How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0xc1900101 – A Guide to Resolve the 1809/1903 Update Issue

Unraveling the Mysterious 0xc1900101 Error Code in Windows 10

As avid Windows users, we’ve all been there – anxiously awaiting the latest Windows update only to be confronted by the dreaded 0xc1900101 error message. This frustratingly vague error code is the bane of many Windows 10 users looking to upgrade their operating system. But fear not, with a bit of technical know-how and troubleshooting, we can overcome this update roadblock.

Pinpointing the Culprit

The 0xc1900101 error typically appears after a failed Windows 10 installation or upgrade. The error code indicates that a rollback has occurred due to an incompatible driver or system file issue. When investigating this error, it’s important to note that 0xc1900101 is a generic catchall code – the actual cause could stem from various factors. Let’s explore some of the common culprits:

• Outdated, corrupt or incompatible drivers – The bane of operating system upgrades is driver conflicts. An incompatible graphics, audio or system driver can trigger a rollback and 0xc1900101 error during Windows updates. Always check for driver updates before initializing an OS upgrade.

  How do I know if Windows 10 is updated?

  Right-click on the Windows menu, click on System, scroll down in the resulting window, and you can examine the newly updated version. Windows version updated. Click for larger image. (Screenshot: askleo.com) In general, I prefer to let Windows Update do its job on its schedule. That being said, I also understand being impatient.

  How to uninstall updates in Settings and the Control Panel?

  Click the Start button, then click the Settings cog. Once the Settings app opens, click Update & Security. From the list in the centre of the window, click “View update history,” then “Uninstall updates” in the top-left corner. This will open a Control Panel window listing all the recently installed updates to your computer.

• Insufficient storage space – Windows 10 upgrades require significant free hard drive space. Having at least 16GB of free space is recommended before attempting to install a Windows 10 update. Lack of space can cause update failures.

• Corrupted system files – Key system files like boot configurations or the Windows Registry can become damaged, resulting in rollback errors like 0xc1900101. System file errors often require professional repair.

• Conflicting 3rd party applications – Antivirus software, firewalls and virtualization programs can sometimes conflict with Windows updates and create upgrade issues. Temporarily uninstalling 3rd party apps can help.

10 Fixes for Error Code 0xc1900101

If you encounter this pesky error code, don’t panic. Here are 10 potential DIY fixes to overcome the 0xc1900101 roadblock and get your Windows upgrade back on track:

Does Windows 11 have automatic feature updates?

This approach has been successfully applied for many years with Windows 10 and will be applied to Windows 11. Automatic feature updates are offered only to consumer devices and non-managed business devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How do you reinstall a Windows 10 update?

Open Settings. Click Update & security. Click on Windows Update. Click the Check of updates button to trigger an update check, which will redownload and install the update automatically again. Click the Restart Now button to complete the task. Uninstall the Windows Update with the problem with the instructions mentioned above.

1. Update Drivers– Use Device Manager to update all drivers, focusing on chipset, graphics and storage drivers. Manufacturer websites offer the latest driver versions.

2. Uninstall Antivirus Software– Temporarily uninstall 3rd party antivirus software prior to upgrading. Reinstall after Windows 10 is updated. Defender usually co-exists with updates.

3. Disconnect Peripherals– Unplug external hard drives, printers, scanners and other USB devices before upgrading. Less hardware means fewer potential conflicts.

4. Run the Update Troubleshooter– Access Windows Update settings and run the built-in Update Troubleshooter. This can diagnose and repair common Windows Update errors.

5. Reset Your PC– Factory reset your machine to wipe all data, apps and drivers. Reinstall a clean Windows 10 version after resetting.

6. Free Up Disk Space– Delete unused files, apps and media to clear at least 16GB of disk space for a smooth Windows 10 update experience.

7. Use Update Assistant– Download the Update Assistant from Microsoft to manually upgrade Windows 10 versions. This can circumvent upgrade errors.

   Will Windows 10 update automatically?

   Updates will install automatically, but you can choose a convenient time for your device to restart and complete the update. If you don’t want to wait for automatic updates to use the latest version of Windows, open Windows Update settings and select Check for updates.

   What are the troubles you might face when updating Windows?

   Most of the times Windows OS updates automatically, the Windows updates won’t cause any problems. However, some times the update may contain bugs that can make the system unbootable. Generally, in this case, we can use the System Restore tool. If the System Restore feature is disabled by default.

   Does Windows 10 have a November 2021 update?

   Eligible Windows 10 devices must be on version 2004 or later, and have installed the Sept. 14, 2021, security update or later, to upgrade directly to Windows 11. Today marks the beginning of the Windows 10 November 2021 Update availability.

   How do I fix Windows Update error messages?

   Note: For help with other Windows update errors, see Fix Windows Update errors. If you see a “Can’t install updates” notification, select it to visit the Windows Update page in Settings. From there, you’ll see a “Fix issues” button. When you select it, you’ll see one of the two messages in Error messages and what to do .

8. Perform SFC and DISM Scans– Run System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing scans to fix corrupted system files causing 0xc1900101 errors.

9. Change Virtual Memory Size– Increase virtual memory size to accommodate Windows 10’s expanded memory requirements, especially on older hardware.

10. Clean Install Windows 10– Backup data, install Windows 10 from scratch using a bootable USB drive, then restore apps and data. This ensures a clean OS.

A combination of driver management, system scans, external device removal and Disk Cleanup routines can usually resolve that infamous 0xc1900101 error code. For advanced issues, a full Windows reinstallation may be required. But with this troubleshooting guide, you should be well equipped to revive a balky Windows 10 update suffering from error code 0xc1900101. Share your experiences in the comments below!

References

1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-help-with-windows-upgrade-and-installation-errors-ea144c24-513d-a60e-40df-31ff78b3158a
2. https://www.wintips.org/fix-windows-10-update-1903-fails-to-install/

What is the best way to uninstall Windows 10 updates?

The quickest way to do this is via the Settings app that comes bundled with Windows 10. Click the Start button, then click the Settings cog. Once the Settings app opens, click Update & Security. From the list in the centre of the window, click “View update history,” then “Uninstall updates” in the top-left corner.

Why does Windows 10 not have a Windows Update service?

The main cause of the absence of the Windows Update Service from the list of Windows 10 services, is the lack (or the destruction) of the “Windows Update” registry key (wuauserv). To restore or repair the ‘wuauserv’ service registry key, follow the instructions below: 1. Open Registry Editor. To do that: a.

What is Windows Update service?

Here’s How to Fix It Windows Update Service is what keeps your computer up to date with the latest updates and patches. It can be concerning to get an error message like “Windows Update Service is missing or not listed” or “Windows Update components not found,” as it means that your computer won’t be able to update.