Microsoft Windows Error Code 0xC1900101: How to Fix It

Medium 1-3 hours High Severity Verified July 2026
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Error Code
0xC1900101
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-3 hours
Windows error code 0xC1900101 means your PC tried to upgrade to a newer version of Windows but was forced to roll back because an incompatible or outdated driver got in the way. This is one of the most common upgrade failure errors and almost always points to a driver — often related to graphics, network, storage, or USB controllers — that Windows Setup cannot work with during the installation process. The good news is that this is almost always fixable on your own by updating or removing the problem driver before trying the upgrade again.
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How to Fix Error Code 0xC1900101

  1. Note Any Specific Sub-Code

    Do not delete any files in the C:\$Windows.~BT folder — these are needed by Windows Setup for the upgrade attempt.

  2. Run Windows Update and Install All Pending Updates

    Back up all important files to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding with any upgrade attempt. While a rollback preserves your data, it is best practice to have a backup.

  3. Update All Device Drivers Manually

  4. Uninstall or Disable Incompatible Drivers

    Only uninstall drivers if you are confident you can reinstall them or the device is non-essential. Do not uninstall drivers for your primary storage controller or system-critical devices.

  5. Disconnect All Non-Essential External Devices

  6. Disable Third-Party Antivirus and Security Software

    Only disable antivirus protection temporarily and in a secure network environment. Re-enable or reinstall it immediately after the upgrade finishes.

  7. Check and Free Up Disk Space

  8. Run the Setup Compatibility Check and Upgrade Again

    Ensure your PC is plugged in to AC power for the entire duration of the upgrade. Do not let it sleep, hibernate, or lose power during installation, as this can cause serious system issues.

  9. Run System File Checker and DISM to Repair Windows

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When to Call a Professional

Consider professional help if you have completed all steps and the upgrade continues to fail with the same error, especially if the setup log points to a storage controller driver or a driver for a component that is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be removed. If your PC is out of warranty and you suspect a hardware compatibility issue with an older machine, a local computer repair technician can run deeper diagnostics. Additionally, if your system begins behaving abnormally after repeated failed upgrade attempts — such as failing to boot, showing blue screen errors, or losing access to drives — stop further attempts and bring it to a qualified technician immediately. Corporate or business machines managed by IT departments should have all upgrade attempts handled by the IT team, as group policies and enterprise drivers require special handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 0xC1900101 mean in Windows?
Error 0xC1900101 means that Windows attempted to upgrade to a new version but failed and rolled your PC back to its previous version. The failure is almost always caused by a device driver — a piece of software that lets Windows communicate with a hardware component — that is outdated, incompatible, or corrupted. Your PC is safe and unchanged after the rollback, but you will need to resolve the driver issue before the upgrade can succeed.
Will I lose my files and programs if I get error 0xC1900101?
No. When Windows rolls back due to a 0xC1900101 error, it restores your system to exactly how it was before the upgrade started. Your files, apps, and settings are preserved. However, it is always a smart practice to back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage before any major upgrade attempt, just in case something unexpected goes wrong.
Which drivers most commonly cause the 0xC1900101 upgrade error?
The most common culprits are graphics card drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), network adapter drivers (especially older Wi-Fi cards), storage controller drivers (especially third-party RAID or NVMe drivers), USB controller drivers, and drivers installed by third-party antivirus or VPN software. Checking the Windows Setup log at C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log will usually identify the exact driver responsible.
How do I find which driver is causing the 0xC1900101 error?
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources\Panther\. Open the file named 'setupact.log' with Notepad. Press Ctrl+F and search for the word 'rollback' or 'driver'. The log entries around those search results will identify the specific driver name and associated hardware device that caused the upgrade to fail. You can then focus your troubleshooting efforts on updating, reinstalling, or removing that specific driver.
My PC keeps getting 0xC1900101 even after updating all drivers. What else can I try?
If driver updates alone have not solved the problem, try these additional steps: (1) Physically disconnect all non-essential USB and external devices before upgrading. (2) Completely uninstall your third-party antivirus software rather than just disabling it. (3) Run DISM and SFC commands in an elevated Command Prompt to repair any Windows system file corruption. (4) Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download a fresh copy of the installer and run the upgrade from there instead of through Windows Update. (5) Check if your PC's manufacturer has published a specific compatibility note or BIOS update for upgrading to your target version of Windows.

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