Forum Discussion
How can I find out what driver is blocking Windows Update?
OK so I've been trying to update Win 11 to 23H2 for well over a year now. It keeps failing with the generic code 0XC1900101. If the update process can detect an incompatible driver should it not be able to tell me what it is? This is so stupid. I would like some help in finding the offending driver. Please don't waste time with the generic AI or tier 1 helpdesk response. My drivers, software, firmware, and BIOS are all updated. I have uninstalled as much software as I can but still no success. I have no non-working devices/drivers in Device manager. I run NO AV software other than Windows Security. No flags or problems on anything including device security. I have searched for programs that interfere with the 23h2 update. I removed the one I had which was iCloud. I have run PC Health and it is useless as it does not detect any issues. I have run update troubleshooter. It detects a problem but won't tell me what it is of course. It states that it fixed the problem but obviously it does not. There has to be a log file somewhere with the info. Just point me to it please.
P.S. I know there is a dedicated help community. However, when I try to post my question, I get the typical Microsoft generic useless error "oops something went wrong" with no indication of what the problem is. On 3 different browsers too.
2 Replies
Navigate to:
C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\
Look for these files:
setuperr.log: Contains errors encountered during the update process.
setupact.log: Contains a detailed activity log of the update.
Copy these files to a separate folder (e.g., on your Desktop) for easier analysis, as the $WINDOWS.~BT folder may be locked.
Open setuperr.log and search for:
Error (To look for any entries mentioning drivers (.sys files) or hardware issues.)
In setupact.log, search for:
Blocking driver (This will often point to a specific .sys file (e.g., xxxxx.sys) that is causing the issue.)
Once you identify the offending .sys file, locate it on your system: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
Right-click the file and check its Properties > Details to see the manufacturer and version
Visit the manufacturer’s website to update the driver.
If no update is available, temporarily uninstall the driver:
Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
Locate the associated device, right-click, and choose Uninstall
Download SetupDiag and run:
command Prompt:
SetupDiag.exe
(This will generate a report (SetupDiagResults.log) in the same folder as the tool.)If the issue persists and the driver cannot be replaced or removed:
Restart your PC and press F8 or Shift + F8 to enter the Advanced Boot Menu.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Select the option to Disable driver signature enforcement and attempt the update again.
If All Else Fails, then disable all non-Microsoft startup items and services:
Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
Reboot and try the update.
Remember:
Before removing drivers or attempting the update, create a system restore point or backup your data.
Check Hardware: Sometimes hardware like outdated peripherals (e.g., printers, docking stations) may cause update issues.Looks like it may not be a driver after all. I found no entries that you described. I still cannot post in the help forum which is really frustrating I keep getting errors. I've included links for setupact.log and setuperr.log if that helps. I also provided the user accounts (Skidd and Dream are odd and not shown anywhere in account management - probably long time holdovers from when my kids had windows accounts on my computer).
Log files are in my public OneDrive here: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AnZNC_SIOfw5hGhTBqONZYF5ZSE3?e=MH7Q5m
Any help would be appreciated.
