedankt!

LouH 5 Reputation points

2025-12-09T15:01:09.3666667+00:00

My feelings exactly! I've been running 23H2 for two years now, have taken all of the steps outlined above, but still no luck. I have a Lenovo Gen. 9 Thinkpad X1 Carbon with Windows 11 Pro.

Answer 2

Nige Platt 35

Hi, I am getting nowhere with this update, I've wasted a complete afternoon checking every line on my Device Manager and without exception, every item has the best and up-to-date driver and yet I still get the 0xc1900101 error code and Windows continues to try to install it

Just to make sure I'm not missing anything in your tech jargon, what is an ISO and what do you mean by mount the ISO to a DVD drive please

thanks in advance Nigel.

0 comments

Answer 3

DaveM121 867.2K Independent Advisor

The most successful method to install version 25H2 is to use the Windows 11 ISO.

You will need at least 40GB of free space on your C drive for the update (this space will be cleared automatically later).

Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

to download the Windows 11 ISO

When the ISO file completes downloading

Disconnect from the Internet

Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

Andreas Heina 5 Reputation points

2025-11-07T20:04:41.32+00:00

I have the same problem. I followed the instructions completely with ISO and without a network. But no success, I get the same error message.
LouH 5 Reputation points

2025-11-16T22:31:55.0833333+00:00

Same here. I still can't install 25H2 (and I was never able to install 24H2, either).
Nige Platt 35 Reputation points

2025-11-19T21:42:22.59+00:00

Hi Dave, I've sucessfully downloaded the file, run setup but the option to keep your files and apps isn't available and I'm not about to take all of my stuff off my pc just so that Windows can activate an update, ridiculous. Is there any other way ? I have spent the morning checking every single driver on my pc and they are all good so I don't know why I get the error code anyway.

Thanks in advance
Jacki Slonin 20 Reputation points

2025-12-04T19:07:33.0166667+00:00

Same issue. Version 25h2 has been trying to update since11/29. i have cleand up my pc/ deleted unwanted, unused apps to free up space, went through every driver and all is good, as well as pc health check. I do have plenty of space for this update. I also unplugged all unneeded hook ups on my computer and needless to say nothing has worked with this update. I am going to say this is some sort of corrupt file at this point and will wait until the next update i guess. Trying to get in tough with Microsoft for help, even though i pay them every year for systems needed, is worthless.
LouH 5 Reputation points

2025-12-04T20:14:22.6666667+00:00

Yes, none of these suggestions seems able to resolve this issue. For what it's worth, I have a Gen. 9 Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon, and the latest quality update is 23H2. (24H2 wouldn't install, either.) Sigh . . . .
Guy Kidd 5 Reputation points

2025-12-14T01:20:11.23+00:00

I think I will pass until necessary-40gb space? Disable Antivirus? Disconnect all external devices? Disconnect from the Internet?

Answer 4

Kapil Arya 37,576 Volunteer Moderator

Hello,

Disconnect external devices while you upgrade.

You can try manual upgrade using Windows 11 25H2 ISO file.

Follow these steps:

Download Windows 11 25H2 ISO from the official Microsoft website.

Double click on it to mount it to a DVD drive.

Then go to DVD drive, double click on setup.exe to proceed.

Follow on-screen instructions to complete upgrade.

Let us know if this helps!

Nige Platt 35 Reputation points

2025-11-19T15:25:49.3333333+00:00

My pc doesn't have a DVD drive, is there any other way ?
Ramesh 176.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-11-19T16:56:24.53+00:00

@Nige Platt

Simply mount the ISO and run setup.exe. DVD drive is not required.
Nige Platt 35 Reputation points

2025-11-19T17:19:33.4866667+00:00

Thanks Ramesh
Guy Kidd 5 Reputation points

2025-12-14T01:23:48.11+00:00

Real question is how important is this update because based on all the comments, personally, I Pass on it.
LouH 5 Reputation points

2025-12-14T13:47:29.63+00:00

RE: "Real question is how important is this update because based on all the comments, personally, I Pass on it." The problem is that my Windows 11 laptop is still running 23H2 since I wasn't able to update to 24H2, either. In November, Microsoft stopped sending security updates for people still running 23H2. Like you, I really don't care about the new "features," but I do care about keeping my computer free from malware. That's why it is so irritating that I can't get updated to 25H2.
LouH 5 Reputation points

2025-12-31T19:20:38.02+00:00

I FINALLY found something that gets my Lenovo Gen 9 Thinkpad X1 Carbon to update from 23H2 to 25H2.

While trying to update Windows 11 to version 25H2, I get getting the error code 0xc1900101, which indicates that a faulty driver is preventing the installation.

I downloaded hciscan_amd64.exe from the Microsoft Download Center (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=105437).

If you run it immediately after you get a failed 25H2 installation, it will report the driver that is causing the failure. In the case of my Lenovo Gen 9 Thinkpad X1 Carbon, it reported: HVCI: “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\PxH1pa64.sys” failed with compliance failure mask 00000202 .

After some searching, I learned from Claude (https://claude.ai/new) that: "This message indicates that the driver PxH1pa64.sys is incompatible with HVCI (Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity), also known as Memory Integrity in Windows.

"What this means: "The compliance failure mask 00000202 indicates specific security requirements that the driver violates. HVCI is a Windows security feature that uses virtualization to protect critical parts of Windows from malicious code. Drivers must meet strict security standards to work with HVCI enabled.

"About the driver: PxH1pa64.sys is a Sonic/Roxio CD/DVD burning software driver. It's quite old and hasn't been updated to meet modern Windows security requirements."

I deleted PxH1pa64.sys, rebooted, ran Windows Update again, and – Lo and Behold! – 25H2 finally updated on my Gen 9 X1 Carbon.

I’m still annoyed at how much time and effort it took to discover what to do about the problem. I hope that this helps others who are having this problem.

Answer 5

The error code 0xc1900101 typically indicates a driver issue during the Windows update process. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

Update Drivers: Ensure that all your device drivers, especially graphics and network drivers, are up to date. You can do this through Device Manager or by visiting the manufacturer's website.
Disconnect Non-Essential Hardware: Sometimes, peripherals such as printers, external drives, or USB devices can cause conflicts. Disconnect any non-essential hardware before attempting the update again.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Use the built-in troubleshooter to identify and fix problems with Windows Update. You can find this in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
Free Up Disk Space: Ensure you have enough disk space available for the update. Windows updates can require significant space to install.
Check for Software Conflicts: Disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus or firewall software temporarily, as they can interfere with the update process.
Perform a Clean Boot: A clean boot can help eliminate software conflicts. You can do this by disabling all startup items and non-Microsoft services through the System Configuration tool.
Use the Media Creation Tool: If the above steps do not work, consider using the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, which can sometimes bypass installation errors.

If you continue to experience issues, you may want to consult the Microsoft support site for further assistance.

References:

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Windows 11, version 25H2 error 0xc1900101

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