Trying to upgrade to Windows 11 Receive this Error Code 0x800700c1

Sam 0 Reputation points
2026-08-13T14:21:44.48+00:00

I have been trying to upgrade to Win 11 from my Win 10 computer but have consistently received this error code 0x800700c1. The last update I have from Windows 10, version 22H2 was on 08/10/26 and was successful. It states it was a feature update.

I do also have a Windows 11, version 25H2 successfully installed in my history from 03/09/26 but I don't recall this at all. Sharing screenshot. cap

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

6 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-26T22:04:11.5833333+00:00

    Hi Sam,

    That error indicates a driver error.

    Please make sure all your drivers

    are up to date including BIOS.

    Disconnect anything not needed from

    the device. If need be you might have to

    do a clean install of Windows 11.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-26T21:42:08.36+00:00

    Hi Sam,

    Have you run the PC Health Check app above?

    If you are fully compatible you can try using

    the Media Creation Tool here:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

    Was this answer helpful?

  3. CrazyKats 18,230 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-26T20:32:09.0566667+00:00

    Hi Sam,

    Did you do a Repair Reinstall

    or a Clean Install after the 3/9 update?

    The update would not have reverted to

    Windows 10 on it's own.

    Is your PC fully Windows 11 compatible?

    Run this: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

    Was this answer helpful?

  4. David-M 123.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-13T14:54:57.49+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

    • Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? (e.g., Kaspersky, McAfee, Avast, etc.) If yes, which one?
    • Do you have any VPN software installed? (Even if it's not running at the moment) If yes, which one?

    Also. What is the current "OS Build" of your Windows?

    • Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

    If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Was this answer helpful?

  5. AI answer

    2026-08-13T14:22:07.4033333+00:00

    0x800700c1 is not listed in the provided Windows upgrade error tables, but the supported Windows upgrade troubleshooting steps still apply.

    Try these in order:

    1. Confirm the current Windows version
      Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history and review the failed entry. The history can show attempted feature updates even when the device is still on Windows 10.
    2. Disconnect nonessential hardware
      Unplug external drives, USB flash drives, printers, scanners, speakers, headphones, and undock the laptop if it is docked.
    3. Install all current Windows updates first
      Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install all important updates for the current Windows version, restart, and try the Windows 11 upgrade again.
    4. Remove non-Microsoft antivirus temporarily
      Third-party antivirus can block upgrades. Remove it from Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, then try the upgrade again. Make sure installation media and activation information are available before uninstalling it.
    5. Remove nonessential older software
      In Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, uninstall software that is outdated or not needed for the upgrade.
    6. Check Device Manager for driver problems
      Search for Device Manager. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click the device and choose Update Driver Software or Uninstall to correct the error.
    7. Repair disk errors
      Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: 
         chkdsk /f C:
      Restart when prompted. This requires administrator permissions.
    8. Repair the Windows image
      Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: 
         DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      This also requires administrator permissions.
    9. Do a clean boot and retry
      Perform a clean boot in Windows, then run the upgrade again. This helps rule out startup apps and services interfering with setup.

    If the upgrade still fails, Microsoft’s guidance is to contact Microsoft support for continued upgrade/install problems.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.