Error Code 0xC1900401 Summary
The error code 0xC1900401 typically appears during the installation or upgrade process of Windows operating systems, particularly when attempting to install updates that require a system restart. This error suggests there is an issue with the servicing stack update (a critical part of the Windows Update package) and can prevent successful completion of the update installation.
When you encounter this problem, your computer may fail to proceed past a specific step in the Windows Update process or during an operating system upgrade. The exact location within the update process where the error occurs depends on which particular servicing stack update is failing. It might occur when attempting to install critical security updates for your version of Windows or during major OS upgrades like switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as corrupted system files, insufficient disk space, conflicts with third-party software or hardware drivers, and issues related to the Windows Update service itself. It’s crucial to identify and address these underlying causes to resolve the problem effectively.
Description of Error Code 0xC1900401 and Common Scenarios
To pinpoint where exactly this error occurs, consider checking your system’s Event Viewer for more detailed log information around the time of the update attempt. You can access it by pressing Windows+R, typing “eventvwr.msc” into the Run dialog box, and hitting Enter. Look under Windows Logs > Application and search for entries related to Windows Update or Setup. The error code 0xC1900401 can appear during an upgrade process from one version of Windows to another (e.g., Windows 10 to Windows 11), but it is more commonly encountered when installing updates through the Settings app under ‘Update & Security’ section, or via the control panel’s ‘Windows Update’. It also may occur if you’re trying to install a fresh copy of Windows using Media Creation Tool.
The precise location within these processes can vary; it might happen while downloading and applying an update, during the setup phase of a new OS installation, when performing servicing stack updates (which are crucial for installing other updates), or even after the system restarts post-update. In some cases, you may encounter this error right after initiating the upgrade process from within the Windows Settings app or during the automatic background checks and installations of available updates.
Howto solve error code 0xC1900401
1. Disconnect all external devices except the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
2. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking by pressing F8 repeatedly before Windows starts to load (or use Advanced Startup Options through Settings). Once in Safe Mode, try performing a system restore or repair your installation.
3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and execute sfc /scannow. Wait until it completes and restarts the computer.
4. Use the DISM tool to reset Windows components and fix any corruption issues:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth, then run SFC again after completion.
5. Reset Windows Update Components by using the following commands in an elevated command prompt window (open as Admin):wuauclt /reset – Resets the Windows Update client.net stop wuauserv and net stop bits, then rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution to a temporary name like “SDTemp”.net start wuauserv and net start bits. Retry your update or upgrade process.
If the problem persists, consider rolling back system updates through the Update History in Settings or by manually installing an earlier version of Windows. Alternatively, a clean install might be necessary if all other solutions fail to resolve the issue.
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