How to fix error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C on Windows 10

If you come across error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C while trying to upgrade to a new version of Windows 10, you can use these instructions to fix the problem.

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@Pureinfotech
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Uninstall incompatible apps on Windows 10
Uninstall incompatible apps on Windows 10

As you try to upgrade to a new version of Windows 10, such as the Fall Creators Update or another feature update, you may come across error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C during the upgrade process using the Windows Update, Media Creation Tool, or Update Assistant.

0xC1900208 – 0x4000C is a common upgrade problem and not a bug with Windows 10. This error message indicates that an app is not compatible, and it’s blocking the upgrade process.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to fix error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C as you try install the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update or another feature update.

How to fix Windows 10 error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C

While it could be a compatibility problem with an older application, typically, error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C is caused by a security software.

If you’re running an antivirus other than Windows Defender Antivirus, or other security software, make sure to disable or temporarily uninstall it before trying to upgrade to a new version of Windows 10.

Older programs designed for previous versions of Windows, can also cause compatibility problems, as such make sure to uninstall any software that make cause issues during the installation. You can always reinstall them after updating your device.

On Windows 10, you can uninstall applications in at least two different ways. Using Control Panel and the Settings app.

Important: Before you begin uninstalling applications, make sure to have the product key and files to reinstall any app after the upgrade.

Uninstalling apps using Settings

To uninstall the problematic application using the Settings app, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Apps.

  3. Click on Apps & features.

  4. Select the app.

  5. Click the Uninstall button, and follow the on-screen directions to complete the process.

    Uninstall apps using Settings
    Uninstall apps using Settings

Uninstalling apps using Control Panel

To uninstall an incompatible application using Control Panel, do the following:

  1. Open Control Panel.

  2. Click on Uninstall a program link.

  3. Select the app.

  4. Click the Uninstall button, and follow the on-screen directions to complete the process.

    Uninstall apps using Control Panel
    Uninstall apps using Control Panel

If you don’t know which app is causing the problem, the best thing you can do is to start uninstalling your antivirus and other security software, and then try to upgrade one more time. If you’re still hitting the same error, continue uninstalling applications you rarely use, and those that are old or you think it may be causing the bottleneck.

In the rare case that you remove all the applications from your computer, and you’re still seeing the error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C message, as the last resort, you can try to upgrade to the latest version doing a clean install of Windows 10.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].