Windows Upgrade error code 0x8007042B

If you have encountered the Windows upgrade error code 0x8007042B – 0x4001E when attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 on your device, then this post is sure to help you fix this issue.

The error description reads as follows:

The installation failed during the Second Boot phase while attempting the PRE_OOBE operation.

Windows Upgrade error 0x8007042B – 0x4001E

If you’re facing this issue, try the solutions below to see if they resolve the Windows Upgrade error 0x8007042B – 0x4001E on your device.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Verify System Requirements
Check Internet connection
Disconnect additional USB peripherals
Run SFC and DISM scan
Update device drivers
Run CHKDSK
Disable/Uninstall third-party Security software (if applicable)
Uninstall non-essential apps
Analyze log files
Run SetupDiag
Use Microsoft Virtual Support Agent

Let’s examine the descriptions of the processes involved for each of the listed solutions.

1] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Your first action to take to fix the error on your Windows 11/10 device is to run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. After you run the automated wizard, you can try the upgrade operation again. If the error reappears, you can try the next solution.

2] Verify System Requirements

Most Windows upgrades will fall on your device if the PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements. So check the system requirements for Windows 11.

3] Check Internet connection

The OOBE consists of a series of screens that require users to accept the license agreement, connect to the internet, log in with, or sign up for a Microsoft Account, and share information with the OEM.

Make sure your device is connected and has a stable internet connection, before you start the upgrade operation on your PC.

4] Disconnect additional USB peripherals

In some cases, you may encounter Windows upgrade errors on your computer due to the presence of additional secondary peripheral devices connected to your computer. To fix this issue, unplug these devices and then retry the upgrade. If the error still appears, try the next solution.

The non-essential external hardware devices that you need to disconnect from the computer could be any of the following:

Headphones
Joysticks
Printers
Plotters
Projectors
Scanners
Speakers
USB flash drives
Portable hard drives
Portable CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives
Microphones
Media card readers
Cameras/Webcams
Smart phones
Secondary monitors, keyboards, mice

If this action does not help in resolving the issue in hand, proceed with the next solution.

5] Run SFC and DISM scan

This solution requires you to run the SFC scan and DISM scan to repair corrupt system files and a bad Windows image, which sometimes are the causes of upgrade failures.

On reboot, try the upgrade again.

6] Update device drivers

Before you retry the upgrade on your computer, make sure all device drivers are updated.

7] Run CHKDSK

You could also run CHKDSK and see if that helps.

8] Uninstall third-party Security software (if applicable)

It’s known that in some cases, third-party security software installed on your device can cause Windows upgrade failures. We recommend using the dedicated removal tool to remove all files associated with your antivirus program.

After the successful completion of the Windows 11/10 upgrade, if you still prefer the third-party AV solution, you can verify compatibility information, and re-install the security software.

9] Uninstall non-essential apps

Outdated or third-party applications can cause problems during a Windows upgrade. In this case, you can uninstall apps that are outdated, unused or non-essential (preferably using third-party software uninstaller) from the computer, and then try the upgrade again and see if the procedure completes without errors. Otherwise, try the next solution.

9] Analyze log files

If a Windows 11/10 upgrade fails on your computer, you can analyze the Windows Setup log files which can help you identify the culprits to the error and point you to the required actions you can take to fix the error.

10] Run SetupDiag

Microsoft has made available a new tool called SetupDiag, which is designed to help PC users diagnose many Windows upgrade errors on a computer.

11] Use Microsoft Virtual Support Agent

You can troubleshoot and possibly have your PC issues, including upgrade errors, fixed on your device by using the Microsoft Virtual Support Agent.

Hope this helps!

How do I fix Windows Update error encountered?

Generally, to fix Windows Update error encountered, you can try running the troubleshooter. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security. Select the Troubleshoot tab. Under “get up and running”, click on Windows Update. Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I fix error code 0x8007042b?

To fix this error on Windows 11/10 PC, you need to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter first. If it does nothing, you can follow the other solutions mentioned above. Having said that, you can verify the system requirements, check for a valid internet connection, disconnect all additional USB peripherals, run the System File Checker, and use the DISM tool, among other steps.