How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0xc1900101

Updating your Windows computer should be as easy as a walk in the park. All you need to do is check for updates and let Windows take care of the rest. Well, that’s easier said than done due to all those annoying errors codes that may pop up during the update process. We’re taking a closer look at error code 0xc1900101 and how you can fix it in this guide. Let’s jump right in, shall we?

How Do I Fix Windows 10 Error 0xc1900101?

Run the Update Troubleshooter

Run Windows 10’s built-in update troubleshooter to identify what’s blocking the update.

1. Go to Settings, and select Update and Security.
2. Then click on Windows Update.
3. Select Additional troubleshooters and run the Update Troubleshooter.
4. Go back to Windows Update and check for updates again.

Additionally, make sure to unplug extra hardware. Unplug your external hard drive, keyboard, and all the other peripherals connected to your computer.

Reset the Update Components

If the troubleshooter says all is fine, try resetting the Update components.

1. Press the Windows and X keys, and select Command Prompt (admin).
2. Run the commands below, hitting Enter after each line:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
   • Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver
3. Check for updates again.

Close Background Apps

Make sure to close all the unnecessary apps running in the background. This includes third-party antivirus tools as well. As a quick reminder, third-party security tools may sometimes block your update files.

To close background programs, launch Task Manager, and click on the Processes tab. Right-click on the program you want to close and hit the End task option.

Alternatively, you can clean boot your computer. Check for updates again.

Update Your Drivers

Outdated drivers may sometimes prevent you from installing the latest Windows updates. Launch the Device Manager, and check if there’s a yellow exclamation mark next to your drivers. If this is the case, right-click on that driver, and select Update driver. Alternatively, you can also use a driver updater tool to get the job done.

Manually Download the Updates

If the error persists, you can try to download the updates manually. If you’re trying to download a cumulative update, go to Microsoft’s Update Catalog website. Then enter the KB number in the search field and hit the Download button. If you’re trying to install a feature update, use the Update Assistant to get the job done.

Disable NET Framework

Many users confirmed that disabling NET Framework helped them get rid of error 0xc1900101. To check if your NET Framework is blocking the update, you need to check the logs in the C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources\Rollback directory.

1. Go to This PC, and select your system drive. Click the View tab and check Hidden items.
2. Navigate to the C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources\Rollback directory.
3. Then, open the setupact.log, and setuperr.log.
4. Check if NET Framework is mentioned anywhere. If this is the case, you just found the culprit.
5. Now, type ‘features” in the Windows Start Search field and select Turn Windows Features on or off.
6. Simply uncheck the NET Framework 3.5 box (it also includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
7. Save the changes, restart your computer, and check for updates again.

Fix for ASRock Motherboards

If you’re getting the error code 0xc1900101 on a computer equipped with an ASRock motherboard, you need to update the latest available BIOS version. For step-by-step instructions, go to ASRock’s support page. After that, enter BIOS (F2), disable the Compatibility Support Module, and download and run the Windows10Upgrade9252 executable.

Conclusion

If error code 0xc1900101 is preventing you from installing the latest Windows updates, run the Update Troubleshooter. Additionally, reset the Update components, update your drivers, and disable NET Framework. If the error persists, check if you can download the updates manually. Did you manage to get rid of error 0xc1900101? Which of these solutions worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.