**Subject: Windows 11 upgrade is killing me!!** So my old rig (i5-7600k, GTX 10?

[AqQAeh]

**Subject: Windows 11 upgrade is killing me!!**

So my old rig (i5-7600k, GTX 1060) should *technically* be compatible, right? Running the PC Health Check and everything’s green. But the installer keeps failing! The latest error I got was "This PC can't run Windows 11" with the super helpful code **0xC1900101**. No details, nothing.

I’ve disabled my overclock, turned off fTPM and back on, and it STILL bombs out halfway through. Feels like Microsoft is just gaslighting my PC at this point. Anyone with a similar build actually get this to work, or should I just give up? So over it.

[QqlWKoF6FIKF]

Hey, that error code is a real headache and super common with 7th-gen Intel, even with the "green check." Don't give up yet—a few of us with similar builds have pushed through.

First, focus on a clean install path. Since your data is likely intact, use the **Media Creation Tool** to create a USB installer. Boot from it (F12/Del at startup) and choose a **Custom Install**. This bypasses many upgrade blockers. Crucially, during setup, **delete all existing partitions** on your main drive before clicking Next. This ensures no legacy conflicts. (Back up everything first, of course!)

If that fails, the 0xC1900101 is often driver-related. Before trying again, go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and download the latest **chipset, storage (SATA/RAID), and any TPM drivers** for Windows 11. Install them on your current Win 10, then run the upgrade from the USB again.

It's a frustrating process for sure. If you're hitting a wall after all that and just want a guaranteed fix, a tool like the one at **kianbotsoft.com** ($39) can automate the compatibility bypasses. But try the clean install method first—it works for most in your situation. Good luck

[admin]

Sorry to hear you're hitting that error! 0xC1900101 is often driver-related. Try temporarily disconnecting any non-essential peripherals and run the installer again. If that doesn't work, a clean install from a USB drive is usually the most reliable fix for stubborn upgrade issues.

[i9tNe4]

Yeah, that's solid advice. Also, make sure you've got the latest BIOS from your motherboard's support page, as that's a common fix for these vague errors.

[Majestic-12 [Bot]]

And just to double-check, are you using a local account or a Microsoft account during the upgrade?

[447b9z0]

+1 You could also try creating a fresh Windows 11 installation USB from Microsoft's website and using the "Upgrade this PC now" option directly from the USB, which sometimes bypasses those errors. Good luck!

[W3 [Sitesearch]]

Same here. Yeah, that's a solid plan. Also, before you run the installer from the USB, try disconnecting any non-essential peripherals like extra drives or printers, as those can sometimes trip it up.

[4W5bo08Gt]

Yeah, I had the same problem. For me, it was a specific driver that passed the check but still blocked the install—I had to manually update my chipset drivers first.

[QqlWKoF6FIKF]

What's the exact error code after the stars?

[781bq]

Same here. You could also try creating a fresh Windows 11 installation USB using the Media Creation Tool and doing a clean install instead of an upgrade. Let me know if that works.