FIX: Windows 10 Error c1900101-4000d When Upgrade Fails

Some common blockers that prevent Windows 10 setups from working or installing properly include processors, incompatible BIOS, HDD controllers, and booting from VHD or from Windows to go.

Another blocker can be the running user in audit mode, running an upstaged build or host build is staged, or the availability of a NIC card.

One of these problems is the Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d error, which happens when your installer is unable to pick up the installation files while performing an upgrade on your PC.

This error has the 4000s suffix which almost always means faulty drivers, but some reports show a USB drive could also cause the error.

Some of the drivers that are associated with Windows 10 failing c1900101-4000d error are NVIDIA driver and antivirus and security-related software.

How can I fix the c1900101-4000d error?

1. Disable the antivirus software

Sometimes having multiple firewalls, antivirus or malware programs, may at times prevent you from performing certain tasks or running processes on your PC.

If this is the cause of the issue, turn either of the three off temporarily and then try to log in again.

Ensure you turn these programs back on immediately after you’re done to prevent hackers, viruses, and worms from damaging your system.

Try to use an alternative security solution that won’t cause any errors in your system. Many Windows 10/11 compatible antiviruses are proven to be very stable and provide top-level protection.

We recommend you use a security tool with a strong privacy policy, a powerful firewall, and a good threat database. On top of that, make sure to get an antivirus with low CPU usage.

The background programs that start with Windows operating system could cause the Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d error by preventing a successful installation.

You can best utilize Windows 10 cleanup software. These tools can remove junk files, but they also offer a plethora of other features.

2. Run the troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings.
2. Head over to Updates & Security and select Troubleshoot. 
3. Scroll to Additional Troubleshooters and click on Windows Store Apps.
4. Click Run the Troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
5. Restart your PC.

The Windows Update troubleshooter automatically detects, and fixes most incorrect settings on your PC that brings the message there were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later.

The Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d error usually occurs when your installer isn’t able to pick the installation files while upgrading.

So running the built-in troubleshooter resolves any issues that prevent you from updating your OS.

3. Perform a clean boot

1. Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and click OK.
2. Go to the System Configuration dialog box, and select the Services tab.
3. Check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
4. Click on Disable all.
5. Select the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.
6. You will see a list of startup items relevant to your PC. Select each and click Disable.
7. Close Task Manager after you are done with each startup item, and click OK.
8. Restart your PC.

A clean boot eliminates any software conflicts that may be causing the Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d problem.

These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally.

You will have a clean boot environment after following these steps.

4. Disconnect multiple hard disks and any devices attached

Sometimes hardware may interfere with the normal Windows boot and installation process as Windows tries to detect and install them.

In this case, unplug all devices connected to your computers such as a printer, scanner, digital camera, USB device, CD/DVD, mp3 player, media card reader, and any other external devices you have plugged in.

Keep only your mouse, monitor, and keyboard (if using a PC). Disconnect multiple disks installed on your computer except for the target hard disk in which you will install Windows 10 OS.

If you have RAID configuration, disable the controller, and other devices attached as they confuse the Windows 10 setup.

Once you do this, unplug the computer from the power outlet on the wall, remove the laptop battery, hold the power button down for 10-15 seconds, then plug back the power outlet and restart.

5. Use Command Prompt (Admin)

• Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and hit enter.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• Type the following command, and press Enter: rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll.RUNDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN
• Exit Command Prompt, and restart your PC.

Power down your PC, and wait for about 10 minutes then start it again. The setup will automatically restore the previous Windows 10 build or previous Windows version on your PC.

6. Remove or reduce RAM

Sometimes, Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d error can be caused by bad memory modules which in turn affect Windows 10 installation.

In this case, you can try and remove or reduce the RAM installed on your computer to a single stick.

7. Create new user profile

1. Hold the Windows Key + S.
2. Type Settings in the search box, and click on it.
3. Go to Accounts, and select Family and other users.
4. Click on Add someone else to this PC.
5. Fill in the form with the username and password. Your new user account will be created.
6. Click on Change account type.
7. Click the drop down arrow, and choose Administrator to set the account to administrator level.
8. Restart your PC.
9. Login to the new account you just created.

If the issue goes away, then it may mean your other user profile is corrupted.

You can try the following in case of a corrupted user profile:

1. On your new account, use it to downgrade your usual account.
2. Click Apply or Ok.
3. Raise back your old account to its default admin level.
4. Rinse and repeat a few times as this will help to remove any corruption.
5. Leave your account on as Administrator.

You can create a new user profile then change settings to administrator privileges.

Check whether Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d error goes away when using the newly created account. If it does, then you can either fix the old user account or migrate to the new account.

Did any of the above solutions fix the Windows 10 fails c1900101-4000d error on your PC? Share with us in the comments section below.

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