Fix 0xc1900101 0x4000d Error During Windows 10 Upgrade

If you see error code 0xc1900101 0x4000d while upgrading or updating Windows 10, it usually means the installation rolled back because a driver or system component caused a problem. This guide explains the likely causes and gives you step-by-step fixes that work for most people, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced solutions.

What Does 0xc1900101 0x4000d Mean?

The error code is part of Windows Setup’s rollback mechanism. When the upgrade process encounters a critical failure—often a driver that crashes, a corrupted system file, or insufficient disk space—Windows restores your previous version and shows this code. The 0x4000d portion specifically points to a driver-related failure during the installation phase. It is not a hardware failure; it’s a software conflict that prevents the upgrade from completing.

Before You Start: Prepare Your System

These steps reduce the chance of the error recurring. Do them all before attempting the upgrade again.

• Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage. Upgrades can fail in rare cases, and a backup protects your data.
• Free up disk space. Windows 10 needs at least 20 GB free for a 64-bit upgrade, but more is safer. Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files.
• Uninstall third-party antivirus temporarily. Security software can interfere with the upgrade process. Reinstall it after the upgrade completes.
• Disconnect non-essential peripherals like printers, external drives, and USB hubs. They can cause driver conflicts.
• Ensure your PC is plugged in (if a laptop) and has a stable internet connection.

Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically fix common update issues.

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may take a few minutes.
5. Restart your PC and try the upgrade again.

Fix 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Since the error is driver-related, updating or rolling back drivers often resolves it. Focus on graphics, network, and chipset drivers, as these are the most common culprits.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and System devices.
3. Right-click each device and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
4. If no update is found, try Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver if the option is available (this reverts to a previous version that worked).
5. Repeat for all critical devices, then restart and try the upgrade.

Fix 3: Use the Media Creation Tool

Sometimes the Windows Update service has corrupted files. Using the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade bypasses that service and often succeeds.

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
3. Follow the prompts. The tool will download the latest version of Windows 10 and install it, keeping your files and apps.
4. If it fails, you can also create a bootable USB drive and boot from it, then choose Install now > Keep personal files and apps.

Fix 4: Check for Corrupted System Files

Corruption in system files can cause the upgrade to fail. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair them.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. It will repair any corrupted system files it finds.
3. If SFC finds issues it cannot fix, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Restart your PC and try the upgrade again.

Fix 5: Disable Secure Boot and TPM (Temporarily)

Some users report that disabling Secure Boot and TPM in the BIOS/UEFI settings resolves the error. This is a more advanced step, so proceed with caution.

1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, Del, or Esc during boot—check your manufacturer’s website).
2. Find Secure Boot and set it to Disabled.
3. Find TPM (or Intel PTT/AMD fTPM) and set it to Disabled.
4. Save changes and exit. Try the upgrade again.
5. After the upgrade, re-enable both in the BIOS, as they are required for Windows 11 and some security features.

Fix 6: Clean Boot and Perform a Repair Install

If nothing else works, a clean boot isolates the issue, and a repair install (in-place upgrade) replaces all Windows files without deleting personal data.

1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Go to Startup > Open Task Manager, disable all startup items, then restart.
4. Try the upgrade again. If it succeeds, re-enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.
5. If it still fails, download the Media Creation Tool again and choose Upgrade this PC now, but this time select Keep personal files and apps to perform a repair install.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this error damage my PC?

No. The error is a rollback mechanism that restores your previous Windows version. Your files and settings remain intact, though the upgrade is not applied.

Do I need to reinstall Windows from scratch?

Only as a last resort. The fixes above resolve the issue for most users. A clean install will erase all your files and apps, so try every other option first.

Why does this error happen after a failed driver update?

Windows Setup checks for driver compatibility during the upgrade. If a driver crashes or causes a blue screen, the setup rolls back to avoid leaving your system in an unstable state.

Can I skip the upgrade and stay on my current version?

Yes, but Microsoft eventually ends support for older versions, which means no more security updates. It’s safer to resolve the error and upgrade when possible.

Is the Media Creation Tool safe to use?

Yes, it’s an official Microsoft tool. It downloads the latest Windows 10 version and performs an in-place upgrade, keeping your files and apps.

Will disabling Secure Boot cause problems?

It’s temporary and should be re-enabled after the upgrade. Some security features may not work while it’s disabled, but your PC will still boot normally.

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