"We couldn't install Windows 10, The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation"

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.
The error message "0xC1900101 - 0x20017: Installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation" is a common issue encountered during Windows installations or upgrades. This error typically indicates a problem with drivers, hardware compatibility, or system settings. Here are several methods to resolve this issue:

1. Disconnect External Devices

Disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, printers, and other peripherals, as they might interfere with the installation process.

2. Set Services to Automatic

Ensure that essential services are set to automatic:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

• Type services.msc and press Enter.

• Set the following services to Automatic: Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Service, and Windows Update Service.

3. Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause installation failures. Update all drivers, especially those for critical components like the graphics card, network adapters, and storage controllers. You can use Device Manager or third-party driver update software to facilitate this process.

4. Disable Antivirus Software

Temporarily disable or uninstall any antivirus software before attempting the upgrade, as it might block certain operations during the installation.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Run the System File Checker to repair any corrupted system files:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

• Reboot the system and try the installation again.

6. Update BIOS Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings can also cause installation issues. Update your BIOS to the latest version and check the settings. Switching from AHCI to IDE mode has been reported to resolve similar issues.

7. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to identify and fix issues related to Windows updates:

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

• Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

8. Check for Sufficient Storage

Ensure that there is enough free space on your system drive for the installation. Insufficient storage can cause the installation to fail.

9. Analyze Log Files

Examine the log files located in the %WINDIR%\Panther folder, specifically setupact.log and setuperr.log, to identify the exact cause of the error. This can provide insights into which driver or component is causing the issue.

10. Disable Secure Boot

Disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS settings can sometimes resolve installation issues:

• Enter BIOS setup by pressing a specific key during startup (usually F2, F10, or DEL).

• Navigate to the Secure Boot option and disable it.

11. Use Media Creation Tool

If the above methods do not work, try using the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive and perform a clean installation of Windows.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "0xC1900101 - 0x20017" error and successfully install or upgrade Windows. If the problem persists.

Please do let me know if the method I suggested works for you or if you need further assistance.

Thanks for reaching out! I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user like you.
The error message "0xC1900101 - 0x20017: Installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT operation" is a common issue encountered during Windows installations or upgrades. This error typically indicates a problem with drivers, hardware compatibility, or system settings. Here are several methods to resolve this issue:

1. Disconnect External Devices

Disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, printers, and other peripherals, as they might interfere with the installation process.

2. Set Services to Automatic

Ensure that essential services are set to automatic:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

• Type services.msc and press Enter.

• Set the following services to Automatic: Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Service, and Windows Update Service.

3. Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause installation failures. Update all drivers, especially those for critical components like the graphics card, network adapters, and storage controllers. You can use Device Manager or third-party driver update software to facilitate this process.

4. Disable Antivirus Software

Temporarily disable or uninstall any antivirus software before attempting the upgrade, as it might block certain operations during the installation.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Run the System File Checker to repair any corrupted system files:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

• Reboot the system and try the installation again.

6. Update BIOS Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings can also cause installation issues. Update your BIOS to the latest version and check the settings. Switching from AHCI to IDE mode has been reported to resolve similar issues.

7. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to identify and fix issues related to Windows updates:

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.

• Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

8. Check for Sufficient Storage

Ensure that there is enough free space on your system drive for the installation. Insufficient storage can cause the installation to fail.

9. Analyze Log Files

Examine the log files located in the %WINDIR%\Panther folder, specifically setupact.log and setuperr.log, to identify the exact cause of the error. This can provide insights into which driver or component is causing the issue.

10. Disable Secure Boot

Disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS settings can sometimes resolve installation issues:

• Enter BIOS setup by pressing a specific key during startup (usually F2, F10, or DEL).

• Navigate to the Secure Boot option and disable it.

11. Use Media Creation Tool

If the above methods do not work, try using the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive and perform a clean installation of Windows.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "0xC1900101 - 0x20017" error and successfully install or upgrade Windows. If the problem persists.

Please do let me know if the method I suggested works for you or if you need further assistance.

I've followed all of the instructions listed including attempting to boot from a USB drive and none of them worked. The error still appears with each fix and when I tried to boot from the USB drive only led to a black screen with a white blinking cursor (yes I did format it correctly before installing).

Unless you made a backup of Windows 10, the only way to return to Windows 10 is to erase your hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows 10. There are no errors when you do this, because the Windows installer erases the hard drive before beginning the installation.

Microsoft has detailed instructions on their website for this procedure. There are many steps to follow, and you must follow the instructions exactly.

Here is a summary of the procedure:

1- Download the Media Creation Tool to your computer or any other Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. The Media Creation Tool will create a Windows 10 installer for you.

2- Follow the instructions in the Media Creation Tool to create a Windows 10 installer on a USB flash drive.

3- Bring the flash drive with the Windows installer to your computer and boot the computer from the flash drive.

4- Your Windows installation will start automatically.

Here are Microsoft's detailed instructions: Create Windows 10 Installation Media

You must follow each step exactly. If you are unsure of your technical skills, do not hesitate to ask a professional to do it.

Before you start, please have in mind that Windows 10 will be unsupported in a little over one year. You can also do this procedure with Windows 11, which is what I recommend. Microsoft also has separate detailed instructions for doing this with Windows 11 that I will gladly supply.

I have Windows 11 installed, and everything seems working well, but I still received this same error message.

I have Windows 11 installed, and everything seems working well, but I still received this same error message.

Hi James,

Please create a new thread and share your setup log file on OneDrive.

C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log

(How-To: Share OneDrive files and folders - Microsoft Support)

Run msinfo32.exe, and click System Summary. Post a screenshot of that page.