Fixed: Windows 10/11 Update Error Code 0xc1900208
Error code 0xc1900208 is commonly encountered when attempting to upgrade Windows operating system to a new version, such as from Windows 7 to Windows 10, or from an earlier version of Windows 10 to a newer version.
The Windows Update error code 0xc1900208 is typically accompanied by an error message that reads: “Installation failed during the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation”.
This Update error code 0xc1900208 suggests that the installation process failed during the phase where the installer prepares the system for the new version of Windows, known as the “SAFE_OS” phase. The Windows 10 Error 0XC1900208 message indicates that the installation process encountered an issue during the “BOOT” operation, which could be caused by several factors.
Reasons why you might be encountering Error code 0xc1900208
Incompatible hardware or software:
The new version of Windows may not be compatible with some of the hardware or software on your system. Before attempting to upgrade, it’s important to check that your hardware and software are compatible with the new version of Windows.
Insufficient disk space:
The new version of Windows requires a certain amount of free disk space to install. If your system does not have enough free space, the installation process may fail.
Perform a clean boot:
A clean boot can help you identify and fix problems with third-party programs or services that may be causing the Windows 11 Error Code 0xc1900208.
- Click Windows + R and type “msconfig” in the Run box and press Enter.
- Tap on to “Services” tab and check “Hide all the Microsoft services”.
- Click “Disable all” and then press on the “Startup” tab.
- Hit to “Open Task Manager” and disable all startup items one by one.
- End the Task Manager and click “OK”.
- Restart your computer or system
Perform a system file check:
If your system has corrupted system files, the installation process may fail. Running a system file check and repair utility such as sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt may help fix this issue.
Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair any corrupted system files.
- View the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- press in the below command: “sfc /scannow”
- Scan for all corrupted system files.
Nslookup for server
- Open to command prompt
- Enter to nslookup update.microsoft.com
DISM scan
- Right press on to Command Prompt and pick out Run as Administrator
- Enter the commands and click to enter key after every command.
- exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
- exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- End the Administrator tab.
- Press Exit in the Command Prompt window and then tap Enter.
Reset Windows Update Components:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Stop the Windows Update Services by running the following commands one by one:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- Rename the software distribution folder by running the following commands one by one:
- ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- Restart the Windows Update Services by running the following commands one by one:
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
- Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.
- After completing these steps, your Windows Update components should be reset and functioning properly.
Third-party antivirus software:
Certain a third-party antivirus software may interfere with this installation process. Temporarily disable or uninstall the antivirus software before attempting to the upgrade this may help
How to temper disable Antivirus:
- Press to Windows key+ I tab to open Windows Settings.
- Click Update & Security -> Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection.
- Locate to the “Virus & threat protection settings” section in the right window and click Manage settings tab
- Turn off to “Real-time protection off, leave your device vulnerable” option.
How to disable windows defender
- Click windows Start button and type “Windows Security” to search for that app.
- Select the Windows Security app
then, go to Virus & threat protection, and under Virus & threat protection settings. - Select Manage settings.
- Now click Switch Real-time protection to Off.
Media Creation Tool:
If Media Creation Tool is a program developed by Microsoft that allows users to create installation media for Windows operating systems.
- Go to the Microsoft’s official website and download Media Creation Tool for your version of your windows
- Once the download is complete, open the tool and accept the terms and conditions.
- You will then be prompted to select between two options: upgrade your current PC or create installation media for another PC. Choose the 2nd option to create the installation media.
- Choose the language, architecture, and edition of Windows you want to install on the other PC. You can either select the recommended options or customize them according to your preferences.
- Choose the type of media you want to create it either a USB flash drive or an ISO file. If you choose to create a USB flash drive, make sure it has enough space to store the installation files.
- Connect the USB flash drive to your PC and select it from the list of available drives.
- Press the “Next” button and wait for the Media Creation Tool to download the necessary files and create the installation media.
- Once the process is done, you can use the USB flash drive or the ISO file to install Windows on another PC.
- Note: Make sure to backup all important files before starting the installation process, as it will delete all the data on the target PC.
Driver issues:
Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause errors during its installation process. Ensure that you have latest drivers your hardware installed before attempting to the upgrade of it
Conclusion:
If you have problem in doing this method, we recommend you to chat with our experts. I am sure they will guide you and help resolve this issue.
Our tech experts will diagnose the issue for free of cost, incase if you want our techs to work and fix the issue there will be minimal charges applicable.
More details for this method at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows
