Windows 11 updates are causing issues once again, but it’s not what you might expect. Rather than any known bugs on the new versions, many people are struggling to install them in the first place.
This problem applies to both monthly security updates and Windows Insider Program builds from April, with ‘0xc1900101’ the most common error message. Frustratingly, Windows 11 doesn’t provide any reason why it can’t be uninstalled.
On affected devices, the most common outcome is rolling back to the previous version just before it looks like the download will be completed. But as Windows Latest reports, users running virtual machines may see their software crash entirely.
The specific cause remains a mystery, but plenty of people have been speculating. Some believe it to be an app compatibility issue, while others suspect a bug within one of the updates.
How to stop Windows 11 updates from failing
Microsoft is aware of the issue, but an official workaround is unlikely to be available. That’s because 0xc1900101 is a generic error message, which could have a variety of different causes. Indeed, the company’s support page lists nine potential fixes you can try.
The most likely solution is the first thing on the list – making sure your device has enough free space. Updating a 64-bit OS such as Windows 11 requires 20GB of spare capacity. If you’d rather not delete anything else, you can always move files onto an external storage device or upload them to the cloud.
If that still hasn’t solved the issue, there’s a slim chance that restarting your PC, making sure drivers are up to date or temporarily removing unnecessary hardware (accessories) or software will work.
But if you’re a member of the Windows Insider Program running Build 22593 from 6 April, the following is a more likely fix:
- Open File Explorer
- Select the C: drive from the left pane (usually ‘This PC’)
- Open ‘Windows’, then ‘System32’
- If you see a file named ‘SecretFilterAP.dll’, delete it
- Restart your device and head to Settings to check for updates once again
If none of these methods are working, it’s worth sticking with the previous build for now. Microsoft will release more updates in May, while the 22H2 feature update may arrive as early as July.
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Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.