WINDOW 11

How to Fix 0xc19001 0x20017 safe_os windows 11 Error

4 SOLUTIONS
JUNE 12, 2025

The 0xC1900101 – 0x20017 error is one of the most frustrating obstacles Windows users face when trying to upgrade to Windows 11. This error occurs during the SAFE_OS phase of installation, causing the system to stop progress and often revert to the previous Windows version.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Driver & Hardware Issues

Incompatible drivers or unsupported hardware (e.g., missing TPM 2.0, older CPUs) can block installation.

Storage & BIOS Errors

Low disk space or incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings (like Secure Boot or SATA mode) can prevent the setup from proceeding.

Software & Peripheral Conflicts

Antivirus tools or connected devices may interfere with the installation and cause SAFE_OS errors.

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Update and Remove Problematic Drivers

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/4

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

90% of SAFE_OS errors are caused by outdated/incompatible chipset or storage drivers.

Method 1 of 4
Next Method

Update Critical Drivers

Visit your PC manufacturer's site (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo).

Download latest chipset, storage controller, and graphics drivers

Install and restart your PC

Method 1 of 4
Step 1 of 2

Remove Problem Drivers

• Open Device Manager

• Uninstall any device with yellow warning symbols

• Remove drivers for old hardware (printers, scanners, etc.)

Tip: Prioritise chipset and storage drivers. Delay others until after upgrade.

Method 1 of 4
Step 2 of 2
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Run Windows System Repair Tools

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/4

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Fixes corruption in system files that block installation.

Method 2 of 4
Next Method

Run DISM

Open Command Prompt (Admin)

Run: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Wait for completion

Method 2 of 4
Step 1 of 3

Run System File Checker 

Run: sfc /scannow

Let it finish and auto-fix any errors

Method 2 of 4
Step 2 of 3

Check Disk Health 

Run: chkdsk C: /f /r

Restart PC when prompted

Tip: Always run DISM before SFC. Re-run 2–3 times until no errors are found

Method 2 of 4
Step 3 of 3
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Disconnect Devices + Free Up Disk Space

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/4

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

USB conflicts and low space can crash the installer.

Method 3 of 4
Next Method

Disconnect External Devices 

• Unplug all USBs except keyboard/mouse

• Remove WiFi dongles, hubs, webcams, gamepads

Method 3 of 4
Step 1 of 2

Free Up Disk Space 

• Delete from Downloads, empty Recycle Bin

• Use Disk Cleanup

• Ensure minimum 50GB free on drive

Tip: This simple fix resolves ~30% of error 0xC1900101 cases immediately

Method 3 of 4
Step 2 of 2
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Reset Windows Update Components

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/4

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Reason: Corrupted update cache causes install failures.

Method 4 of 4

Stop Update Services 

Run each in Command Prompt (Admin):

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptsvc

Method 4 of 4
Step 1 of 3

Delete Update Cache 

Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Delete contents (or rename folder to SoftwareDistribution.old)

Method 4 of 4
Step 2 of 3

Restart Services Run

net start wuauservnet start bitsnet start cryptsvc

Tip: If deletion fails, renaming the folder achieves the same result

Method 4 of 4
Step 3 of 3

Methods (4)

Update and Remove P...
2 Steps
Run Windows System ...
3 Steps
Disconnect Devices ...
2 Steps
Reset Windows Updat...
3 Steps

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