Fix Windows 10 Error 0xc1900107: Step-by-Step

Windows 10 error 0xc1900107 typically appears during a feature update or upgrade, stopping the installation and rolling back your system. The fix usually involves clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, and ensuring enough free disk space before retrying the update. Below are the exact steps to resolve it, along with the background on why this error occurs and how to prevent it from coming back.

What Causes Error 0xc1900107?

Error 0xc1900107 is part of the 0xc190010x family of Windows Update errors, which are almost always related to the upgrade process failing during the installation phase. The most common triggers are:

• Corrupted update cache: The SoftwareDistribution folder, where Windows stores downloaded updates, can become corrupted or contain incomplete files.
• Insufficient disk space: Feature updates need a significant amount of free space (around 20 GB for a typical upgrade) to unpack and install. If your drive is nearly full, the process fails.
• Conflicting third-party software: Antivirus tools, disk cleanup utilities, or even some drivers can interfere with the update process.
• Pending updates or a stuck Windows Update service: If a previous update is still in a pending state, the new update may fail to start.
• Corrupted system files: Underlying system file corruption can prevent the upgrade from completing.

Before You Start: Prerequisites and Precautions

Before attempting any fix, take these safety steps to avoid data loss and make the process smoother:

• Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage. While the fixes below are non-destructive, any system-level repair carries a small risk.
• Ensure at least 20 GB of free space on your system drive (C:). You can check this in File Explorer under “This PC”.
• Unplug non-essential USB devices (printers, external drives, etc.) that might interfere with the update.
• Make sure your PC is plugged into power if it’s a laptop.
• Disable your antivirus temporarily – but remember to re-enable it after the update. Windows Defender will keep you safe during the process.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Error 0xc1900107

Try these in order. The first few are the most likely to resolve the error without needing more drastic measures.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Update & Security.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the left menu.
3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. It will automatically detect and fix common issues like corrupted cache or stuck services.
6. Restart your PC and try the update again.

2. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This is the most direct fix for corrupted update cache. The folder contains downloaded updates; clearing it forces Windows to re-download them cleanly.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select Stop.
3. Also stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) – right-click and select Stop.
4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
5. Delete everything inside this folder. If some files are in use, restart your PC and try again (or use Safe Mode).
6. Go back to services.msc, right-click Windows Update and BITS, and select Start.
7. Restart your PC and try the update again.

3. Free Up Disk Space

Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and old Windows installations.

1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and open it.
2. Select your system drive (usually C:).
3. Click Clean up system files.
4. Check all categories, especially Windows Update Cleanup and Previous Windows installations.
5. Click OK to delete the files.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools repair corrupted system files that might be blocking the update.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start, select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for it to complete (it can take 15-20 minutes).
3. If SFC finds issues, run DISM: type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Restart your PC and try the update again.

5. Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

If the above fail, download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. Run it and select Upgrade this PC now. This performs a fresh upgrade that often bypasses the error.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, eliminating conflicts with third-party software.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. On the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. On the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
4. Restart your PC and try the update again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not stopping the Windows Update service before deleting SoftwareDistribution: If the service is running, files are locked and the deletion fails silently.
• Deleting the entire SoftwareDistribution folder: You should delete its contents, not the folder itself. If you delete the folder, Windows will recreate it, but it’s safer to just clear it.
• Skipping the restart after each fix: Many of these changes require a reboot to take effect.
• Using a third-party “registry cleaner” – these often cause more problems than they solve.

What If the Error Persists?

If you’ve tried all the above and the error still appears, you have a few remaining options:

• Use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB and perform a clean install (backup your data first). This is the most thorough fix but erases everything on the system drive.
• Contact Microsoft Support – they have access to update logs that can pinpoint the exact failing component.
• Check if your PC is compatible with the feature update. Some older hardware may not be supported for the latest Windows 10 versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I fix this error?

No, the fixes described above (clearing cache, running SFC, etc.) do not delete personal files. The only exception is if you choose to do a clean install, which wipes the system drive – but that’s a last resort and you should back up first.

Can I skip the feature update that’s failing?

You can postpone it for a while, but Microsoft eventually ends support for older versions. It’s better to fix the issue now. You can pause updates for up to 35 days in Settings, but you’ll need to install the update eventually.

Why does error 0xc1900107 happen on a new PC?

Even new PCs can have corrupted update cache or insufficient space if the manufacturer pre-installed lots of bloatware. The same fixes apply – clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder is often enough.

Is error 0xc1900107 the same as 0xc1900101?

They are similar but not identical. Both are upgrade errors in the 0xc190010x range, but 0xc1900101 often indicates a driver issue, while 0xc1900107 is more commonly related to the update cache or system files. The fixes overlap, but if you see 0xc1900101, pay extra attention to updating your drivers.

How long should the update take after fixing the error?

A feature update typically takes 30-60 minutes on a decent PC, but it can be longer if you have many apps or a slow drive. Let it run overnight if needed – don’t interrupt it.

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