Failed to upgrade from windows 10 or 22h2 to windows 11 pro,error message 0xC1900101 - 0x30018 - the installation failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSPREP_SPECIALIZE

Question

I am trying to upgrade to windows 11 pro , current windows is 10 or 22h2 ,I have tried upgrading using Windows11InstallationAssistant and Win11_25H2_English_x64_v2 iso version however upgrade fails and I get a message saying undoing changes made to your computer ,then windows 10 boots ,I got the error message 0xC1900101 - 0x30018 - the installation failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSPREP_SPECIALIZE as well kindly advise a fix for this

log files uploaded to the below link

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/hepuz5qf5znng/log+files

Screenshot 2026-07-24 020745.png

Answer 1

Thanks!

Try performing an in-place upgrade. If that doesn't work, you will need to perform a clean install (which is recommended).

1. Create an Installation Media. You will need the following items: 

• A Flash Drive of 8GB or more. 
• Another computer with internet access. 

ATTENTION: Back up the files on your Flash Drive to a safe location, as the Flash Drive will be formatted. 

2. Download the Media Creation Tools from the link below. 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11?msockid=3590798658a5614e31406dbf59bb60ff 

3. Open Media Creation Tools > In the Permission Window, select "Yes". 
4. Accept the Terms > In the next window, check the option "Create Installation Media (USB Flash Drive, DVD, or ISO File) for another PC" > Continue. 
5. In "Choose how the Media will be used", select the option "USB Flash Drive" > Select the Flash Drive > Continue > Wait for the Installation Media to be created. 
6. When finished, open File Explorer (WINDOWS + E) > This PC > Double-click the Installation Media > Click Setup. 
7. Continue and install the new version of Windows. 

Answer 2

Hello Manoel,

my computer meets all the requirements for windows 11 ,attached screen shot from Whynot W11Screenshot 2026-07-24 152920.png

I have also removed all third party software and usb sticks but however the same error pops up and migration fails

Answer 3

Hi!

Based on error log analysis, it could be a problem with drivers, corrupted system files, or third-party software. Something is interfering with the migration. Before anything else, use WhyNotW11 to see if your computer meets all the requirements (in addition to your computer's specifications).

• Download the utility below and submit a screenshot.

https://github.com/rcmaehl/WhyNotWin11/releases/download/2.0.1/WhyNotWin11.exe

DISCLAIMER: This is not a Microsoft website, but it provides accurate and safe information. Be aware of ads that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Please research any product advertised on the site before deciding to download and install it.

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It is also worth trying the following:

1. Uninstall any banking apps, third-party antivirus software (such as Avast, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc.), or VPNs. Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Find and select the third-party apps > Click Uninstall.
2. Remove any flash drives (USB sticks), printers, headphones, security tokens, or other USB peripherals. Keep only the mouse and keyboard connected.