Fix – Windows 11 Upgrade fails with Error Code 0xc1900101

Microsoft has made Windows 11 available to all users across the globe for supported devices. Following this users have already started upgrading their PC to Windows 11. The company offers various ways to upgrade to Windows 11 and the process is super easy.

Some users reported that when they’re trying to upgrade to Windows 11 either via Windows Update or Windows 11 Installation Assistant it fails with an error code 0xc1900101.

The full error message reads We couldn’t install this update, but you can try again later (0xc1900101 )

You will see this message in Windows update

You can see similar or something related in Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Most of the time you will see error code 0xc1900101 while upgrading to Windows 11 because your device has low disk space, outdated BIOS, third-party antivirus, outdated drivers, compatibility issues between Windows 11 and apps, bugs in the latest Windows update. Apart from that, there could be other unknown reasons as well.

If you landed on this web page then it’s highly possible that you’re receiving the same error code. Fortunately, Microsoft is already aware of this error code that users are seeing while upgrading to Windows 11 and will definitely fix the issue.

Fix – Windows 11 Upgrade fails with Error Code 0xc1900101

In the meantime, you can try various solutions that we will discuss below in this post that might fix the issue.

Delete ‘SecretFilterAP’ (For Windows Insiders)

In case, you’re receiving this error code when upgrading to the latest insider build for Windows 11, then try the solution discussed below:

• Launch File Explorer by pressing the WIN + E key combination.
• Next, you need to head over to C:\Windows\System32. Here, locate SecretFilterAP.dll and delete it.
• After that reboot your computer and check if this fixes the issue.

And check if this fixes the issue. Apart from that, you can also apply this method in a stable build as well. If that works for you, then share in the comments.

Disable Third-Party Antivirus

If you’re using a third-party antivirus program in Windows 11 other than Windows Defender, then it is possible that the same antivirus installed on your PC has a compatibility issue with the update. As a result, shows the same error code.

We suggest you to temporarily disable or remove the third-party antivirus from your PC and then try upgrading to Windows 11 again.

Update Drivers

Usually, the 0xc1900101 error code appears when drivers are faulty or outdated. As you’re trying to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, then it’s highly possible that your device running outdated drivers.

So if you’re seeing the error code, then we suggest you try updating the latest drivers available, and after that try to upgrade.

• Open the Settings app on your PC by pressing the Windows + I key combo.
• In the Settings app, search for Optional Updates and open it.
• Now, download and install all the driver’s updates on your PC.

Apart from that, you can head over to the OEM website to find hardware drivers for Windows PC and install it. After that, check if you’re still facing the issue.

Check Storage

Microsoft has set a minimum of 64 GB storage space to install Windows 11. In case, your device has less storage, then it’s highly possible that the upgrade fails with the same error code.

So you need to make sure that, your device has enough storage on your PC before upgrading to Windows 11. You can confirm this directly from the File Explorer or head over to Settings > System > Storage and check how much free storage your device has.

If you’re running out of storage, then clear out some space on the disk or add some more disk space and then try to upgrade.

Disable BitLocker Encryption

If you have BitLocker encryption enabled on your PC, then your files will not be updated during the installation process. As a result, it is possible that you will receive this error code.

Some users suggested they manage to fix the issue by turning off the BitLocker encryption. Here’s how you can do that:

• Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key and searching for Control Panel and when it appears in search results click to open it.
• In the Control Panel, you need to select System and Security.
• Here, head over to BitLocker Drive Encryption and then click on the Manage Bitlocker link listed under it.
• Now, turn off the BitLocker Encryption.

After that, reboot your computer and check if this fixes the issue.

Update BIOS

Sometimes you can receive this error code due to outdated BIOS on your device. In this situation, you should try to update BIOS.

The process to update BIOS is different for all the motherboards, so you can check the guide that came along with your motherboard or with your laptop to update the BIOS to the latest version.

Or you can head over to the device manufacturer’s website to learn the exact steps.

After updating the BIOS, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 11 without facing the Windows 11-Error 0xc1900101.

Clean Install Windows 11

If you made up to this line, then it’s highly possible that no solution suggested above helps in fixing the issue, then we suggest you to perform a clean installation of Windows 11.

So these are possible ways that you can apply on your PC when you’re unable to upgrade Windows 11 due to error code 0xc1900101.

Why don’t you try these solutions and let us know which method worked to help in fixing the issue? Apart from that, if we fail to fix the solution that helped you, then don’t hesitate to share with us in the comments.