Upgrading Windows can fail for many reasons, but the most common root cause is environmental — missing space, conflicts, or configuration that stops the installer. If your problem is Windows version upgrade doesn’t work in Windows 10, this guide walks you through 14 likely causes and practical fixes so you can complete the upgrade safely.
You’ll learn how to check for space, repair Windows Update components, fix corrupted system files, handle encryption, update firmware/drivers, and more — with step‑by‑step commands and menu paths suitable for beginners.
Key Takeaway
Most upgrade failures are fixed by freeing disk space, repairing Windows Update components (using the Windows Update Troubleshooter, DISM, and SFC), temporarily disabling third‑party security software, and ensuring firmware/TPM/Secure Boot and drivers meet upgrade requirements.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Not enough free disk space | Free up at least 20–30 GB on the system (C:) drive or use external/temporary storage. |
| 2. Pending restart or unfinished updates | Restart PC and install pending updates before retrying the upgrade. |
| 3. Corrupt Windows Update components | Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and reset update components (stop services, rename SoftwareDistribution/Catroot2). |
| 4. Corrupt system files | Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth then sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt. |
| 5. Third‑party antivirus/security software | Temporarily disable or uninstall third‑party antivirus/firewall and retry the upgrade. |
| 6. Incompatible or outdated drivers | Update critical drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer site, especially display/network/storage drivers. |
| 7. BitLocker or drive encryption enabled | Suspend BitLocker protection from Manage BitLocker before upgrading. |
| 8. TPM or Secure Boot requirements | Enable/verify TPM and Secure Boot in UEFI/BIOS if required by the upgrade. |
| 9. Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware | Update BIOS/UEFI to the latest version from your PC/OEM support site. |
| 10. External devices causing conflicts | Disconnect all non‑essential USB devices, printers, and docking stations. |
| 11. Metered connection or network issues | Set your connection as unmetered off and ensure stable internet or use offline media. |
| 12. Corrupt installation media or Media Creation Tool error | Recreate installation media with the latest Media Creation Tool or download new ISO. |
| 13. Group Policy or registry blocking updates | Reset related Group Policy entries or registry keys that block feature updates. |
| 14. OEM customizations or unsupported edition | Check OEM support for update compatibility or upgrade using clean install if unsupported. |
Detailed Fixes for “tu mets ici le problème du 14 reasons why Windows version upgrade doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)”
1. Not enough free disk space
Why it causes the problem:
Upgrades require temporary space to unpack and install files. If system drive (usually C:) is full or near full, setup fails.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > System > Storage and view storage breakdown.
- Run Storage Sense or click Temporary files and remove unused files.
- Run Disk Cleanup: Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, choose C:, then check Windows Update Cleanup, Temporary files, and Previous Windows installations if present. Click OK.
- Move large user folders (Documents, Videos) to another drive: Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved or manually move folders via File Explorer right‑click > Properties > Location.
- If still short, attach an external drive and use it as temporary location for the upgrade, or free 20–30 GB minimum.
Note: Do not delete C:\Windows\System32 or unknown system files.
2. Pending restart or unfinished updates
Why it causes the problem:
Windows setup expects a clean state; pending updates or a restart can block the upgrade process.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Start > Power and select Restart instead of Shutdown.
- After restart, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
- If any updates show “Pending restart”, reboot again.
- Re-run the upgrade once the system is fully up to date.
Tip: Use Windows Update > View update history to confirm there are no failed updates.
3. Corrupt Windows Update components
Why it causes the problem:
Corrupted update cache or services prevent downloading or applying new update packages.
Step-by-step solution:
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
- If issue persists, open an elevated Command Prompt (right‑click Start > Windows PowerShell (Admin)) and run:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop bits
- ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- net start bits
- net start wuauserv
- Retry the update.
Note: Renaming the folders forces Windows to recreate fresh caches.
4. Corrupt system files
Why it causes the problem:
Damaged system files can halt setup or cause unexpected errors during upgrade.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Admin Command Prompt: right‑click Start > Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (this may take 10–30 minutes).
- After DISM finishes, run: sfc /scannow and wait until completion.
- Reboot and attempt the upgrade again.
Tip: If DISM can’t download files, ensure internet access or use an offline repair source via /Source option with a mounted Windows ISO.
5. Third‑party antivirus or security software
Why it causes the problem:
Security software can block installer processes or signature checks.
Step-by-step solution:
- Exit the antivirus icon in the notification area and look for a Disable or Pause protection option.
- If unsure, temporarily uninstall: Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the antivirus, click and Uninstall.
- Reboot and run the upgrade. Reinstall the antivirus after a successful upgrade.
Warning: Only disable/uninstall briefly; re-enable protection after upgrade.
6. Incompatible or outdated drivers
Why it causes the problem:
Drivers (especially graphics, storage, or network) that are incompatible with the new version can stop setup.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (right‑click Start > Device Manager).
- Expand critical categories: Display adapters, Storage controllers, Network adapters.
- Right‑click a device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- For laptops/desktops, visit the OEM site (HP/Lenovo/Dell) and download the latest chipset, storage, and graphics drivers.
- Unplug/disable any non‑critical devices and retry if you suspect a specific driver.
Tip: Roll back recently updated drivers if the problem started after a driver update.
7. BitLocker or drive encryption enabled
Why it causes the problem:
Encrypted drives can interfere with setup’s access patterns; some upgrades require BitLocker suspension.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption or search Manage BitLocker.
- For the system drive, click Suspend protection and confirm.
- Retry the upgrade. After completion, re-enable protection by clicking Resume protection.
Note: If you don’t have BitLocker, check third‑party disk encryption like VeraCrypt and disable it.
8. TPM or Secure Boot requirements not met
Why it causes the problem:
Certain Windows upgrades (or upgrades to Windows 11) require TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot; lacking these blocks setup.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open tpm.msc (type in Start) to check TPM status.
- Enter UEFI settings: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now under Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > UEFI Firmware Settings.
- In UEFI, enable TPM (Intel PTT or AMD PSP) and Secure Boot if your hardware supports them.
- Save and reboot, then retry the upgrade.
Caution: Changing Secure Boot/TPM can affect older OS/boot loaders; read OEM docs first.
9. Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware
Why it causes the problem:
Old firmware can have bugs or lack features needed by the installer.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check current version: Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, check BIOS Version/Date.
- Visit your PC/OEM support website and find the BIOS/UEFI update for your model.
- Follow OEM instructions carefully to flash firmware (download tool or ISO). Often via Windows or bootable USB.
- After update, reboot and attempt upgrade.
Warning: Do not power off during a firmware update. Backup important data.
10. External devices causing conflicts
Why it causes the problem:
USB devices or docks can introduce drivers or devices that block setup.
Step-by-step solution:
- Disconnect all USB devices except keyboard and mouse.
- Unplug printers, external drives, docking stations, and SD cards.
- Attempt the upgrade. Reconnect devices after success.
Tip: If upgrade succeeds, reconnect devices one by one to identify problematic hardware.
11. Metered connection or network issues
Why it causes the problem:
Windows may pause feature downloads on metered networks or fail if internet is unstable.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi (or Ethernet), click your network and ensure Set as metered connection is Off.
- For unstable connections, use a wired Ethernet cable or create installation media on another PC using the Media Creation Tool.
- Retry the upgrade.
12. Corrupt installation media or Media Creation Tool error
Why it causes the problem:
A corrupted ISO or badly created USB media will produce errors during setup.
Step-by-step solution:
- Recreate media: Download the latest Media Creation Tool from Microsoft on a working PC.
- Run it and choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file).
- If using ISO, right‑click and Mount it, then run setup.exe from the mounted drive.
- Choose Keep personal files and apps if desired, then proceed.
Tip: Use a high‑quality USB 3.0 stick and format to NTFS if files >4GB.
13. Group Policy or registry blocking updates
Why it causes the problem:
Enterprise or previous tweaks can block feature updates.
Step-by-step solution:
- Run gpedit.msc (Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise). Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update and check for policies like Do not include drivers with Windows Updates or Defer upgrades; set them to Not Configured.
- For Home edition, check registry keys: Press Windows + R, type regedit, and inspect HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate — remove policies you set earlier after backing up the key (File > Export).
- Reboot and retry upgrade.
Caution: If on corporate device, consult IT before changing group policies.
14. OEM customizations or unsupported edition
Why it causes the problem:
Some OEM images or managed editions (Enterprise with SCCM/WSUS policies) are not allowed to upgrade freely.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check edition: Settings > System > About and check Edition.
- Visit your OEM support page to see upgrade guidance or compatibility notes.
- If corporate-managed, contact IT. Otherwise, consider a clean install using Media Creation Tool (back up files first).
- For activation issues post-upgrade, open Settings > Update & Security > Activation and use Troubleshoot if needed.
Note: Clean install removes apps and settings — backup important data first.
Backup, rollback and recovery (Sauvegarde et précautions)
Why it’s necessary:
Upgrades can fail in ways that require rollback or reinstallation. Backups prevent data loss.
Steps:
- Create a full backup of important files to an external drive or cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive).
- Create a System Restore point: Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore > Create a restore point, then click Create.
- For full system image: Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7) > Create a system image and store on an external drive.
- Know how to use recovery: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now for recovery options.
- If upgrade fails repeatedly, you can roll back within 10 days (older Windows) via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back to the previous version of Windows 10.
Tip: Keep installation media handy for recovery: create USB using Media Creation Tool.
FAQ
What if the upgrade fails with a specific error code (e.g., 0xC1900101)?
Error codes often point to drivers or storage issues. Search Microsoft’s error code docs, update drivers, run DISM and sfc, and check Setupact.log in C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther for details.
Can I upgrade without losing my personal files?
Yes—choose the in‑place upgrade option Keep personal files and apps when running setup.exe from the installation media. Still, always back up first.
How do I check my current Windows 10 version and build?
Open Settings > System > About and check Version and OS Build; or press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
Is it safe to force an upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10?
Only force an upgrade if your hardware meets Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU). Forcing may create instability; prefer supported upgrade paths.
When should I contact Microsoft or OEM support?
Contact support if firmware updates fail, activation issues occur post‑upgrade, or errors reference OEM drivers/partition problems — especially on laptops under warranty.
Conclusion
Upgrade failures are almost always fixable by addressing environmental issues like free space, update/component corruption, driver and firmware compatibility, and encryption settings. If your issue is Windows version upgrade doesn’t work in Windows 10, follow the steps above (backup first), and you’ll resolve the vast majority of problems; contact OEM or Microsoft support if the failure persists.
