Common Windows 11 Installation Errors and Their Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Updated)

Common Windows 11 Installation Errors and Their Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Updated)
Migrating to Windows 11 is an exciting upgrade, but the installation process can sometimes be interrupted by unexpected errors. These issues often arise from a variety of causes, including hardware incompatibility, corrupted installation files, or incorrect disk configurations. This guide will detail the most common errors encountered during a Windows 11 installation and provide actionable, step-by-step solutions to help you resolve them.

Part 1: The Most Frequent Installation Errors and Their Solutions
Error: “This PC can’t run Windows 11”

Cause: This is the most common error, indicating that your system does not meet Windows 11’s core requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, compatible CPU, etc.).

Решение:

Check TPM and Secure Boot: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI menu. Look for the TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot settings, usually under a “Security” or “Boot” tab, and ensure they are both enabled.

Run PC Health Check: Use Microsoft’s official PC Health Check app to get a detailed report on which specific requirement is not met. This will help you pinpoint the exact problem.

Error: “The disk is not of the GPT partition style” or “MBR Issue”

Cause: Windows 11 requires the GPT (GUID Partition Table) disk style on UEFI systems. If your disk uses the older MBR (Master Boot Record) style, you will receive this error.

Решение:

Convert the Disk to GPT: You can convert the disk to GPT using the command prompt during the installation.

On the installation screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.

Type diskpart and press Enter.

Type list disk to find your disk.

Type select disk 0 (assuming Disk 0 is your target disk, be careful) and press Enter.

IMPORTANT: This will erase all data on the disk. Type clean and press Enter.

Type convert gpt and press Enter.

Type exit to close the command prompt and restart the installation.

Error Code 0x8007007F

Cause: This error is often linked to issues with the USB installation media itself or a problem with the USB port you are using.

Решение:

Try a Different USB Port: Use a different USB port, preferably a USB 2.0 port, as some USB 3.0 ports can cause compatibility issues with older motherboards.

Recreate Installation Media: Your installation media may be corrupted. Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to recreate the bootable USB drive, ensuring you format the drive first.

Error Code 0xC1900101

Cause: This is a generic rollback error, often caused by a driver incompatibility or a system-level issue that prevents the upgrade from completing successfully.

Решение:

Update Drivers: Before attempting the installation again, ensure all your hardware drivers (especially graphics, chipset, and network drivers) are up-to-date.

Disconnect Unnecessary Hardware: Disconnect any non-essential peripherals, such as printers, external drives, and even extra monitors, during the installation.

Error Code 0x800F081F

Cause: This error is typically related to missing or corrupted Windows Update components and source files. It often occurs during an in-place upgrade.

Решение:

Run DISM and SFC: Before attempting the upgrade, run these two commands in an elevated Command Prompt to repair system files.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter: Go to “Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters” and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Error: Device Restarts or Freezes During Setup

Cause: This can be a sign of a hardware problem (e.g., faulty RAM stick, bad sector on the hard drive) or overheating.

Решение:

Check Hardware Components: Run a memory test (Windows Memory Diagnostic) to check your RAM. If possible, test your hard drive for errors. Ensure your CPU and other components are not overheating.

Recreate Installation Media: A corrupted USB drive can also cause random freezes.

Error: Installation Media is Not Visible in Boot Menu

Cause: The computer is not recognizing the USB as a bootable device.

Решение:

Check Boot Order: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, go to the “Boot” tab and ensure the USB drive is at the top of the boot priority list.

Verify USB Format: Ensure the USB drive was formatted as FAT32. Some older systems may not recognize an NTFS-formatted boot drive.

Part 2: General Troubleshooting Steps
If the specific solutions above do not work, try these universal troubleshooting methods:

Recreate the Installation Media: Always try to create the bootable USB drive again, perhaps using a different USB port or even a new USB stick, to rule out media corruption.

Check BIOS/UEFI Settings: Restore your BIOS/UEFI settings to their default values. Sometimes, custom settings can interfere with the installation process.

Perform a Clean Installation: If you are trying to upgrade and are getting errors, a clean installation is often the most reliable method. It requires a backup of all your data but bypasses many upgrade-related issues.