Windows Upgrade Help and more

I’m finally trying to upgrade my Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, but the setup keeps failing with error code 0xC1900101. My main worry is my files. I created a full system image backup to an external drive before starting, but is that actually enough? I’ve heard some people lose personal data or settings even with a backup. Has anyone successfully restored from one of these images after a failed upgrade? I don’t want to proceed until I’m sure.

From what I've seen, Yes, a full system image backup is exactly what you need. Many of us have restored from one after a failed upgrade, and it will bring back all your files and settings exactly as they were.

Yeah, that image backup is your safety net, but can you check if you have any incompatible hardware or drivers causing that error?

Yeah, Agreed, that's a solid first step. Also, try temporarily disconnecting any non-essential peripherals like extra monitors or printers before running the upgrade again. Hope that helps.

This. Yeah, that's great advice. One more thing: double-check your backup by browsing the external drive to make sure you can actually see your important folders there.

I had the same problem. That error code is usually a driver conflict, and my backup was a lifesaver when I had to do a clean install.

This worked for me too, thanks!

Same here. Glad that worked for you! To your question, a full system image should protect your files, but can you check if you have TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled, as that's a common cause for that error? Let me know if that works.

Yeah, a system image is the best safety net, but for that specific error, could you also try disconnecting any non-essential peripherals like printers or extra drives before the upgrade? Let me know if that works.

+1 You could also run the Windows Update Troubleshooter first, as it can sometimes clear up the kind of issues that cause that error.