How to fix update error "Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0xC1900101: Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update (26220.9022)."

Murad Gurbanov 0 Reputation points
2026-08-16T09:20:31.22+00:00

Tried to remove all known additional devices. In device manager no Unknown devices shown. Tried to update couple moth already, no luck. Urgently need hellp, to try any other options to update, but not with clean install.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Install, activate, and Windows update
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  1. Alex-L 12,555 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-18T14:12:22.82+00:00

    Hi Murad Gurbanov

    Since you've already removed additional devices and Device Manager looks clean, it may be worth checking the upgrade logs to identify the specific driver or setup phase that is failing. Error 0xC1900101 is a generic rollback code and often requires the setup logs to determine the actual cause. Look for:

    • C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setuperr.log
    • C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log
    • C:\Windows\Logs\MoSetup\BlueBox.log

    Also verify that your BIOS/UEFI firmware, chipset, storage controller (Intel RST/VMD, AMD RAID, NVMe), graphics, Wi‑Fi, and Bluetooth drivers are up to date from the PC or motherboard manufacturer, as these are common causes of 0xC1900101 upgrade rollbacks.

    If you have ever used tools or tweaks that modify storage, boot, or feature configuration (for example NVMe driver tweaks or ViveTool feature modifications), consider reverting those changes before retrying. Community reports show some Insider update failures were resolved after such changes were reversed.

    If the update still fails, posting the exact extended error code (for example 0xC1900101-0x30018) and the last lines from setuperr.log would help narrow down the offending driver or component.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-16T09:20:48.5366667+00:00

    0xC1900101 is usually a driver-related upgrade failure. Since external devices were already removed and Device Manager shows no unknown devices, the next supported steps are:

    1. Make sure there is enough free space
      • Windows upgrade needs at least 16 GB free for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit.
      • If storage is low, free space and try the update again.
    2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Run Windows Update.
      • Restart the PC after it finishes.
      • Then go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    3. Install all available Windows and driver updates
      • Run Windows Update multiple times until no more updates are offered.
      • This includes hardware and third-party driver updates.
    4. Check third-party drivers from the hardware manufacturer
      • Even without unknown devices, outdated third-party drivers can still cause 0xC1900101.
      • Check the manufacturer site for updated drivers for added hardware.
    5. Temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus or security software
      • Non-Microsoft security software can block upgrades.
      • Before uninstalling, make sure installation media and product keys are available.
      • Risk: protection is reduced until reinstalled, though Windows Security/Defender can protect the device in the meantime.
    6. Do a clean boot, then retry the update
      • A clean boot starts Windows without third-party apps and services.
      • This is specifically recommended in similar 0xC1900101 cases.
      • Important: in the clean boot steps, enable Hide all Microsoft Services before selecting Disable all.
    7. Repair disk errors
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run: 
             chkdsk /f C:
      • Restart when prompted.
      • Risk: this requires admin rights and may take time during restart.
    8. Repair Windows image files
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • Then retry the update.
    9. Reset Windows Update components by renaming update folders
      • Microsoft marks this as an advanced step and recommends it only when comfortable with command-line work.
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one at a time: 
             net stop bits
     net stop wuauserv
     ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
     ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
     net start bits
     net start wuauserv
      • Restart the PC and try the update again.
      • Risk: this is an advanced troubleshooting step requiring administrator permissions.

    A practical order for this case:

    1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
    2. Install all pending Windows and driver updates.
    3. Temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus.
    4. Clean boot and retry the Insider update.
    5. If it still fails, run chkdsk /f C: and DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
    6. If needed, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders and try again.

    If the update still fails after that, the supported context only confirms that 0xC1900101 remains a driver-related issue and that clean boot is a commonly accepted next step short of a clean install.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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