I keep getting error code 0xc1900101

Question

I have run out of time and heard from no one. I keep getting the same error code over and over again. I do all the steps and still get nowhere. What am I supposed to do???????? I am so frustrated by all of this. Is there no one who can help me???

Answer 1

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

I understand that you are having trouble upgrading your PC.

To better assist you, we would like to know the following information:

Type 'Winver' in the search bar on the taskbar and click Enter.

Post a screenshot of the resulting dialog box.

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Answer 2

0xC1900101 usually indicates a driver-related upgrade or installation problem.

Work through these steps in order:

1. Check free space
   • Make sure the device has at least 16 GB free for 32-bit Windows or 20 GB free for 64-bit Windows.
2. Run Windows Update again
   • Install all available updates, including hardware and third-party driver updates.
   • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter if Windows Update is failing.
3. Update or remove problematic drivers
   • Open Device Manager from the taskbar search.
   • Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
   • Right-click the device and choose Update Driver Software or Uninstall.
4. Disconnect nonessential hardware
   • Remove external drives, USB devices, docks, printers, and other peripherals not needed for basic use.
   • Keep only essential devices such as keyboard, mouse, and display.
5. Temporarily remove third-party security software
   • Uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus or anti-malware software before retrying the upgrade.
   • Make sure installation media or product keys are available before removal.
6. Do a clean boot before retrying the update
   • Sign in as administrator.
   • Search for msconfig and open System Configuration.
   • Go to Services > check Hide all Microsoft services > select Disable all.
   • Go to Startup > Open Task Manager.
   • Disable each startup item.
   • Close Task Manager, select OK, and restart.
   • After restart, try the update again.
7. Check the disk for errors
   • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   • Run:

          chkdsk /f C:
     

   • Restart if prompted.
   • Note: this requires administrator permissions.
8. Repair system files
   • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   • Run:

          DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
     

   • Note: this requires administrator permissions.
9. If the specific error is 0xC1900101-0x20017
   • Disable third-party antivirus and anti-malware.
   • Remove or reconfigure software known to conflict, such as CrowdStrike.
   • Check for unsigned drivers:
     • Open an administrative Command Prompt.
     • Run sigverif.
     • In File Signature Verification, select Start.
     • Review any unsigned drivers found, then update, reinstall, or uninstall the affected driver before retrying the upgrade.
10. During setup, if prompted with “Download and install updates”

• In a clean boot scenario, select it when instructed for the clean restart flow.
• If nonessential hardware has been disabled or removed, make sure that option is disabled to avoid driver conflicts.

If the device is on Windows 10, note that support ended on October 14, 2025, and moving to Windows 11 is recommended.

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References:

• Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
• Upgrade fails and generates error code 0xC1900101-0x20017