Windows 11 installation failure troubleshooting guide

Many users encounter roadblocks when trying to upgrade to Windows 11. While the installation process should be straightforward, various technical issues can prevent successful completion. Before attempting any fixes, verify that your device meets the basic system requirements for Windows 11 using Microsoft’s PC Health Check App.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to resolving Windows 11 installation failures through multiple proven methods.

Common error codes and their meanings

When your Windows 11 installation fails, you might encounter specific error codes. Reference this table to identify the root cause:

[Table of error codes and their meanings]

Source: Microsoft Support Documentation

Method 1: Enable TPM and secure boot in BIOS

This is typically the most effective solution as it addresses the core system requirements for Windows 11.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows+I and navigate to Update & Security.

  1. Select Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup.

  1. Navigate through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings and select Restart.

  1. In BIOS, locate and enable TPM/Trusted Platform Module under the Security tab.

  1. Switch to the Boot tab and enable Secure Boot.

  1. Save your changes and restart the system.

Method 2: Bypass system checks using registry modification

When TPM or Secure Boot cannot be enabled, this method offers an alternative solution.

  1. Launch Registry Editor by pressing Windows+R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.

  1. Navigate to: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup

  1. Create a new key named LabConfig.

  1. Add two DWORD values: BypassTPMCheck and BypassSecureBootCheck.

  1. Set both values to 1.

Method 3: Remove graphics drivers

Graphics drivers can sometimes conflict with the installation process.

  1. Open Device Manager through Windows+R by typing devmgmt.msc.

  1. Expand Display adapters and locate your graphics driver.

  1. Choose Uninstall device and check the option to remove the driver software.

Method 4: Perform a clean boot

This method helps identify and resolve software conflicts.

  1. Open System Configuration via Windows+R and typing msconfig.

  1. Select Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.

  1. On the Services tab, hide Microsoft services and disable all others.

  1. Apply changes and restart your system.