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FIX: Windows installation encountered an unexpected error
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
In comparison to previous Windows iterations,installing Windows 10is rather simple. Especially since almost everything, including drivers, is managed by the system itself.
Also, software distribution is much simple nowadays with theMedia Creation Tool. However, this, on a paper simple procedure, posed quite a burden for various users.
TheWindows installation encountered an unexpectederrorprompt and the consequent installation failures are not uncommon.
In order to address this, we prepared a list of possible solutions. If you’re stuck with thiserrorafter multiple tries, make sure to check the steps we provided below.
How do I fix the Windows installation error?
1. Check the system requirements
Let’s start with compatibility.Windows 10isn’t exactly too distinct fromWindows 7when it comes to system requirements. However, there are some disparities, and you should take them into account if you’re installingWindows 10.
Extra RAM here and a tad more storage space there can make a great difference.
Here are the system requirements you’ll need to meet in order to installWindows 10:
If you met the system requirements, make sure that your installation media is well-created.
2. Check RAM and HDD
Amongst the various hardware issues which can cause installation errors, RAM and HDD sit at the top. We suggest investigating RAM health with the third-party tool called MemTest86.
This tool is highly regarded as the best for the job. The thing with it is that you’ll need to mount it on the bootable media in order to work.
HDD-wise, you can use the built-in utility or resort to third-party tools to check for bad sectors and health issues.
Another thing you can try if theerroris persistent after you clickInstallis formatting the drive via the Command Prompt. This is what you need to do:
3. Switch USB port and the USB drive
Another thing that seemingly slips under the radar is the installation media itself. Even though the majority ofUSB thumb driveswith 6 or more gigs of space will suffice, some might not.
For that reason, if possible, switching to an alternative USB flash stick might get you going. As a side note, we recommend sticking with the 2.0 USB drives if you’ve never installedWindows 10and enabling USB legacy in the BIOS settings.
On the other hand, even if the bootable USB drive works fine, the problem might be within the USB port you’re using. Some users managed to address the issue at hand by simply restarting the PC and switching between the USB ports.
Finally, you can, if the circumstances allow, try using an ISO file to create a bootable DVD.
4. Remake the installation media with the Media Creation Tool
In the end, if none of the previous steps resolved the issue at hand, we encourage you to remake thebootable drive. The best and the most favorable way is to use the Media Creation Tool.
With that said, the whole procedure is rather simplified and it won’t last too much. Of course, this depends on your bandwidth speed. Due to unwelcome circumstances, you can use any other PC to create a bootable installation media forWindows 10.
After that, you should be able to installWindows 10without any issues whatsoever. If theerroris persistent, we recommend contacting your computer OEM.
And on that note, we can wrap it up. In case you have some additional questions or suggestions, feel free to share them with us. You can do so comfortably in the comments section below.
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows Installation errors
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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