If you have failed to upgrade Windows 8.1/7 to Windows 10, or if your Windows 10 to Windows 11 update has failed with error codes 0xC1900101 – 0x30018, then this post may shed some light on the subject.

The message you see could be:

We couldn’t install Windows. We’ve set your PC back to the way it was right before you started installing Windows 11/10. 0xC1900101 – 0x30018. The installation failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSPREP operation.

This problem was first noticed when users wanting to upgrade Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 to Windows 11/10 had faced this problem. Microsoft had responded to this issue, stating that:

We are currently working with our partner companies to help update problematic drivers whenever they are identified. We understand that the inability to easily identify the incompatible driver can be incredibly frustrating and we are sorry for the inconvenience.

However, it appears that some users are still facing this issue when they try to update Windows 11/10.

Fix Error 0xC1900101 – 0x30018, The installation failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase

The Sysprep or System Preparation Tool is basically meant to automate the deployment of the Windows operating system. Given this bit of information, here is what you may try:

1] Run SFC and DISM scans

Run System File Checker and DISM to repair corrupt System Image.

2] Remove incompatible software

Some software like DAEMON Tools, TuneUp, Folder Locker software, etc, are known to interfere. Uninstall them and see if it helps. Make sure you unlock your folders first. Also, disable your antivirus software and Firewall temporarily.

3] Remove USBs

Remove all connected USB devices – this excludes the keyboard.

4] Check hidden log files

In case you are well-versed in the Windows OS, then you may take a look at these hidden log files. They may offer some direction to work on:

$Windows.~BT\sources\Panther
$Windows.~BT\sources\Rollback

5] Use Media Creation Tool

If nothing helps, if you received this error while using Windows Update, use the Media Creation Tool and see if that makes the installation go through.

All the best!

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