Trying to upgrade to Windows 8.1 and you don’t seem to find the update in the Windows Store? Are you getting errors while installing? Or Windows 8.1 gets stuck at a certain point during the installation? Well, even though Microsoft has been working around the clock trying to deliver the best piece of software possible, errors and other type of problems are always expected to happen, with so many software and devices, it is hard to have a flawless installation experience for millions of users.
For example, if you’re running Windows 8 or Windows RT and you are having trouble finding the update in the Store, you probably have to install a Windows update described as KB287189. You can try to do a Windows Update to install the missing update or you can visit this Microsoft web page to download the update that prepares your system to successfully install Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1. (In the web page you’ll also find the necessary instructions).
If you have the KB287189 update installed in your PC, but you’ll can’t see the update prompt, then you’ll have force the Windows Store to download Windows 8.1. To do this simply click this link: ms-windows-store:WindowsUpgrade. This should do the trick just fine, keep in mind that Microsoft servers may be in heavy load, so if you get an error, be patient and try again later. For more information be sure to check this Microsoft resource.
Now if the installation gets stuck at 20%, 70%, or 90% for example, you have to consider that Microsoft servers are probably getting crash by the amount of downloads is generating on this release. So it might take a while download Windows 8.1 in your PC. In this situation, I would recommend to wait a little longer, if not just try at a later time.
If when trying to update you get the error code 0x80070057, 0x80070004 0x4000D, then the problem is highly cause by an antivirus or any other type of security software. Try disabling it or uninstalling to solve this issue.
To solve the error message “Couldn’t update to Windows 8.1 0xC1900101 – 0x20007”, after the installation process gets stuck on “Setting up” at 76%. Try unplugging your iPhone or any other unnecessary peripheral from your PC.
If the Windows Store displays a message saying that your computer is not compatible, then open the Run command (
+R), type WSReset.exe and hit Enter. In case this doesn’t solves the problem, then download the Microsoft Run Apps Troubleshooter to solve this issue.
Errors are inevitable, as such we have to make the best of it, but you can always try to minimize them as much as possible, in this case while installing the Windows 8.1 update. Follow these tips to keep errors to the minimum:
Disconnect unnecessary peripherals
Unplug all the hardware from your PC that can get in the way before installing Windows 8.1, including: printers, external hard drives, USB devices, etc. — Just use the basics, a mouse, keyboard and monitor.
Uninstall third-party apps
Uninstall all applications that may interfere with the upgrade. For example, antivirus software, custom and old software, and programs you don’t often use.
Make the space
This is a suggestion and not a requirement, but make sure you have at least 10GB of free hard drive space to install Windows 8.1. Just remember this is a requirement for Surface RT users who want to try the Windows RT 8.1.
Windows Update
Make sure you have installed the latest Windows updates in your PC. If you don’t have the latest patches from Microsoft could be the reason why you aren’t seeing the update in the Windows Store or it could also well be the reason for the installation to fail.
+R, type ms-windows-store:installprogress, and then hit Enter.Got another troubleshooting tip? Don’t forget to tell us in the comments. Thanks,
Update: For those that came the error code 0xc1900101-0x30018 on a laptop while trying to apply the new update, try going to the BIOS and disable the PC’s touchpad and Bluetooth. Then after the upgrade enable once again these components.
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 15 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 21 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].