Windows 11 can't install: Your device run into a problem and needs a restart

This blue screen of death error (Your device run into a problem and needs a restart) is quite common and there are many people having the same issue when installing Windows 11. Before diving into troubleshooting, confirm that your device meets all the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft requires features such as:

• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
• Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS/UEFI
• A compatible CPU (check the list provided by Microsoft)
• Sufficient RAM and storage

Please Run the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft to verify compatibility. If your system doesn’t meet the requirements, consider upgrading hardware or using Windows 10 if applicable.

In addition, an outdated or misconfigured BIOS/UEFI can cause installation issues. You need to follow the steps in below to update the BIOS:

1. Visit your motherboard or system manufacturer’s support page.
2. Download and install the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware.
3. Restart the system and check for relevant settings like Secure Boot and TPM (enable both if they’re not already).

'Your device run into a problem and needs a restart' issue should be fixed after trying the above tricks. If you still can't install Windows 11, pls contact MS support team instead.

Getting hit with that "Your device ran into a problem and needs a restart" message during a Windows 11 installation can be super frustrating. Trust me !

Disadvantages of the "Restart" Issue:

1. Time Wasted: First off, you lose time. You might have set aside a chunk of your day to upgrade, and now you're stuck in a loop of restarts. It’s like prepping for a big dinner but having your oven break halfway through.

2. Possible Data Loss: Depending on your situation, there's a risk of data corruption or loss, especially if you didn't back up everything. If files get corrupted during these restarts, it could take you ages to recover them.

3. Installation Delays: If you’re trying to get your PC ready for work or gaming, this can mess up your plans. You might have to push back deadlines or miss out on some valuable game time.

4. System Instability: Continuous failures can sometimes lead to more significant issues with your OS. You might end up with a Windows installation that’s just perpetually unstable.

If you can't install Windows 11 and the upgrade or in-place update process continues to fail, creating installation media for a clean install may resolve the issue. A fresh installation often circumvents issues like corrupted files or problematic drivers.

How to fix Your device run into a problem and needs a restart

1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.

2. Create a bootable USB drive from Windows 11 ISO.

3. Boot from the USB drive (ensure you have backups, as a clean install will erase your data).

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.

Check for Driver Updates: Ensure that all critical drivers, especially for graphics, storage controllers, and network adapters, are updated. Visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

Disable Overclocking:  If your system is overclocked (CPU or RAM), revert to default clock speeds. Overclocked systems can sometimes encounter stability issues during OS installations.

Here are some additional tips to help you solve the issue of Your device run into a problem and needs a restart during Windows 11 installation.

Repair Disk Errors

Faulty sectors or disk errors can interrupt the installation process. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Run the command:

chkdsk /f /r

Follow any prompts and restart your computer to let Windows check for disk issues.

Check for Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files on your current Windows installation might also lead to issues during an upgrade.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Run the System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

Additionally, you can use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the Windows image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your computer and then attempt the installation again.

Here are several steps you can take to try to resolve the "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart" error during the Windows 11 installation process:

1. Check Hardware Compatibility 

Ensure that your new hardware meets the Windows 11 system requirements. This includes:

• TPM 2.0
• Secure Boot capability
• Compatible CPU (check Microsoft's official list)

-Confirm that all components (RAM, CPU, GPU) are properly seated and connected.

2. Change BIOS Settings
Enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings (usually by pressing a key like Del, F2, or Esc during boot).
Ensure that:

• Secure Boot is enabled.
• TPM 2.0 is enabled.
• Set the SATA mode to AHCI instead of RAID (if applicable).

-Disable any overclocking features if enabled.

3. Use a Different USB Port
-If you're using a USB 3.0 port, try switching to a USB 2.0 port, as some motherboards might have compatibility issues during installation.

4. Create a New Bootable USB

-The issue might be with the installation media. Try creating a new bootable USB stick using the Media Creation Tool again. Make sure to select the correct version (12/64-bit) for your system.

5. Run Startup Repair

• Reboot the PC using the USB media and select "Repair your computer" instead of "Install now."
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• This process will try to fix any issues preventing Windows from booting correctly.

Sometimes third-party software, drivers, or malware can cause conflicts during installation. And this is why you saw the error "Your device run into a problem and needs a restart" when you are trying to install Windows 11 on a new PC. Here are several steps to minimize these issues.

Disconnect Unnecessary Peripherals

Disconnect all nonessential peripherals (printers, external drives, etc.) to reduce potential driver conflicts.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click Disable all.
3. Switch to the Startup tab and open Task Manager to disable startup items.
4. Restart your computer.

3. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall Software

Some security programs might interfere with the installation. Temporarily disable them, but ensure you re-enable them once the process is complete.

The above three tricks should help you fix 'Your device run into a problem and needs a restart' issue.