I'm trying to upgrade my Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, but I have a dual-boot setup with Linux. The Windows 11 installer keeps failing with error code 0x80070003. It seems to get stuck checking for space. Do I need to temporarily remove my Linux partition for the upgrade to work, or is there a way to point the installer only at my Windows drive? I really don't want to break my bootloader.
I ran into this a while back. That error often happens when the installer can't properly see the drive layout. You shouldn't need to remove your Linux partition, but you'll likely need to use the Media Creation Tool to make a USB installer and run the upgrade from within Windows 10 itself, which usually handles dual-boot setups better. Let me know if that works.
You could also try running the Windows Update troubleshooter first, as that error can sometimes be a file system issue. Another option is to temporarily disconnect any non-essential drives during the upgrade to avoid confusion. Good luck!
I had the same problem with my dual-boot machine. I had to temporarily disable the Linux bootloader from my BIOS to get the Windows 11 installer to run properly.
You could also try shrinking your main Windows partition from within Windows 10's Disk Management to give it more clear free space for the upgrade. Another option is to run the Windows 11 installer directly from your Windows 10 desktop instead of booting from the USB. Hope that helps.
Can confirm. You could also try cleaning up temporary files and running the Windows Update troubleshooter first. Another option is to manually create a Windows 11 installation USB from the ISO and boot from it. Hope that helps.
Yeah, You could also run the Windows 11 installer directly from within Windows 10, instead of using the Media Creation Tool. Another option is to temporarily disconnect any non-essential drives during the upgrade.