Windows Upgrade Help and more

**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.

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

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.

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.

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

+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!

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.

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.

What's the exact error code after the stars?

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.