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QuincyEvergreen's avatar
QuincyEvergreen
Iron Contributor
Apr 08, 2025

How to fix 'Windows 11 installation has failed' issue?

I am trying to install Windows 11 over my old Windows 10 OS. The USB was made by Windows 11 Media Creation Tool. Everything went fine when booting my PC from the USB. I selected the Windows 11 version, the target disk and Windows 11 started installation. All of sudden, en error comes up, saying:

 

Windows 11 installation has failed

 

Is there a way to fix 'Windows 11 installation has failed' issue currently? I am using the latest Windows 11 24H2 ISO.

 

  • KellenCash's avatar
    KellenCash
    Iron Contributor

    I recommend SetupDiag, a free diagnostic tool provided by Microsoft, which needs to be downloaded from the official website and is completely free. It is used to analyze the logs of failed Windows 11 installations to find out the exact cause of the error .It is highly specialized and suitable for users with a certain technical base. After running to generate a detailed report without a graphical interface, command line operation, the first use may be slightly complicated to analyze the logs about 1-5 minutes, depending on the size of the logs, but do not worry I will tell you how to solve Windows 11 installation has failed problem with this free app!

    1.Visit Microsoft's official website.

    2. Download the latest version of SetupDiag.exe and save the file to your desktop or other easy-to-find location.

    3. Press Windows + S, search for cmd, right-click and select Run as administrator.

    4. At the command prompt, type cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop

    Press Enter and the command line will display the new path.

    5. Type SetupDiag.exe and press Enter the tool will automatically scan the installation log, the process will take about 1-5 minutes.

    6. After completion, the desktop will generate a SetupDiagResults.log file Double-click to open the file
    Find Error or Failure section, record the error code

    7. Copy the error code to your browser and search for it like this Windows 11 0xC1900101

    8. Fix the problem according to Microsoft's documentation or forum suggestions and then restart your computer and re-run the Windows 11 installer.

    This is a quite effect way to fix Windows 11 installation has failed error during install!

  • MemphisBlue's avatar
    MemphisBlue
    Iron Contributor

    I have an old laptop that also failed to update asked the official he recommended me Windows Update Troubleshooter that comes with Windows, no additional downloads, completely free for Windows 10/11. He was able to resolve Windows 11 installation has failed problem, especially related to updates or corrupted installation files There's a place in the process of using it where you need to use the command But don't worry I'll show you how to do it!

    The steps are as follows to fix Windows 11 installation has failed:

    Step 1: On the keyboard press the Windows key + I key combination laptop will automatically pop-up settings.

    Step 2: On the left side of the Settings window click on System and scroll down on the right side to find and click on Troubleshooting.

    Step 3: Once you are on the page, tap on Other Troubleshooting option

    Step 4: In the Other Troubleshooting list, click on Run button next to Windows Update

    Step 5: The tool will automatically start scanning and it may take 1-3 minutes for the screen to show that it is detecting the problem, so please be patient.

    Step 6: If a problem is detected the tool will prompt to apply this fix optionally skip this fix click on Apply this fix and then click on Continue If no problem is detected it will say No problem found.

    Step 7: Close Troubleshooting Press Windows Key + R, type shutdown /r and Enter to restart your computer.

    Step 8: After restarting, open Settings > System > Windows Update click Check for updates or re-run the Windows 11 installer.

  • OhioValley's avatar
    OhioValley
    Iron Contributor

    If you are encountering the "Windows 11 installation has failed" error message during the installation process, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. Here's a guide on how to fix "Windows 11 installation has failed" issues:

    1. If the upgrade fails, download the Windows 11 ISO file and use it to create a bootable USB drive. You can use tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.

    2. Run the Windows 11 Setup in Clean Boot Mode

    • Perform a Clean Boot to minimize background services:
    • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    • In the System Configuration window, select the Services tab.
    • Check "Hide all Microsoft services", then click "Disable all".
    • Go to the Startup tab and click "Open Task Manager". Disable all startup items.
    • Restart the computer and try the installation again.

     

    3. Run a system file check to identify and fix any corruption that might be causing the issue:

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    • Run the command: sfc /scannow.

     

    4. If the installation fails, you can check the Windows Update logs for errors:

    • Go to C:\Windows\Panther\ and look for the setup log files to identify any specific issues.

     

    5. If the installation files are corrupted, use the DISM tool to repair the Windows image:

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    • Run the command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
  • When the Windows 11 installation has failed, it can be a real downer. Here are some of the not-so-fun consequences of a failed install that I’ve seen people go through, if the Windows 11 installation has failed, you might end up with a PC that’s stuck in limbo. It can take time to troubleshoot and get things back up and running, which is a bummer if you need your computer for work or streaming that new series everyone’s talking about. Sometimes, a failed installation can leave remnants of Windows 11 on your system, which can create conflicts with your current operating system. You might end up with apps crashing or other weird glitches that can drive you nuts.

    Let’s be real; tech issues are frustrating as all get out. A failed install can lead to a cycle of stress, trying again and again, and just wanting to chuck your computer out the window (though, please don’t do that). It can really mess with your day. If the installation fails but you try to keep using Windows 10, you might run into issues where certain features or updates for Windows 10 become incompatible or limited because they expect you to upgrade to Windows 11. It’s like being stuck between two worlds!

  • ElaineLuria's avatar
    ElaineLuria
    Iron Contributor

    Dealing with a Windows 11 installation has failed can be super frustrating! I’ve been there, and even though I can’t install Windows myself, I’ve seen a ton of advice and tips that really help. 


    1. First off, make sure your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11. Sometimes it’s the little things like your CPU, RAM, or even not having TPM 2.0 enabled that can trip you up. Double-check that your system is all good to go.
    2. Windows 11 needs a fair bit of space to install. If your drive is full, that could definitely cause headaches. Clear out some old files or apps you don’t need. You can also use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to help with that.
    3. Sometimes you just gotta give it another shot. Restart your PC and try running the setup again. Sometimes the installation just gets funky and a little reboot can sort it out.
    4. Make sure your current version of Windows is fully updated. Head to Settings > Update & Security and see if there are any updates pending. An outdated system can throw a wrench in the installation process.
    5. If you’ve got a bunch of USB devices, printers, or other peripherals hooked up, try unplugging them. They can sometimes interfere with the installation. Just keep your mouse and keyboard connected and see if that helps.
    6. If you tried the upgrade and it didn’t work, consider using a bootable USB drive or DVD. You can create this using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Boot from that and install Windows 11 that way.

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