Windows 11 installation failed: detailed causes and solutions

Have you ever tried to update or install Windows 11 and gotten that frustrating error message saying the installation failed? You're not alone: ​​hundreds of users encounter problems every day during the update or installation process, with no obvious cause. There are a multitude of factors that can block you from upgrading to the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, but the good news is that most of them can be fixed.

In this article, we'll explain in detail all the causes that can lead to Windows 11 installation errors and, most importantly, we'll show you how to solve them step by step. We will show you everything from the requirements your computer must meet to the most common errors that usually appear, and we will give you a clear guide with the main solutions so that you can install or update Windows 11 without headaches. We've put special emphasis on practical details and often overlooked tips, so this article is your ultimate reference for solving these problems.

Main reasons why Windows 11 installation fails

Windows 11 installation failure is a generic message, but it is usually caused by one of several specific reasons. To properly install the system, you must ensure that your PC meets all official requirements and that there are no other obstacles related to hardware, software, or internal configuration. Below, we break down the most common causes of this problem:

• Minimum requirements not met: One of the most common failures is that the computer does not have any of the necessary components: processor, sufficient RAM, storage, TPM 2.0 chip, Boot Secure Boot or a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card.
• Insufficient free disk space: Windows 11 requires at least 64 GB of free space to install successfully. If you're short on storage, the installation may fail mid-process.
• Connected external devices: Sometimes, the presence of external hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, printers, or other peripherals can interfere with the installation and cause unexpected errors.
• Outdated or incompatible drivers: Old or corrupt drivers, especially those related to graphics, storage, or network, can cause error codes during the process.
• Defective ISO files or downloads corrupt: If you attempt to install from a corrupted installation file or an unofficial ISO, the update is likely to hang or fail.
• Incorrect settings in UEFI/BIOS: Parameters such as the disk partition type (MBR instead of GPT), disabled TPM or disabled Secure Boot are common causes of errors.
• Failure in Windows Update services or internal components: If certain services or components of Windows Update are disabled, damaged or missing Temporary files key, the update may be blocked.
• Errors due to internet connection problems or interruptions during download: An unstable connection can result in incomplete download of necessary files and cause errors.
• Malware interference: Presence of viruses or malware on the computer that prevents the services necessary to install Windows 11 from working properly.

What technical requirements must your computer meet to install Windows 11?

Make sure your computer meets the minimum specifications set by Microsoft. It doesn't matter if your PC was compatible with previous versions of Windows; Windows 11 has raised the bar, especially when it comes to security. The main requirements are:

• Processor: Two 1 GHz or faster cores, and 64-bit support.
• RAM: 4 GB minimum.
• Storage: At least 64GB free on your primary drive.
• System Firmware: It must be UEFI and support Secure Boot.
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module): It is mandatory to have TPM 2.0.
• Graphic card: DirectX 12 or higher support and WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: It must be at least 9 inches and 720p resolution.
• Internet connection and a Microsoft account: For initial setup and subsequent updates.

If you don't have some of these elements, the chances of the installation failing are very high.

Most common errors and messages during Windows 11 installation

During the process, various error codes and messages may appear that give us clues about the origin of the problem. These are the most common:

• "Windows 11 installation failed": Generic message, usually related to unmet requirements, compatibility errors, or problems with the storage unit.
• "This computer can't run Windows 11": Indicates that one or more hardware requirements are not met.
• Code 0xC1900101: Very common error related to faulty or incompatible drivers.
• Error in safe_OS phase: It may be a consequence of connected peripherals, corrupt drivers, configurations BIOS incorrect or lack of disk space.
• "There is not enough space for the update": Storage is too low to complete the update.

The key is to identify, based on the message and the context, what the cause is in order to attack it precisely.

Preliminary steps and basic tips to resolve the installation error

Before you jump into trying advanced solutions, it's a good idea to check a few simple details that often solve the problem directly:

• Remove all unnecessary external devices: Disconnect external hard drives, SD cards, printers, and anything else that isn't essential. In many cases, this will unlock the installation.
• Free disk space: Use Disk Cleanup, delete temporary files, delete unused apps, and make sure you have at least 64GB free.
• Back up your important files: In any critical process, protect your data from possible failures or unexpected losses.
• Restart the computer: A reboot may unblock interfering background processes.
• Check your Internet connection: Make sure it is stable before starting the process.

Relying on these tips can save you time on complex steps if the error was due to something simple.

How to check and troubleshoot hardware compatibility issues

The main obstacle is often the technical requirements. We'll explain how to check them and what to do if you don't meet them:

• Compatibility Checker: Use tools like Microsoft's PC Health Checker or specialized third-party utilities to verify your computer is within specifications.
• Disk partition type: Windows 11 requires the disk you're installing it on to be in GPT format, not MBR. You can convert it using partitioning utilities (e.g., EaseUS Partition Master) if necessary.
• Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0: Access your computer's BIOS/UEFI by restarting and pressing the appropriate key (F2, Delete, Esc, etc., depending on the manufacturer). Once inside, look for the security or advanced options section to enable Secure Boot and TPM. The specific options may vary:
  • On ASUS: 'Trusted Computing' section, enable 'TPM Support.'
  • In MSI: 'Trusted Computing', change 'Security Device Support' to Enable.
  • En Lenovo: In the 'Security' menu, find 'Security Chip Selection' and select the appropriate option based on your processor.
  • At HP: Security section, activate 'TPM State' in Enable.
  • At Dell: Security Options, enable 'TPM Firmware'.

Always make sure to save your changes before exiting the BIOS/UEFI.

Detailed solutions for the most common errors when installing or updating Windows 11

1. Free up space on the C drive

If your problem is lack of space, use Disk Cleanup:

1. Open Disk Cleanup (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Select drive C and click OK.
3. Check the files you want to delete and confirm.
4. Repeat the process until you are sure you have enough space.

Another option is to extend the C partition using a partition manager.

2. Restart the computer

Many temporary errors are fixed simply by restarting the computer before and after attempting the installation.

3. Use the Windows Update troubleshooter

1. Go to Windows 11 Settings.
2. Go to 'System' and search for 'Troubleshoot'.
3. Select 'Other troubleshooters' and run the 'Windows Update' one.
4. Restart your computer after completing the process.

This tool detects and repairs errors related to update services.

4. Update or uninstall conflicting drivers

1. Open the Device administrator.
2. Locate devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
3. Uninstall (if it is an old graphics card) or update its drivers.
4. Restart your computer before attempting the installation again.

Above all, update your GPU, storage, and network drivers.

5. Run system file checks

If you suspect there is corrupt files:

1. Open the Symbol of the system as administrator.
2. Run sfc / scannow to find and repair corrupted system files.
3. Next, run the following commands to have DISM repair the system image:
   • DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / CheckHealth
   • DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / ScanHealth
   • DISM / Online / Cleanup Image / RestoreHealth

6. Reset Windows Update components

If the error appears to be in the update services themselves, you can restart them manually from the command console (DCM) as administrator:

• Stop services with:
  • net stop bits
  • net stop wuauerv
  • net stop appidsvc
  • net stop cryptsvc
• Rename the temporary folders:
  • ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• Reactivate the services:
  • net start bits
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start appidsvc
  • net start cryptsvc

Reboot and try the installation again.

7. Install Windows 11 from a clean, official ISO

If you suspect that the installation file is corrupted:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from the official Microsoft website.
2. Create an installation USB with programs like Rufus or Microsoft's own creator.
3. Boot your computer from that USB to perform a clean install or reinstall the operating system.

Avoid using modified ISOs or those downloaded from unofficial sites, as they often cause problems.

8. Migrate the operating system to a new SSD

On computers with older or faulty hard drives, the upgrade may fail. If you have an SSD available, migrate your system before proceeding. Specialized tools can help you clone and transfer your Windows installation.

9. Update from a USB drive as a last resort solution

If none of the above works, creating a bootable USB is the final step. Connect it, restart your computer, and boot from the USB to proceed with the clean install, selecting your language and following the on-screen wizard.

What to do if your computer doesn't meet the requirements and you can't install Windows 11?

If you've finally confirmed that your PC doesn't meet the Windows 11 requirements (due to hardware, BIOS, or lack of TPM/Secure Boot), here are your options:

• Upgrade key components such as RAM, disk, or graphics whenever possible.
• Enable security options in BIOS/UEFI if they are present but disabled (Secure Boot, TPM, GPT).
• Explore advanced (risky and not recommended) alternatives, such as modifying the registry to bypass checks, which carry the risk of compatibility issues and lack of support.
• If all else fails, keep Windows 10 until you upgrade, as it will continue to receive updates until October 2025.

If you install Windows 11 on an unsupported computer, you'll lose Microsoft support and may experience update issues in the future.