There are many reasons why you might receive an error message when upgrading or installing Windows 11, but common errors can be fixed with a few steps that you can do on your own.
Note
An upgrade takes your device from an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Before searching for a specific error code, try the tips listed in General fixes. If those don't fix your upgrade or installation problem, check the table of error codes at the bottom of this article.
General fixes
Here are some things you can try to fix upgrade and installation errors:
Remove external hardware
Unplug any nonessential hardware devices. These could include headphones, printers, scanners speakers, USB flash drives, and external hard drives.
If you’re using a laptop and it’s plugged in to a docking station, undock it.
Update Windows
It’s a good idea to make sure that all important updates are installed before trying to upgrade Windows. This includes updates to hardware drivers on your device.
For information and to make sure you're up-to-date, see Windows Update: FAQ.
Uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus software
Use Windows Defender to protect your device during the upgrade—non-Microsoft antivirus software can sometimes cause upgrade problems. As long as you have installation media and all required activation information, you can always reinstall the software after you upgrade.
To remove an antivirus application, go to Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features. Select the program, and then select Uninstall. Select Yes to confirm.
Uninstall nonessential software
Outdated software can cause problems with a Windows upgrade, so removing old or nonessential applications can help.
If you plan to reinstall the application later, make sure you have the installation media and all required activation information before removing it.
To uninstall software, go to Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features. Select the program, and then select Uninstall. Select Yes to confirm.